External Communications Manager

Internal use only - Grade E

About us.

We are The Very Group and we’re here to help families get more out of life. We know that our customers work hard for their families and have a lot to balance in their busy lives. That’s why we combine amazing brands and products with flexible payment options on Very.co.uk to help them say yes to the things they love. We’re just as passionate about helping our people get more out of life too; building careers with real growth, a sense of purpose, belonging and wellbeing.

About the team.

The Investor Relations and External Communications team aims to protect and enhance The Very Group’s reputation through a range of proactive and reactive activities across public relations, public affairs, digital and other disciplines. These include delivering the Group's external communications programme, comprising activities like corporate news, feature comment, interviews and owned content, as well handling media enquiries and issues management. 

About the role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work alongside the head of external communications and investor relations to develop the external communications strategy.
• Manage day-to-day press office activities, ensuring media enquiries are answered in a timely manner.
• Write and issue press releases, op-eds, feature comments and social media content (excluding employer brand related content).
• Originate and brief members of the leadership team for media interviews, speaking platforms and stakeholder meetings.
• Support in the management of reputational issues, working alongside the head of external communications and investor relations, and PR advisors.
• Measure and report communications results back to relevant internal teams.
• Manage The Very Group’s corporate website.
• Manage key projects related to The Very Group’s corporate brand, including creative and tone of voice.

About you.

We are seeking a passionate, ambitious and down-to-earth individual who is looking for an environment where they will have the opportunity to accelerate their knowledge, skills and development within a high performing team.

• Three to five years’ PR experience, with a focus on corporate. A mix of working in an agency and in-house is particularly desirable.
• Experience of working in or with large, complex businesses is desirable, as is an understanding of retail, tech and financial services organisations.
• Track record in organising and planning communications strategies, alongside using tactics to achieve your objectives.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, coupled with the ability to write compelling copy and attention to detail.
• Creativity and a ‘nose for a story’ in delivering proactive media coverage and owned content.
• Understanding of issues management and the ability to recognise potential reputational risks.
• Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to influence senior leaders.
• Confidence in speaking to journalists and other external stakeholders.
• High levels of self-motivation and time management.
• Strong grasp of the principles of social media platforms and experience in website management.

Some of our benefits.

• Flexible, hybrid working model
• Inclusive culture and environment, check out our Glassdoor reviews

• £1,000 flexible benefits allowance to suit your needs
• 30 days holiday + bank holidays
• Udemy learning access
• Bonus potential (performance and business-related)
• Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk

• Matched pension up to 6%
• More benefits can be found on our career site

How to apply

Please note that the talent acquisition team are managing this vacancy directly, and if successful in securing this role, you will be required to undertake a credit, CIFAS, Right to Work checks and if a specific requirement of your role a DBS (criminal records) check. Should your application progress we require you to let the team know if there is anything you need to disclose in relation to any of these checks prior to them being undertaken, including any unspent criminal convictions.

What happens next?

Our talent acquisition team will be in touch if you’re successful so keep an eye on your emails! We’ll arrange a short call to learn more about you, as well as answer any questions you have. If it feels like we’re a good match, we’ll share your CV with the hiring manager to review. Our interview process is tailored to each role and can be in-person or held remotely.

You can expect a two-stage interview process for this position:

1st stage - An informal 30-minute video call with the hiring team to discuss your skills and relevant experience. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the role and to ask any questions you may have.

2nd Stage – A one-hour task-based interview which will be relevant to the BAU of the role. This will be held on-site at our HQ in Speke.

As an inclusive employer please do let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.

If you'd like to know more about our interviews, you can find out here.

Equal opportunities

We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.