Communications Manager - Interquest : Job Details

Location: Remote-first with occasional travel to LondonContract: Fixed Term (3-6 Months), with strong potential to go permanentSalary: Up to £85,000 

Our client is a leading, omnichannel retailer. As a market leader in our sector, they're dedicated to helping everyone enjoy amazing technology through innovation, service, and a purpose-driven strategy. Their business is at the forefront of giving technology longer life and improving lives through repair, reuse, and recycling.

We're looking for a dynamic and highly experienced Senior External Communications Manager to join their award-winning Communications team on a contract basis (strong chance to go perm). This role is instrumental in driving external communications that raise our clients corporate profile, protect their reputation, and amplify their impact as a purposeful and responsible leader in the retail sector.

The successful candidate will develop and implement strategic media engagement plans, manage high-profile media interactions, and lead on reputation and issues management - all while working closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.

• Shape and execute the company's external communications strategy, positioning the brand as a thought leader in tech retail and ESG innovation.

• Manage proactive and reactive media relations, securing positive coverage and managing sensitive or high-risk media issues effectively.

• Cultivate strong relationships with national, consumer, trade, and business journalists.

• Work closely with internal teams to communicate key initiatives across omnichannel strategy, supply chain innovation, ESG/sustainability, and employer branding.

• Craft compelling content including press releases, strategy notes, media Q&As, and exec briefing packs.

• Own media monitoring and performance reporting, producing analytical updates for the Executive Committee and Board.

• Partner with social media leads to ensure external storytelling aligns with business objectives and supports stakeholder engagement.

• Lead on crisis communication planning and delivery, providing counsel and calm leadership when needed.

• Manage award submissions, conference participation, and speaker opportunities to extend reach and credibility.

• Proven experience in developing and executing media strategies in a large organisation - in-house retail or FMCG experience is highly desirable.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distil complex business messages into clear, engaging content.

• Strong network of UK media contacts, with a track record of securing high-impact coverage and managing complex issues.

• Experience working at senior level, with confidence in advising executive stakeholders and managing reputation at board level.

• Excellent understanding of UK media and stakeholder landscape, including political and regulatory considerations.

• Skilled at integrating digital, social, and traditional media to deliver cohesive messaging.

• Calm under pressure, particularly in fast-paced or crisis situations.

• A team player who is collaborative, solutions-focused and ego-free.

• Experience or strong interest in sustainability, ESG, and the circular economy.

• Strategic thinker with high attention to detail and a proactive, delivery-driven mindset.