At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful communications strategies and engage with both internal teams and external media.
- Company: Join Footasylum, a top UK retailer in streetwear and sportswear.
- Benefits: Enjoy career growth, training opportunities, and a fun work environment.
- Other info: Diversity is valued; we want to inspire and learn from each other.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a dynamic retail space while shaping brand narratives.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications management, preferably in retail or fashion.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
Footasylum is a leading UK-based retailer specialising in streetwear and sportswear, committed to delivering innovative and trend-setting products to our customers, with a strong focus on digital transformation and data-driven decision-making.
We are looking for a commercially driven Communications Manager to support our communications function across both internal and external channels. This is a highly visible role, reporting into our Chief Marketing Officer. You will be responsible for supporting how the brand is seen externally, while also ensuring employees are engaged, informed, and aligned to the company’s vision and strategy. You will operate at both a strategic and hands-on level, delivering impactful communications in a fast-paced, culturally driven sports retail environment.
Responsibilities- Strategic Communications
- Managing a clear, integrated communications strategy that supports both short-term trading priorities and long-term brand positioning.
- Translating business objectives, trading priorities and brand campaigns into compelling, consistent messaging frameworks.
- Ensuring the TOV set by marketing is adhered to so there is consistency across all corporate and employee communications.
- Providing proactive and reactive guidance to senior leadership on communications strategy, reputational risk, and messaging.
- Regularly measuring and evaluating communication effectiveness, using insights to optimise engagement, reach, and impact.
- External Communications & PR
- Managing the planning and execution of corporate PR and communications campaigns around product drops, brand activations, partnerships, and key retail moments.
- Developing and nurturing strong relationships with key media, press, external agency partners and industry partners to maximise brand exposure.
- Identifying and creating newsworthy storytelling opportunities that align with brand positioning and cultural relevance.
- Supporting the brand’s press office function, ensuring timely, accurate and compelling responses to media enquiries.
- Liaising with external PR and communications agencies, setting clear objectives, KPIs, and performance expectations.
- Driving earned media coverage and improve share of voice within the sports and fashion retail landscape.
- Supporting on crisis communications, including preparing holding statements, briefing leadership, and managing reputational issues in real time.
- Collaborating closely with marketing, social and influencer teams to ensure joined-up campaign execution across paid, owned, and earned channels.
- Internal Communications
- Designing and implementing an internal communications plan that connects colleagues to company purpose, performance and priorities.
- Developing engaging content and formats to communicate: Business performance updates, Strategy and organisational changes, Key campaigns and trading moments.
- Partnering with the People/HR team to deliver culture, engagement and employer brand initiatives.
- Supporting senior leaders in crafting and delivering clear, authentic and impactful messaging to employees.
- Ensuring consistent communication flow between our Stores, Head Office and DC teams.
- Continuously evolving internal channels (intranet, email, events, video, etc.) to improve reach, clarity and engagement.
- Act as a trusted support to the executive team, influencing decisions through communications insight.
- Balance project planning with hands-on delivery in a fast-moving retail environment.
- Proven experience operating in a communications management role.
- Strong background in retail, fashion, sports or consumer brands.
- Demonstrable success in delivering impactful PR campaigns and internal communications plans.
- Experience managing brand reputation and handling crisis communications.
- Ability to work cross-functionally and influence senior stakeholders.
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of trading-led retail environments.
- Experience within sportswear, streetwear or youth culture brands – desirable.
- Exposure to high-profile brand collaborations, launches or influencer-led campaigns.
- Understanding of social media, digital content and culture-led storytelling.
We are one of the leading omni-channel retailers across the UK, but more than that we are a brilliant place to work. We value you and your development. We have loads of examples of people moving upwards, across to other departments and given training to excel their personal and professional skills. Our aim is to create a fun environment, where your success is paramount to ours and you are given the right tools, support and platform to achieve your goals.
We recognise and value the importance of diversity to help make sure we have lots of different perspectives when we are building services to customers and the wider business. This is great news for our business. Diversity for us is also, importantly, about building happy teams full of people that want to learn and want to be inspired by each other and our different experiences and backgrounds.
We review applications on an individual basis, and if we feel you would be a good fit we’ll invite you for a call or Teams video for an informal chat about the role, and to see if we’re a good fit for you. We value open and honest conversations and collaboration, giving you a chance to learn about what we are doing in an informal and friendly environment. We want to know about you and why you feel that this is the opportunity for you. Please note, this is not a remote role and our expectation is that you will be able to attend our Head Office and Studio in a hybrid way, in Greater Manchester.
Communications Manager in Rochdale employer: Footasylum
Footasylum is an excellent employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, particularly in the vibrant retail environment of Merry Hill. With a strong focus on training, support, and progression opportunities, you will be empowered to thrive in your role as Assistant Store Manager while contributing to a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Our inclusive work culture celebrates diversity and innovation, ensuring that every team member can influence our retail standards and enjoy a fulfilling career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Manager in Rochdale
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Footasylum and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Footasylum are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Footasylum on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Footasylum. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Manager in Rochdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Footasylum. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Footasylum:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Footasylum’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Footasylum
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Footasylum will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Footasylum, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
