Why join us

Joining Sainsbury's as the Head of Media Relations means being part of a dynamic and fast-paced environment where your expertise in managing a high-profile press office and handling crisis communication situations will be invaluable. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the protection and promotion of Sainsbury's reputation while leading a team of media relations experts. As a member of the Corporate Affairs team, you will collaborate closely with other teams to ensure a cohesive external narrative and alignment with our purpose and strategy. With a focus on developing strategic relationships, monitoring issues, and driving high-quality media coverage, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact on our business and contribute to our ongoing success. Join us at Sainsbury's, where you can engage with senior stakeholders, lead a talented team, and work in an environment that encourages innovation and growth.

What you'll do

As the Head of Media Relations at Sainsbury's, you will play a crucial role in overseeing the 24 / 7 press office and driving the protection and promotion of Sainsbury's reputation. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Communications and Campaigns, you will lead a team of media relations experts and work closely with other heads within the Corporate Affairs division to ensure a cohesive external narrative aligned with Sainsbury's purpose and strategy. Your responsibilities will include developing an issues and risk reporting framework, measuring and reporting on reputation across various stakeholder groups, creating reactive media communications plans, managing sensitive issues, and determining the media approach for organisational and colleague change projects. Additionally, you will prioritise and coordinate media and campaign activities, build strategic relationships with media outlets, external stakeholders, and alliance partnerships, and foster a high-performing, innovative team.

Who you are

You are a highly experienced and strategic communications leader with a strong background in managing a high-profile press office and dealing with crisis communication situations. With your extensive experience in working with various media outlets and national correspondents, you possess excellent media relations skills and the ability to provide timely and effective responses to journalists' queries. You have a proven track record in identifying and managing immediate and emerging issues, advising the business accordingly, and mitigating potential risks to protect and enhance Sainsbury's reputation. As a deeply specialised communications leader, you have the gravitas and expertise to build long-term relationships with senior stakeholders, make impactful decisions, and lead a high-performing media relations team to drive business objectives and maintain a cohesive external narrative.

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Qualifications

Responsibilities

We’d all like amazing work to do, and real work-life balance. That’s waiting for you at Sainsbury’s. This is where you’ll enjoy a broad range of projects, no matter what your level, because our Corporate Affairs team is non-hierarchical and truly plugged in to the rest of the business. Whether it’s internal, external or government relations, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with everyone from food waste to health, or general merchandising to Nectar, in order to support some amazing campaigns. You’ll help build trust around Sainsbury’s with customers, senior stakeholders, media and more. And if non-linear progression is what you’re after, you’ll find opportunities are all around.