Head of Communications & External Relations
Head of Communications & External Relations

Head of Communications & External Relations

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
UK Pet Food

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead communications strategy and enhance our external profile in the pet food sector.
  • Company: Join UK Pet Food, a dynamic organisation at the forefront of nutrition and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private healthcare, pension, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Flexible hybrid working with a vibrant team in Holborn.
  • Why this job: Shape impactful narratives and engage with key stakeholders in a meaningful way.
  • Qualifications: Experience in communications or public affairs, especially in complex sectors.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

We’re hiring a Head of Communications & External Relations at UK Pet Food. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our organisation. Pet food sits at the intersection of science, nutrition, sustainability and public trust. Communicating clearly, credibly and with impact has never been more important. We’re looking for an experienced communications leader who can shape our narrative, strengthen our external profile and lead how we engage with government, stakeholders, members and the media.

This role will:

  • Lead our communications strategy and overall narrative
  • Drive media relations and reputation management
  • Support and amplify our policy and influencing work
  • Strengthen our digital presence and engagement

You’ll work across our science, policy and membership activity, helping ensure clarity and confidence in everything we communicate. As a small and ambitious organisation, we’re looking for someone who is both strategic and hands‑on, and who enjoys building, shaping, and delivering in a dynamic environment. If you have experience in communications, external relations, or public affairs, particularly in a complex or regulated sector, we’d love to hear from you.

Salary & Benefits

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including an attractive pension, private healthcare, and opportunities for professional development. This role offers flexible, hybrid working, with a mix of home working, time in our Holborn hub office and external meetings as required. A minimum of one day per week in the office is required, with additional time during the onboarding period.

Head of Communications & External Relations employer: UK Pet Food

At UK Pet Food, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and collaboration in the pet food sector. Our dynamic work culture fosters professional growth through continuous development opportunities, while our competitive salary and benefits package, including private healthcare and a robust pension scheme, ensures our employees are well taken care of. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and a central Holborn location, we offer a unique environment where you can make a meaningful impact in communications and external relations.
UK Pet Food

Contact Detail:

UK Pet Food Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Communications & External Relations

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Head of Communications role.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can highlight your previous work in communications and external relations. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching UK Pet Food thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent news. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can enhance their communications strategy.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at UK Pet Food.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications & External Relations

Communications Strategy
Media Relations
Reputation Management
Public Affairs
Stakeholder Engagement
Digital Presence Management
Narrative Development
Policy Advocacy
Strategic Thinking
Hands-on Leadership
Adaptability in Dynamic Environments
Experience in Regulated Sectors
Clarity in Communication
Confidence Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in communications and external relations. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at UK Pet Food, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Strategy Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to develop and implement communication strategies. We’re looking for someone who can shape narratives and drive media relations, so share examples of how you’ve done this in the past.

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your written application. We value clear and credible communication, so be genuine and articulate your passion for the role and the pet food industry. This is your chance to make a memorable impression!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!

How to prepare for a job interview at UK Pet Food

✨Know Your Audience

Before the interview, research UK Pet Food thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent initiatives in the pet food industry. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're genuinely interested in the role and the organisation.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

As a Head of Communications & External Relations, you'll need to think strategically. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully shaped narratives or led communications strategies. Be ready to discuss how you would approach similar challenges at UK Pet Food.

✨Demonstrate Media Savvy

Given the importance of media relations in this role, come prepared with insights on current trends in media and public perception related to pet food. Share your experiences in managing media relations and how you've handled reputation management in previous roles.

✨Engage with Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about UK Pet Food's communications strategy, their approach to stakeholder engagement, and how they measure success. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Head of Communications & External Relations
UK Pet Food

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>