Senior External Communications Manager

Senior External Communications Manager (12 Months FTC)

Because we strive to put people first.   

Culture, our way.  

People and Culture 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.   

Our team has created a workplace of inspiration and growth. Be a part of building an inclusive and empowering culture, where all colleague’s unique abilities are recognised and celebrated. Collaborate with a team committed to the wellbeing of our workforce and define what it means to work at Primark.

What You’ll Do as a Senior External Communications Manager :

In your role, you’ll collaborate with different people across a range of skillsets. Here’s a flavour of your day-to-day:  

• Lead the delivery of the UK communications plan and lead on developing and delivering communications plans around key moment for Primark in the UK.
• Work hand in hand with wider Corporate Affairs team to develop integrated communications for all key strategic and corporate/reputation initiatives – with global/local mindset at heart of everything.
•  Develop and manage campaigns which build awareness and trust and improve brand reputation, working closely with brand, fashion communications, buying teams and other relevant business stakeholders.
• Oversee all UK media enquiries as part of our 24/7 global press office. Work closely with the team in London and Dublin, alongside PR agencies, embedding ways of working, processes, and efficiencies. • Proactive story creation – identifying opportunities for proactive story telling with media and stakeholders.
• Build relationships with key regional and national media, managing and influencing them to continue to establish Primark as a retailer where people love to work and shop.
• Work closely with Public Affairs to develop and deliver an integrated plan across the UK business and provide communications support around key policy areas and topics and build relationships with key external stakeholders.
• Issues and Crisis management – Support on issues and crisis management and provide counsel and support to key leaders within the business as required

What You’ll Get 

People are at the heart of what we do here, so it’s essential we provide you with the right environment to perform at your very best. Let’s talk lifestyle:   

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: 

• Experienced communications professional with 12+ years experience working in a high-profile communications role with experience of working of leading corporate communications for a consumer facing brand preferred.
• A track record of operating within complex, very fast‐moving consumer goods or retail businesses.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills with proven ability to develop trusting advisory relationships at most senior level of the organisation.
• Strong media handler, experience of running a press office, with excellent knowledge of the UK media landscape and proven experience in handling high profile reputational issues.
• Sound judgement and strong analytical skills with a proven ability to cut through complexity and identify the critical issues.
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Fluency in English essential – other languages a bonus.
• Credibility and confidence to act as an effective ambassador for the business in a range of different high-profile situations.
• Able to work under pressure and manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Open and approachable with a positive can-do attitude.
• Team player who builds rapport and is unafraid of getting their hands dirty

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.