Senior External Communications Manager

Senior External Communications Manager

Because we strive to put people first. Culture, our way. 

Communications at Primark

What’s a career at Primark all about? The positive impact you’re making, the experiences you’re having and the people you’re with. You’re our inspiration. Embrace what sets you apart, own your career and develop in ways you never expected. Leave your mark. And do it your way.

What You’ll Do as a Senior External Communications Manager

We want you to feel challenged and inspired. Here, you’ll develop your skills across a range of responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of the UK communications plan and create/deliver plans for key Primark moments in the UK.
• Partner with the Corporate Affairs team to develop integrated communications for strategic, corporate, and reputation‑building initiatives with a global/local approach.
• Develop and manage campaigns that build awareness, trust, and brand reputation, collaborating closely with brand, fashion comms, buying, and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee UK media enquiries within the 24/7 global press office, working with teams in London/Dublin and PR agencies to strengthen processes and efficiencies.
• Proactively identify and create storytelling opportunities, while building and managing relationships with key regional and national media.
• Support issues and crisis management, collaborate with Public Affairs on integrated UK plans, and provide communications counsel to business leaders.

Team

• As part of the role you’ll play a leading role across the team, overseeing communications officers working across the press office. You’ll line manager one press officer based in the UK.

What You’ll Get 

The work you do shapes the impact we have. We’re focused on providing you with the culture to reach your potential. Your wellbeing is our top priority.   

Let’s talk lifestyle: Healthcare, Pension and Potential Bonus. 27 days of leave, plus bank holidays and if you want, you can buy 5 more. Because Primark is all about tailoring to you, we offer Tax Saver Tickets, fitness centre, and a subsidised cafeteria.

What You’ll Bring  

Here at Primark, we want everyone to feel valued – so please bring your authentic self to work, of course with some other key experience and abilities for this role in particular:

• Communications specialist with 12+ years’ experience in high‑profile roles, ideally leading corporate communications for a consumer-facing brand within complex, fast-paced retail or FMCG environments.
• Strong senior‑level influencer with the ability to build trusted advisory relationships and act as a credible ambassador in high‑profile settings.
• Experienced media handler with deep knowledge of the UK media landscape, press office leadership, and proven capability managing high‑profile reputational issues.
• Strong analytical judgement with the ability to simplify complexity, identify critical issues, and deliver clear, high‑quality written communications.
• Resilient and highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities under pressure while maintaining a positive, can‑do, collaborative approach.
• Fluent in English (additional languages a bonus), with a team‑oriented mindset and willingness to be hands‑on when needed.

Does this sound like you? Great, because we can’t wait to see what you’ll bring. You’ll be supported within a team of equally capable people, celebrating who you are and aiding you reach your potential. At Primark, we’re excited about our future - and we’re excited to develop yours.  

About Primark 

At Primark, people matter. They’re the beating heart of our business and the reason we’ve grown from our first store in Dublin in 1969 to a £9bn+ turnover business and over 80,000 colleagues and over 440 stores in 17 countries today. Our values run through everything we do. In essence, we're Caring and always strive to put people first. We're also Dynamic, bravely pushing the boundaries to stay ahead. And finally, we succeed Together.  

If you need any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request, during your recruitment journey, such as extended time or breaks between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, mobility access, or assistive technology please contact your talent acquisition specialist. 

All offers of employment are subject to background checks, including right to work, reference education and for some roles criminal, and financial checks. If you have any concerns, please reach out to our talent acquisition team to discuss.

Our fashion isn’t one-size-fits-all and neither is our culture. Primark promotes equal employment opportunity, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where people can be themselves, access opportunities and thrive together.