Press & PR Manager - Government & Energy
Hybrid - (Salford/Manchester)
Salary - Competitive salary
We're looking for a high-calibre Press & PR Manager to lead communications across our Government & Energy segment, one of the most high-profile, complex and strategically important areas of our business.
This is not a typical PR role.
You'll be operating at the heart of national conversations, managing high-stakes issues while building a compelling narrative that showcases our impact across government, justice, defence and energy.
Why this role stands out
* High impact - work on some of the UK's most visible and sensitive contracts
* Strategic exposure - advise senior leaders and shape reputation at scale
* Variety - from crisis comms to proactive campaigns and thought leadership
* Career defining - ideal step up for ambitious PR professionals ready for bigger challenges
What you'll be doing
Leading media relations & issues management
* Own day-to-day media handling across Government & Energy, including high-profile Justice issues for the prisons we operate
* Respond to fast-moving, sensitive enquiries with confidence and precision
* Draft statements, Q&A and briefing materials for senior stakeholders
* Provide calm, strategic counsel during live issues and crisis situations
* Play a key role in the UK&I out-of-hours press office rota
Driving proactive PR & positioning
* Develop and deliver a targeted PR strategy to elevate Sodexo's reputation
* Secure high-quality media coverage, thought leadership and speaking opportunities
* Position Sodexo as a trusted partner to Government and leader in public service delivery
* Amplify campaigns and key programmes across media and LinkedIn
Building regional presence & storytelling
* Deliver local PR strategies across key sites
* Build strong relationships with regional and trade media
* Identify powerful, community-driven stories that bring our impact to life
Influencing stakeholders
* Build trusted relationships with key bodies including:
o Ministry of Justice
o Scottish Prison Service
o Local authorities and community stakeholders
* Support stakeholder communications and reputation management
Collaborating across teams
* Work closely with social, content, internal comms and public affairs
* Ensure joined-up messaging across all channels
* Contribute to wider UK&I PR campaigns and priorities
What success looks like
* Strong, confident handling of sensitive media issues
* Increased volume and quality of positive coverage
* Trusted relationships with key Government stakeholders
* Clear contribution to business growth through reputation
* Consistent, high-quality storytelling aligned to our brand
What we're looking for
Experience
* Strong background in PR, media relations and crisis communications
* Proven experience managing complex, high-profile issues
* Experience in Government, public sector or regulated environments is a big plus
* Track record of delivering proactive PR campaigns and media coverage
Skills
* Exceptional writing and storytelling ability
* Calm, confident decision-making under pressure
* Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
* Ability to spot and land media opportunities
* Highly organised, able to manage multiple priorities
Mindset
* Proactive and solutions-focused
* Resilient, with sound judgement
* Commercially aware, you understand how reputation drives growth
* Curious, agile and always looking to improve
In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.
We’re all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.
We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.
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