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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external communications and craft engaging narratives for our brand.
- Company: Join the dynamic Debenhams Group in central Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive bonuses, gym access, discounts, and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Shape the future of retail with your creativity and communication skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in external communications and strong writing abilities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
- 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&A, 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
External Communications Manager in Manchester employer: Debenhams Group
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Communications Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your best work in external communications. This is a great way to demonstrate your writing and storytelling abilities, which are key for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent communications and campaigns. Be ready to discuss how you can enhance their brand narrative and tackle reputation-sensitive issues based on your insights.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Debenhams Group.
We think you need these skills to ace External Communications Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Communication: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for external communications shine through. We want to see how you can bring our brand narrative to life and engage with our audience effectively.
Tailor Your Content: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in retail or fast-moving consumer environments, as this will resonate with us.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. Remember, your ability to simplify complex messages is key in this role, so demonstrate that skill right from your application.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Debenhams Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Know Your Brand Narrative
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's brand narrative and values. Understand how they communicate externally and be ready to discuss how you can enhance that narrative. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in the company's mission.
✨Prepare for Media Scenarios
Given the focus on media relations, think about potential media scenarios or issues the company might face. Prepare thoughtful responses or strategies on how you would handle these situations. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and understanding of reputation management.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
Bring samples of your written work, such as press releases or content you've developed. Be prepared to discuss your writing process and how you simplify complex messages. This is crucial for a role that requires high-quality written content.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in stakeholder management during the interview. Share examples of how you've built relationships at various levels and collaborated with cross-functional teams. This will illustrate your ability to work effectively within the organisation and support leaders' communication needs.
