At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and execute communications strategy for internal and external audiences at Debenhams Group.
- Company: Debenhams Group is transforming its brand and culture in a fast-paced retail environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, gym access, discounts, and a comprehensive wellbeing package.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team that values innovation and offers opportunities to shape the future of retail.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in communications, strong writing skills, and ability to manage complex issues.
- Other info: Embrace a vibrant workplace culture with ongoing learning and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
THE ROLE
At Debenhams Group, we are on a journey of transformation, revitalising our brand, culture, and connection with colleagues and customers alike. In a fast-changing retail environment, effective and authentic communication is vital to building trust, aligning our teams, and amplifying the impact of our work across internal and external audiences.
We are now looking to hire an experienced Head of Communications to lead and deliver our communications strategy across all channels, internally with our colleagues and externally with media and key stakeholders. This is a pivotal role that will ensure our voice is consistent, engaging, and aligned with our values and commercial goals.
This role will be based out of our central Manchester office.
WHAT YOU\’LL BE DOING
Following a period of structural change, brand repositioning, and workforce transformation, the opportunity now is to bring clarity, consistency and energy to how we communicate, inside and out.
This role will drive an integrated communications approach that:
- Unites and informs our workforce
- Strengthens our brand narrative
- Supports recruitment and retention
- Builds pride in our purpose and direction
You will be responsible for leading the strategy and execution of internal and external communications across Debenhams Group, ensuring that our story is clearly told, well understood, and positively received.
Key Responsibilities:
External Communications
- Shape and deliver a clear and credible external narrative for Debenhams Group and its brands, consistent with our values and strategy.
- Manage day-to-day media relations and proactive storytelling across consumer, business, and industry press.
- Act as a key point of contact for media enquiries, working alongside PR agencies and in-house colleagues as needed.
- Support executive and senior leadership with external speaking opportunities, briefings, and thought leadership content.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Brand, and Social Media teams to ensure consistency across all touchpoints.
Reputation and Crisis Communications
- Lead the communications response to reputation-sensitive issues, working closely with Legal, People, and Executive colleagues.
- Create and maintain scenario planning, holding statements, and guidance for rapid response.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders during sensitive or high-impact situations.
Internal Communications
- Develop and deliver a compelling internal communications strategy aligned with business priorities, values, and culture.
- Own the communication rhythm for colleague updates, announcements, town halls, campaigns, and leadership messaging.
- Work closely with the People team to engage colleagues with change initiatives, culture development, values, and DE&I programmes.
- Champion our internal platforms (e.g. intranet, newsletters, digital signage, collaboration tools) to maximise engagement.
- Create content that connects our people to strategy, performance, and purpose – including campaigns, Q&As, interviews, and stories.
WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Your Skills, Knowledge and Experience
- Significant experience in external and internal communications leadership roles, ideally in a retail or fast-paced consumer business.
- Proven ability to build, lead and implement communications strategies that engage, inform, and inspire.
- Excellent writing and editorial skills, with the ability to adapt tone and message to varied audiences and platforms.
- Strong judgement and confidence in managing sensitive or complex issues calmly and effectively.
- Skilled in building relationships across all levels of a business, with a high level of emotional intelligence and influence.
- Experience in employer branding, employee engagement, and change communications is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with media landscape, journalist relations, and crisis comms best practices.
- Agile, proactive and hands-on — willing to roll up your sleeves and deliver content, not just strategy.
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’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want 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, their individual differences are valued, and they can be themselves at work without exception.
2025 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group.
Let’s lead the change together.
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 (Techno Equipment) and free weekly yoga and fitness classes
- 40% discount across four brands and 20% off at Debenhams
- A comprehensive wellbeing package to support your health and lifestyle
- Some of our offices are dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join you at work
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities with great internal career progression
- On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks daily
- Free season ticket loan
#LI-ER1 #Debenhamsgroup #communications
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Head of External Communications employer: Debenhams Group
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Debenhams Group's current brand narrative and communication style. Understanding their voice will help you align your approach when discussing your vision for their external communications strategy.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the retail and communications sectors. Attend industry events or engage on platforms like LinkedIn to connect with current employees or leaders at Debenhams Group, which can provide valuable insights and potentially a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed media relations and crisis communications in the past. Highlighting your hands-on experience will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of the latest trends in internal communications and employee engagement. Being able to articulate innovative ideas that resonate with their values will set you apart as a candidate who can drive change effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in both internal and external communications. Focus on your leadership roles and any specific achievements that align with Debenhams Group's goals, such as brand repositioning or crisis communications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the retail environment and how effective communication can drive transformation. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to shape narratives and engage diverse audiences.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Given the emphasis on excellent writing and editorial skills, consider including samples of your work or links to published articles. This could be press releases, internal communications, or any content that showcases your ability to adapt tone and message for different platforms.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your experience with media relations, crisis communications, and employee engagement. Mention any familiarity with the media landscape and your ability to manage sensitive issues, as these are crucial for the role at Debenhams Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Understand the Brand Narrative
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Debenhams Group's brand narrative and values. Be prepared to discuss how you can shape and deliver a clear external narrative that aligns with their mission and culture.
✨Showcase Your Communication Strategy Skills
Be ready to share examples of past communication strategies you've developed and implemented. Highlight how these strategies engaged and informed both internal and external audiences, as this role requires a strong ability to lead integrated communications.
✨Prepare for Crisis Communication Scenarios
Given the importance of reputation management in this role, think about potential crisis scenarios that could affect Debenhams Group. Prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations, including creating holding statements and guiding senior leaders.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
This position requires building relationships across all levels of the business. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully navigated sensitive issues in the past and how your emotional intelligence has helped you influence and engage colleagues.