Communications Manager

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Sector: Marketing, Advertising and PR
Role: Manager
Contract Type: Variable Hours Part Time

Our Purpose
Working in Partnership for a happier world - our shared Purpose that guides us in everything we do and inspires 3 important principles; happier people, happier business, happier world. The John Lewis Partnership is a truly unique business, one that seeks to make a positive difference to the lives of everyone.

At a glance:

• Salary range - £52,600.00 - £65,000
• Contract type - 12 month fixed term contract
• Flexible working approach - a mixture between office and home based on personal needs while balancing business needs.

About the role:
The External Communications team is responsible for all aspects of the external communications strategy for the Partnership and its two brands. Our clear ambition for communications: to be the conscience of the business and champion of the brands.

As the Communications Manager you will lead multiple successful and proactive campaigns alongside being the first line response to many incoming issues and opportunities in the team. Therefore you are required to work in a fast, busy and agile environment.

What will you be doing?

• Working with the Senior manager to plan and lead PR activity across the Waitrose brand and categories including fresh food; ambient; Beers, Wines, Spirits and Health.
• Collaborating across the business to ensure that we are telling a story of quality, value and ethics across Waitrose.
• Managing the process of each campaign from brief through to evaluation, collaborating with the team and managing agencies, events, media approach and strategic pitch plan.
• Pro-actively lead project delivery within the team, supporting junior colleagues to deliver on time and on budget.
• Managing and supporting the successful delivery of market-leading PR events for the media and influencers.
• Acting as a media champion, having an informed opinion and up to date knowledge of the industry.
• Delivering an excellent, thorough and timely service to journalists in response to their enquiries.
• Deputising for the Senior Communications Manager, leading the team on projects as and when required.

Essential skills you'll need:

• Extensive in-house or agency PR experience in food and drink.
• Experience leading and driving an influencer strategy.
• An established pool of food, drink and lifestyle media and influencer relationships.
• Experience leading PR and influencer campaigns and running events.
• Experience pro-actively leading teams on projects.
• Experience writing and negotiating influencer contracts and evaluation metrics.
• Experienced copywriter and confident in writing press releases.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work at pace on multiple projects.

Desirable skills you'll have:

• A trusted advisor, able to convey advice quickly and with clarity.
• Ability to work across multiple projects under pressure.
• Detailed knowledge of products and trends across food and drink.
• A desire to track industry trends and share insights.

Benefits of the Partnership and the role:

• Hybrid Working.
• 25 days holiday, plus public and bank holidays.
• Excellent work-life balance, including flexible working.
• Defined Contribution pension scheme.
• Partnership discount in store and online.
• Simple cycle to work support scheme.
• Access to exclusive hotels after three months.

Next Steps:

• The application form consists of a CV upload followed by application questions.
• Once you've submitted an application, the next steps are likely to include a 1 stage virtual interview.
• Let us know if you need any adjustments to support the recruitment process.
• We recommend you apply early as we may close vacancies early due to high volume of applications.