Group Corporate Communications Lead in Newtownabbey

Attractive Salary & Benefits + Company Car/ Allowance + Bonus

36.5 Hour week

Newtownabbey

Who are we?

Henderson Group are proud to be one of Northern Irelands leading employers. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice, Henderson Group Property, and Henderson Technology. Each of our divisions are Investors in People accredited at Gold/ Platinum level, and we employ over 6,000 colleagues across the group. We're a family-owned business, and our culture is lived out through our four core values- Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork and Integrity.

A look into the role

We are now recruiting for the role of Group Corporate Communications Lead, based within our Group Marketing function. Reporting directly to our Group Marketing Director, this role will be responsible for building credibility, trust and brand visibility by protecting and enhancing the organisations reputation with key stakeholders. The role leads Consumer and Corporate PR, communicating the Groups Responsible Business ambition and stakeholder engagement to ensure the companys strategy, values, and performance are clearly communicated to customers, colleagues, partners, regulators, and communities.

Operating within a fast-moving FMCG environment, the successful candidate will manage the organisations corporate narrative, support executive communications, oversee issue management, and strengthen relationships with external stakeholders including media, industry bodies, government and community organisations. This role will be very well suited to an enthusiastic and customer focused individual, with excellent communication skills, and strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capability.

The Group Corporate Communications Lead will:

• Develop and deliver the corporate communications strategy aligned with the companys business objectives and brand reputation.
• Manage and influence the organisations corporate messaging and narrative across all internal and external channels.
• Produce high-quality corporate materials including press releases, leadership messages, reports, and presentations.
• Support executive communications including speeches, briefings, and thought-leadership content.
• Oversee corporate website and digital channels relating to corporate messaging.
• Leverage the Groups responsible business strategy (Tomorrow Matters) as a key anchor of the corporate strategy.
• Act as a key contact for media enquiries and maintain positive relationships with journalists, stakeholders and industry publications.
• Proactively generate positive media coverage that builds brand awareness, reputation and trust, shaping public perception to drive sales and foster brand loyalty.
• Manage external PR agencies and events.
• Prepare spokespersons for media engagement and interviews.
• Monitor media coverage and respond effectively to reputational risks or issues.
• Support the Group Marketing Director and board directors in building strong relationships with key external stakeholders including industry associations, government bodies, regulators, community organisations, and business partners.
• Monitor public policy developments that may impact the FMCG sector or the organisations operations.
• Support engagement with local and national policymakers where relevant.
• Support the Group Marketing Director and board directors to represent the company in industry forums, events, and stakeholder meetings.
• Identify potential reputational risks and develop proactive strategies to mitigate them.
• Lead communications responses during issues or crises, developing crisis communication plans and ensure senior leaders are prepared for reputational challenges.
• Monitor public sentiment, media coverage, and stakeholder perceptions.
• Work closely with the HR Director and Internal Communications manager to build brand awareness and loyalty with our colleagues.
• Support internal colleague events as required.
• Work with the Responsible Business Steering Group to support the Chair and others in the implementation of our Responsible Business Strategy- Tomorrow Matters.
• Produce and maintain an effective suite of reporting tools which demonstrate and share our plans and progress under the Tomorrow Matters agenda.
• Act as initial point of contact for external stakeholders in developing and promoting our Responsible Business practices.
• Support Directors and Managers in developing their departmental plans which support the Tomorrow Matters strategy, promoting successes and examples of best practice across the Group.
• Play a key role in the delivery and communication of community programmes, economic and social impact initiatives.
• Work with internal teams to highlight the organisations contribution to the NI economy, local communities, and the wider food system.
• Promote colleague volunteering and community engagement, collating awareness, consideration & participation.

Skills for Success

Joining us as Group Corporate Communications Lead, the minimum criteria need is:

• A good standard of general education, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Significant demonstrable experience in Consumer and corporate PR (including product launches, influencer/ celebrity partnerships, media relations, events, reputation management, community involvement, industry representation, awards, CSR).
• Experience working within FMCG, retail, food, consumer goods, or a related fast-paced sector.
• Strong stakeholder management experience and relationship-building capability.
• Previous experience of successfully managing key metrics and KPIs to measure outcomes and impact.
• Working Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel).
• A valid Driving Licence.

The skills/ attributes need include:

• A highly effective communicator with strong Interpersonal skills.
• Strong Influencing Skills with Senior Managers/Directors, stakeholders and partnership agencies.
• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving commercial environment.
• Enthusiastic, flexible and energetic approach to work, able to work successfully within a team.
• Curious mindset, able to improve solutions by questioning the status quo.
• Results-focused, with desire to drive business success.

It is desirable if you have:

• 3rd Level qualification or equivalent in marketing/communications.
• Team leadership experience.
• Experience of managing budgets.
• Project Management Experience/ Experience leading strategic initiatives.

Are we right for you?

As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by.

• Ambition - We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.
• Customer First - We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.
• Teamwork - We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.
• Integrity - We are fair, and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and diversity.

The Reward

The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day-to-day role. You will be part of a business that is committed to supporting the communities we serve. Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment- we value employee development and heavily invest in our people. Benefits include market competitive salary, company car/ allowance, bonus scheme, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, The Store Rewards & Discount platform, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.

This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday. Hybrid and flexible working arrangement available.

Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on 29th June 2026.

We are an equal opportunities employer.

Skills: Marketing Communications, Public Relations, CSR, Corporate Communications

Benefits: Company Vehicle, Healthcare, Pension, Employee Discounts, Bonus