External Communications Manager at Debenhams Group

Manchester, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

17 Apr, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

17 Jan, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

External Communications, Media Relations, Stakeholder Management, Content Development, Writing Skills, Editorial Skills, Judgment, Organizational Skills, Brand Storytelling, Reputation Management, Crisis Communication, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, Collaboration, Leadership Support, Integrated Communications

Industry

Retail Apparel and Fashion

Description

THE ROLE We are looking for a talented Communications Manager to support the delivery of our external communications activity across all channels. Working closely with senior leaders and cross-functional teams, you will help ensure our voice is aligned, engaging, and reflective of our values and commercial goals. This role is based in our central Manchester office. THE CHALLENGE Following structural change and brand repositioning, the focus now is on bringing clarity and consistency to how we communicate externally and strengthening our reputation in the market. This role will support an integrated communications approach that helps to: • Strengthen our brand narrative • Support recruitment and retention through strong employer brand storytelling • Build pride in our direction and ambition • Enhance visibility of our strategy, values, and leadership externally WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING You will support the implementation of external communications plans across Debenhams Group, ensuring our story is clearly told and well understood. You will be hands-on in developing content, managing media activity, and supporting leaders with day-to-day external communications needs. Key Responsibilities External Communications • Support the development and delivery of the Group’s external narrative, ensuring it reflects our values and strategy. • Manage day-to-day media enquiries and coordinate with PR agencies where required. • Draft press releases, statements, Q&As, and briefing materials for senior leaders. • Support external speaking opportunities and thought-leadership content for the leadership team. • Work with Marketing, Brand, and Social Media teams to ensure message consistency across all external touchpoints. Reputation & Issues Management • Support the preparation of responses to reputation-sensitive issues, working alongside Legal, People, and senior colleagues. • Maintain guidance documents, holding statements, and scenario plans. • Escalate risks appropriately and provide clear, timely information to relevant stakeholders. WHAT WE LOOK FOR Skills & Experience • Strong experience in external communications, ideally in retail or a fast-moving consumer environment. • Proven ability to execute effective communications plans and produce high-quality written content. • Excellent writing and editorial skills, with the ability to simplify complex messages. • Comfortable working on sensitive or confidential issues with sound judgement. • Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to build relationships at all levels. • Knowledge of media relations and an understanding of the media landscape. • Proactive, organised, and hands-on — confident in delivering both content and day-to-day communications activity. WORKING WITH US At Debenhams Group, we thrive on change, innovation and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you embrace the unknown, thrive in a fast-moving, high-growth environment and want to shape the future of retail, you’ll feel right at home here. We’re looking for visionaries, disruptors and doers; people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy and the drive to make an impact. WHY JOIN US Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, individual differences are valued, and people can be themselves at work — without exception. 2025 was a year of significant change for the Group. 2026 is about bold moves, real results and unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, you belong at Debenhams Group. Our benefits include (subject to level and eligibility): Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover and life assurance Access to an on-site gym and free weekly Pilates, yoga and fitness classes 20% discount across all brands Comprehensive wellbeing package Dog-friendly offices (in selected locations) Ongoing learning and development with strong internal progression On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and hot drinks Free season ticket loan #LI-ER1 #DebenhamsGroup #communications

Responsibilities

The External Communications Manager will support the implementation of external communications plans, ensuring the company's narrative is effectively communicated. Responsibilities include managing media inquiries, drafting press materials, and collaborating with various teams to maintain message consistency.