Head of UK Corporate Affairs

Head of UK Corporate Affairs

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

Corporate Affairs 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 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 Do as Head of UK Corporate Affairs

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

• Lead UK Reputation Strategy: Shape and deliver Primark’s overall reputation strategy in its largest market, covering external and internal communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement. Ensure the brand is understood and supported by customers, colleagues, policymakers, and communities across the UK.
• Strategic Counsel to Leadership: Act as a trusted adviser to the UK Head of Market, providing expert guidance on reputational matters, strategic communications, and stakeholder engagement. Develop a compelling UK narrative aligned with Primark’s global priorities.
• Drive External Communications: Lead the development and execution of UK communications campaigns, including new store openings, brand-building initiatives, and proactive media engagement. Manage relationships with national and regional media, oversee the UK press office, and ensure consistent messaging across all channels.
• Manage Issues and Crisis Response: Build and oversee a robust issues and crisis management framework for the UK market. Anticipate reputational risks, coordinate timely responses, and ensure alignment with global teams to protect and enhance Primark’s public image.
• Lead Public Affairs and Policy Strategy: Own the UK public affairs agenda, building strong relationships with policymakers, regulators, industry bodies, and NGOs. Monitor policy developments and advise leadership on risks and opportunities, ensuring Primark is a credible voice on key issues.
• Amplify Community and Sustainability Impact: Champion Primark’s community investment and sustainability programmes, ensuring they are effectively communicated and recognised by external stakeholders. Drive advocacy and build trust through transparent and impactful storytelling.
• Oversee Internal Communications: Lead the UK internal communications strategy to engage colleagues across stores, distribution centres, and offices. Partner with UK leadership to communicate priorities clearly and consistently, and measure impact to continuously improve colleague engagement.
• Build and Lead a High-Performing Team: Manage and develop a dedicated UK Corporate Affairs team, fostering collaboration with global counterparts and external agencies. Balance strategic leadership with hands-on delivery to ensure excellence across all Corporate Affairs activities. 

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: 

• Extensive Corporate Affairs Experience: A minimum of 12 years’ experience in corporate affairs, public affairs, or communications within a consumer-facing or highly scrutinised industry, with a strong track record of delivering impactful reputation strategies.
• Deep UK Market Knowledge: Strong understanding of the UK political, policy, and media landscape, with the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and anticipate emerging trends and risks.
• Communications Leadership: Proven ability to lead external communications and oversee internal communications strategies, ensuring alignment with business priorities and consistency across channels.
• Global Collaboration Skills: Experience working within a global matrix organisation, balancing local market needs with group standards and fostering strong cross-functional relationships.
• Exceptional Communication & Influence: Outstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, with the confidence and credibility to advise, influence, and build trust with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Reputation & Crisis Management Expertise: Demonstrated experience managing reputational issues and leading crisis communications, with sound judgement and the ability to respond swiftly and effectively under pressure.
• Strategic Leadership Style: Ability to set clear direction, hold accountability, and oversee delivery through others, without needing to be hands-on in day-to-day execution. Comfortable operating at both strategic and advisory levels.
• Senior Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to build trusted relationships at the most senior levels of an organisation, acting as a key advisor and ambassador for the business in high-profile settings.
• Sharp Analytical Thinking: Strong analytical skills and sound judgement, with the ability to cut through complexity, identify critical issues, and develop clear, actionable insights.
• Media Relations Expertise: A seasoned media handler with an established network of media contacts, deep understanding of the evolving multi-channel media landscape, and experience operating as a lead spokesperson. 

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.

If you require extra support at any stage of the selection process, please get in touch with our team at removingbarriers@primark.co.uk.