Senior External Communications Manager

Senior External Communications Manager (12 Months FTC)

Because we strive to put people first.   

Culture, our way.  

People and Culture at Primark   

What’s a career at Primark all about? The positive impact you’re making, the experiences you’re having and the people you’re with. You’re our inspiration. Embrace what sets you apart, own your career and develop in ways you never expected. Leave your mark. And do it your way.   

Our team has created a workplace of inspiration and growth. Be a part of building an inclusive and empowering culture, where all colleague’s unique abilities are recognised and celebrated. Collaborate with a team committed to the wellbeing of our workforce and define what it means to work at Primark.

What You’ll Do as a Senior External Communications Manager :

In your role, you’ll collaborate with different people across a range of skillsets. Here’s a flavour of your day-to-day:  

• Own and deliver the external communications plan for Ireland.
• Lead the communications strategy and implementation for strategic projects across the business.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across the Primark.
• Lead and manage a best-in-class 24/7 press office function, working closely with the Senior Comms Manager in the UK to oversee the press office.
• Work closely with the external communications team and Heads of Communications in our key markets, and local PR agencies, embedding ways of working and processes.
• Build relationships with key regional and national media, managing and influencing them to build awareness of Primark as an international retailer and employer of choice.
• Work hand in hand with the wider Corporate Affairs team to develop integrated communications for key strategic and corporate/reputation initiatives – with global/local mindset at heart of everything.
• Develop and manage campaigns which build awareness and trust and improve brand reputation, working closely with brand/marketing, fashion communications, buying teams and other relevant business stakeholders.
• Anticipate, report and mitigate reputation risk across media, key stakeholders and digital channels.
• Working closely with Public Affairs to develop and manage relationships with key political stakeholders, pressure groups, industry bodies, influencers (to include political, industry, ethics and sustainability) and businesses in order to drive advocacy and build Primark’s reputation.

What You’ll Get 

This role is a hybrid opportunity, offering 3 days Working from home.

People are at the heart of what we do here, so it’s essential we provide you with the right environment to perform at your very best. Let’s talk lifestyle:   

Let’s talk lifestyle: Healthcare, pension, and potential bonus. 27 days of leave, plus bank holidays and if you want, you can buy 5 more. Because Primark is all about tailoring to you, we offer Tax Saver Tickets, fitness centre, and a subsidised cafeteria.

What You’ll Bring  

Here at Primark, we want everyone to feel valued – so please bring your authentic self to work, of course with some other key experience and abilities for this role in particular: 

• Seasoned communications professional with 12 years’ experience in senior corporate communications roles, ideally within consumer-facing brands in FMCG or retail; agency experience a plus.

• Strong media leadership background, including running a press office and deep expertise in the Irish media landscape with an established journalist network.

• Highly experienced media handler, confident briefing media, managing high-profile reputational issues, and acting as a senior spokesperson when required.

• Proven crisis communications expertise, with the ability to manage fast-moving, complex issues calmly and effectively.

• Trusted senior advisor, demonstrating strong interpersonal and influencing skills with credibility at executive and board level.

• Strategic, analytical thinker with sound judgement, able to cut through complexity and quickly identify critical risks and opportunities.

• Excellent communicator with outstanding written and verbal skills; fluent in English, with additional languages and public affairs experience an advantage.

• Resilient, hands-on leader and team player, capable of managing teams, working under pressure, juggling multiple priorities, and maintaining a positive, “can‑do” approach.

About Primark 

At Primark, people matter. They’re the beating heart of our business and the reason we’ve grown from our first store in Dublin in 1969 to a £9bn+ turnover business and over 80,000 colleagues and over 440 stores in 17 countries today. Our values run through everything we do. In essence, we're Caring and always strive to put people first. We're also Dynamic, bravely pushing the boundaries to stay ahead. And finally, we succeed Together.  

If you need any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request, during your recruitment journey, such as extended time or breaks between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, mobility access, or assistive technology please contact your talent acquisition specialist. 

All offers of employment are subject to background checks, including right to work, reference education and for some roles criminal, and financial checks. If you have any concerns, please reach out to our talent acquisition team to discuss. 

Our fashion isn’t one-size-fits-all and neither is our culture. Primark promotes equal employment opportunity, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where people can be themselves, access opportunities and thrive together.

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