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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support media relations and manage communications to enhance our corporate reputation.
- Company: Join Sainsbury's Corporate Affairs team, shaping our brand narrative.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, performance bonuses, and a range of wellbeing perks.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced environment while building relationships with key journalists.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid role with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hybrid - London Store Support Centre (2 days per week on average) and Home.
About the team
The Corporate Affairs division at Sainsbury's is at the heart of our communications strategy, shaping the narrative that defines our brand and purpose. As part of this dynamic team, you will be joining a group of professionals dedicated to delivering impactful communications across all our brands. The Media Relations team plays a critical role in protecting and promoting our reputation, working closely with colleagues across Government Relations, Consumer PR, Internal Communications, and Strategic Communications to ensure a unified and compelling message.
More about the role
As a Media Relations Executive, you will play a key role in supporting issues-led media relations for the company, working on both a reactive and pre‐emptive basis on matters that impact corporate reputation. Reporting to a Senior Media Relations Manager, you will manage incoming media requests, handle localised media issues relating to individual stores, liaise with internal teams to anticipate and prepare for potential media issues, and support the delivery of company‐wide communications to key stakeholders. You will also support communications around property activity, including store openings and closures, and contribute to generating positive media coverage. Building and maintaining relationships with key journalists and internal stakeholders across diverse teams will be central to your day‐to‐day activities.
More about you
You will have a good understanding of how the media works and demonstrable experience in managing media issues and working confidently with journalists across a range of media outlets, including key national publications. Your ability to craft clear and compelling media statements, Q&As, and press releases will set you apart. A strong understanding of the media landscape, current affairs and consumer‐facing businesses is essential.
We are looking for someone who is proactive, curious, and enthusiastic. You should be comfortable working in a fast‐paced environment, prioritising tasks, managing ambiguity, and engaging and collaborating effectively with cross‐functional teams. You should feel confident sharing your views openly and keeping communication clear and constructive.
Essential criteria
- Proven experience in a press office or news media environment, including hands‐on issues management.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrable ability to write clear and accurate statements, Q&As, briefing documents and press releases quickly and confidently.
- Good understanding of media operations, current affairs, consumer‐facing businesses, and ideally the retail industry.
- Demonstrable experience with social media monitoring tools and reporting on digital conversations alongside traditional media.
- Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with journalists and internal stakeholders.
Benefits
Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to get 10% off at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat after 4 weeks. This increases to 15% off at Sainsbury's every Friday and Saturday and 15% off at Argos every pay day. We've also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover. You'll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance‐related bonus of up to 5% of salary, depending on how we perform.
Your wellbeing is important to us too. You'll receive an annual holiday allowance, and you can buy additional holiday. We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, pay advance (where you can access some of your pay before pay day) as well as access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers. And if you ever need it there is also an employee assistance programme.
Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks' pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks' pay for paternity leave.
Please see www.sainsburys.jobs for a range of our benefits (note, length of service and eligibility criteria may apply).
Please note, due to the volume of applications we receive, our roles may close early.
Media Relations Executive in London employer: Sainsbury's
Contact Detail:
Sainsbury's Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Media Relations Executive in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the media relations field, especially those who work at Sainsbury's or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio of your best media statements, press releases, and any other relevant work. When you get the chance to chat with someone from the team, having tangible examples will make you memorable.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current affairs and media trends. Being able to discuss recent news or changes in the media landscape during interviews shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Sainsbury's team.
We think you need these skills to ace Media Relations Executive in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Media Relations Executive role. Highlight your experience in managing media issues and working with journalists, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Use it to showcase your understanding of the media landscape and how your skills align with our needs at Sainsbury's.
Showcase Your Writing Skills: Since strong written communication is key for this role, consider including examples of your writing, like press releases or media statements, either in your CV or as an attachment. This will give us a taste of your style!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sainsbury's
✨Know Your Media Landscape
Before the interview, brush up on your understanding of the media landscape, especially in relation to retail and consumer affairs. Familiarise yourself with key publications and journalists who cover Sainsbury's and similar brands. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the Media Relations team.
✨Craft Your Communication Samples
Prepare examples of your previous work, such as press releases, Q&As, or media statements. Be ready to discuss how you approached these tasks and the impact they had. This will showcase your writing skills and your ability to handle media issues effectively.
✨Show Your Proactive Side
During the interview, highlight instances where you've anticipated media issues or proactively engaged with journalists. Share specific examples that demonstrate your curiosity and enthusiasm for the role, as well as your ability to manage ambiguity in a fast-paced environment.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, building relationships is key in this role. Use the interview as an opportunity to connect with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their experiences and the team's dynamics. This will not only show your interest but also help you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.