Description Hybrid – London Store Support Centre (on average 2 days per week) and Home with on call evenings (Monday - Thursday) and weekends (1 per month on a rota basis) Fixed Term Contract - 12 months Why join us Joining Sainsbury's as the Head of Media Relations offers an unparalleled opportunity to lead a high-performing team in a fast-paced and dynamic corporate environment. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the external narrative of the organisation, driving impactful media strategies, and managing reputational risks while working closely with key stakeholders. With a focus on building a centre of excellence in issues monitoring and management, creating strategic relationships across various media channels, and developing a winning team, this role provides a platform for experienced media relations professionals to make a significant impact and contribute to the continued success and reputation of Sainsbury's. About the team The Corporate Affairs division at Sainsbury’s is at the heart of our communications strategy, shaping the narrative that defines our brand and purpose. As part of this dynamic team, you will be joining a group of professionals dedicated to delivering impactful external and internal communications across all our brands. The Media Relations team plays a critical role in protecting and promoting our reputation, working closely with colleagues across Government Relations, Consumer PR, Internal Communications, and Strategic Communications to ensure a unified and compelling message. What you'll do As the Head of Media Relations at Sainsbury's, you will lead and oversee the 24 / 7 press office, playing a pivotal role in protecting and promoting Sainsbury's reputation by mitigating risks and issues while working with the business to ensure a cohesive external narrative linked to the company's purpose and strategy. You will be responsible for developing and implementing issues and risk reporting frameworks, creating reactive media communication plans, and managing sensitive issues related to organisational and colleague change projects. Additionally, you will lead a team of media relations experts, build strategic relationships with key external stakeholders, and contribute to establishing effective communication strategies to drive the company's progress and success in the market. Who you are As the Head of Media Relations at Sainsbury's, you are an accomplished and strategic communications leader with a wealth of experience in managing high-profile press offices and news media environments. Your proven expertise in issues management, crisis communication, and building strong relationships with key national correspondents enables you to protect and enhance Sainsbury's reputation while effectively communicating progress against strategic objectives. With exceptional judgement, creativity, and the ability to balance various stakeholder needs, you play a pivotal role in driving impactful external communications strategies that align with business goals and values. Essential criteria Proven experience leading a high-profile press office or news media environment. Proven ability to lead and manage high performing teams Demonstrable expertise in managing issues and crisis communications at a senior level. Proven ability to respond effectively to media queries and engage with national correspondents. Demonstrable skills in drafting reactive statements, Q&As, and briefing documents. Ability to identify and advise on immediate and emerging reputational risks using data and stakeholder insights. Proven ability to lead and manage teams LI-UH1 Responsibilities We’d all like amazing work to do, and real work-life balance. That’s waiting for you at Sainsbury’s. This is where you’ll enjoy a broad range of projects, no matter what your level, because our Corporate Affairs team is non-hierarchical and truly plugged in to the rest of the business. Whether it’s internal, external or government relations, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with everyone from food waste to health, or general merchandising to Nectar, in order to support some amazing campaigns. You’ll help build trust around Sainsbury’s with customers, senior stakeholders, media and more. And if non-linear progression is what you’re after, you’ll find opportunities are all around. Qualifications We are committed to being a truly inclusive retailer so you’ll be welcomed whoever you are and wherever you work. Around here, there’s always the chance to try something new — whether that’s as part of an evolving team or somewhere else across the business - and we take development seriously and promise to support you. We also recognise and celebrate colleagues when they go the extra mile and, where possible, offer flexible working. When you join our team, we’ll also offer you an amazing range of benefits. Here are some of them: Starting off with colleague discount, you'll be able to save 10% on your shopping online and instore at Sainsbury's, Argos, TU and Habitat, and we regularly increase the discount to 15% at points during the year. We've also got you covered for your future with our pensions scheme and life cover. You'll also be able to share in our success as you may be eligible for a performance-related bonus of up to 65% of salary, depending on how we perform (in cash and shares). Your wellbeing is important to us too. You'll receive an annual holiday allowance, and you can buy up to an additional week's holiday, and we provide private healthcare. We also offer other benefits that will help your money go further such as season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, health cash plans, salary advance (where you can access some of your pay before pay day) as well access to a great range of discounts from hundreds of other retailers. You'll also receive a company car cash allowance unless you are going to travel 10,000 business miles in your role, then you'll be able to choose a car. And if you ever need it there is also an employee assistance programme. Moments that matter are as important to us as they are to you which is why we give up to 26 weeks’ pay for maternity or adoption leave and up to 4 weeks’ pay for paternity leave. Please see www.sainsburys.jobs for a range of our benefits (note, length of service and eligibility criteria may apply).