Head of Media Relations - Press

Head of Media Relations - Press

Welwyn Garden City Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic press office, manage media relations, and ensure accurate communication about Tesco.
  • Company: Join Tesco, a leading retailer committed to building trust and delivering value.
  • Benefits: Enjoy up to 45% annual bonus, 25+ days holiday, private medical insurance, and generous parental leave.
  • Why this job: Be part of a high-performance team shaping Tesco's reputation in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in media relations, strategic thinking, and exceptional writing skills required.
  • Other info: Apply by 14th July 2025 for this exciting opportunity!

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

We are on the look out for a Head of Media Relations to join our Press team with Group Communications.

The right person will be running a high performance, dynamic and helpful press office ensuring the information about Tesco in the media is accurate, building trust with journalists and mitigating reputational risk through effective issue management.

What is in it for you

We’re all about the little helps. That’s why we make sure our Tesco colleague benefits package takes care of you – both in and out of work.Click Here to find out more!

  • Annual bonus scheme of up to 45% of base salary
  • Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays)
  • Private medical insurance
  • Retirement savings plan – save between 6% – 10% and Tesco will contribute 1.5 times this amount
  • 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (after 1 years’ service) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, we also offer 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave.

You will be responsible for:

  • Supporting Tesco\’s media relations strategy to support key communications pillars and over-arching trust-building campaign in tandem with the Lead Consumer PR Manager
  • Developing and refining tone of voice and consistency of message across all comms with media
  • Working closely with the Media Relations Director to provide senior leadership and Executive teams with guidance and counsel on reputational issues and business activity
  • Reviewing communications output across multiple business areas including Marketing and Customer Relations to ensure consistency of messaging and avoid risk to reputation
  • Running a high performance, dynamic and helpful press office, often described as the busiest in the UK, outside government
  • Identifying opportunities for proactive media engagement and story development to secure coverage in print, online and broadcast media. Leveraging internal relationships and keeping a close eye on the news agenda to tell the best and most relevant stories at the right time
  • Managing the handling of high-profile and complex media enquiries and ensuring accurate, rapid and well-crafted responses as well as proactively challenging and rebutting inaccurate reporting and spiking stories before they make it into public domain
  • Work closely with the Head of Corporate Comms to ensure there is an up to date and effective Crisis Communications Plan and supporting with training Comms Team and Leadership in crisis preparedness/handling
  • Working collaboratively to ensure internal stakeholders (including Operations, Legal and Investor Relations) are engaged on media opportunities, issues and risks and ensuring excellent information flow internally, even when things move at pace
  • Building strong relationships with journalists and media outlets and leveraging those relationships to help steer media landscape on key issues
  • Reviewing comms issued by subsidiaries including Tesco Mobile, IMS, Booker, One Stop and Tesco businesses in Central Europe and providing guidance and counsel on reputational issues and business activity and land positive coverage
  • Recruiting, developing and leading a high-performing team, giving them opportunities to be their best
  • Overseeing the monitoring and analysis of output and continuously evaluating performance and process to ensure that the team is as effective and efficient as possible.

You will need:

  • Highly experienced professional with experience leading communications for consumer facing/high profile organisations
  • Confident decision maker with sound judgement who is accustomed to functioning in high-pressure, deadline-led environments
  • Strategic thinker with excellent project and stakeholder management skills with a focus on consistency and quality in communications
  • Expertise in handling high-profile issues and crises in complex, fast-moving, regulated and politicised industries to prevent or mitigate the impact of negative stories on reputation
  • Adept at managing in house teams and agency partners to land meaningful and effective coverage across a spectrum of media including news outlets, broadcast and trade press
  • Accomplished people manager who loves developing and leading a high performing team
  • Exceptional writing skills and attention to detail
  • Well formed knowledge and understanding of the UK media landscape
  • Project management and budget control
  • Stakeholder management and engagement skills.

Next Step: Please CLICK HERE to see this role on our own website, and apply. Closing date: 14th July 2025.

Head of Technology – Post-Production, (Cardiff / Bristol)

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Head of Media Relations - Press employer: www.grapevinejobs.co.uk - Jobboard

At Tesco, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises your well-being both in and out of work. Our dynamic work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a high-performing team. Located in the heart of the UK, our press office is renowned for its fast-paced environment, making it an exciting place to build a rewarding career in media relations.
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Contact Detail:

www.grapevinejobs.co.uk - Jobboard Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Media Relations - Press

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with Tesco's current media relations strategy and recent press releases. Understanding their tone of voice and key messages will help you align your approach and demonstrate your fit for the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Build relationships with journalists who cover Tesco or similar industries. Engaging with them on social media or through networking events can give you insights into their expectations and how to effectively communicate with them.

✨Tip Number 3

Stay updated on current events and trends in the UK media landscape. Being knowledgeable about what’s happening will allow you to discuss relevant issues during interviews and show that you can navigate a fast-paced environment.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed high-pressure communications situations in the past. Highlighting your experience in crisis management will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of this role.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Media Relations - Press

Media Relations Strategy
Reputational Risk Management
Stakeholder Engagement
High-Pressure Decision Making
Strategic Thinking
Project Management
Team Leadership
Exceptional Writing Skills
Attention to Detail
Crisis Communications
Understanding of UK Media Landscape
Relationship Building with Journalists
Proactive Media Engagement
Monitoring and Analysis of Media Output
Budget Control

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in media relations, communications, and crisis management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle high-pressure situations and lead teams effectively.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for media relations and how your skills align with Tesco's values. Mention your strategic thinking and decision-making abilities, and provide examples of how you've successfully managed reputational issues in the past.

Showcase Your Writing Skills: Given the importance of exceptional writing skills for this role, consider including samples of your written work or summarising your experience in crafting press releases, statements, or other media communications.

Research Tesco's Media Landscape: Familiarise yourself with Tesco's recent media coverage and communications strategies. This will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your understanding of the company's position within the UK media landscape.

How to prepare for a job interview at www.grapevinejobs.co.uk - Jobboard

✨Know Your Media Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the UK media landscape, including key journalists and outlets relevant to Tesco. Be prepared to discuss how you would leverage these relationships to enhance Tesco's reputation and manage any potential crises.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Showcase your ability to think strategically about media relations. Prepare examples of how you've developed and executed successful media strategies in previous roles, particularly in high-pressure environments.

✨Highlight Crisis Management Experience

Be ready to discuss your experience in handling high-profile issues and crises. Provide specific examples of how you've mitigated negative stories and maintained a positive public image for your previous employers.

✨Showcase Leadership Skills

As this role involves leading a high-performing team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style and how you've successfully developed and managed teams in the past. Highlight any relevant achievements that demonstrate your capability in this area.

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