Vacancy Introduction

Are you experienced in corporate communications? Are you looking for an opportunity to help to protect and build the corporate and brand reputation of the region’s largest independent retailer?

We operate a diverse range of businesses, from Food to Funeral, Events to Travel and Masonry. We’re owned by our 280,000 members and employ over 4,000 amazing colleagues. As Corporate Communications Manager, you’ll support a communications strategy which is just as diverse; but which also ensures that the vision, mission and objectives which makes us a ‘different kind of business’ remain clear.

Role Responsibility

As Corporate Communications Manager, there’ll be lots to get stuck in to from the ‘get-go’, so you’ll need to be able to effectively absorb requirements to deliver and manage multi-channel communications plans across a range of business functions.

• Produce effective communications for the media, members and customers which strengthen our brand and grow membership
• Develop and maintain annual communications plans which reflect significant projects, events and activities
• Build meaningful relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including local and trade media
• Manage incoming media enquiries
• Produce briefing materials to support effective media appearances
• Monitor internal and external social media platforms, responding to brand and customer service comments as required
• Ensure our corporate web presence remains current
• Support internal live and digital events

The Ideal Candidate

• Corporate communications experience, including effective content planning, production and media relations
• Experience of successfully managing a brand’s social media
• Strong written communication skills across a range of channels
• Effective interpersonal skills, confident to engage with stakeholders at all levels
• Communicates ideas clearly and effectively, building consensus
• Resilient and positive with a solutions-focused mindset

Some travel to branches across our trading estate will be required. Therefore, the ideal candidate will be based in East Anglia with a full UK driving license.

Basic video and web-editing skills, as well as media / copywriting skills training, would be desirable.

Package Description

Alongside a competitive salary, we also offer enhanced employer pension contribution and holiday entitlement, as well as our colleague discount scheme. Further details can be viewed on our Careers website and would be discussed in detail during the recruitment process.

Working Arrangements

We understand the importance of balancing work commitments with other activities and responsibilities, which is why we are happy to offer flexible working. We are always looking to find the right solutions to suit our colleagues and the business.

About the Company

As a co-op we’re a different type of business. We’re owned by our members and we work for the benefit of people and our communities, not just for profit.  We’re driven by our democratic values which are based around being fair, doing the right thing and caring for all those we deal with. This includes our customers, our suppliers, our environment and each other. 

We expect colleagues who work with us to share these values. We’re still a business and we work in a very competitive area so it’s still important that we’re efficient and work to the highest professional standards.

We’ve been able to achieve success for over 150 years because of our people and we encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds; you reflect the communities we serve! If you would like to join us on the next part of our journey, please follow the instructions on how to apply.

COVID-19 Recruitment Statement

Our colleague’s health and wellbeing is our priority and we have taken all reasonable steps to protect our teams in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whilst we have a number of measures in place to make our workplaces COVID-secure, applicants should be aware that the vast majority of our vacancies are for customer-facing roles. Whilst you are not obliged to share the details of any health conditions as part of your application, we would encourage you to consider any Government guidance which might apply to you. The latest advice for clinically vulnerable and clinically extremely vulnerable people can be found here (https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus).

If you would like to discuss a vacancy prior to making an application, please contact hrservices@eastofengland.coop.

East of England Co-op