Are you a strategic communicator with a creative mindset and a passion for storytelling? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your ideas can shape brand perception, engage diverse audiences, and make a real impact?
We’re seeking a talented and drivenCommunications Manager to lead the development and delivery of our internal and external communications. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our Marketing and Communications team, reporting directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications and working closely with team members across the business.
You will craft and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that supports our business goals, enhances our brand reputation, and strengthens engagement with a wide range of stakeholders — from customers and employees to media and industry partners. Whether it’s managing our press office, leading crisis communications, overseeing content creation, or driving internal engagement, you’ll be the voice behind our story.
We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with hands-on creativity. You’ll have exceptional copywriting skills, a sharp eye for detail, and experience managing content across digital and print platforms. You’ll be confident leading PR initiatives, managing social media presence, and delivering engaging internal communications. You’ll also be a natural collaborator, able to build strong relationships across departments and with external partners. If you’re ready to take the next step in your communications career and want to be part of a business that values creativity, collaboration, and authenticity — we’d love to hear from you.
What's in it for you?
1. Competitive salary
2. Company laptop and mobile phone (and any other equipment) to assist with the proper performance of your duties
3. 25% discount on food at Shepherd Neame Managed Houses
4. 25% discount on overnight Managed House Hotel bookings
5. Up to 40% discount on select purchases from the Visitor Centre Shop at Faversham
6. Sheps Hut discounts and special offers hub on 100s of high street shops and services to help your monthly pay go even further
7. Financial wellbeing app and early wage withdrawal scheme
8. Company Pension plan
9. Share Incentive Plan
10. Access to a Mental Wellbeing Platform
11. 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays)
12. Working Hours: Full-time, hours per week. 08:30 - 17:00, Monday to Friday with 1 hour lunch (unpaid).
Duties & Responsibilities:
13. Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with company goals and brand values
14. Manage the communications budget efficiently to maximise impact and ROI
15. Contribute to the development and execution of crisis communication plans and act as a key contact for urgent or sensitive communications
16. Support the Director of Marketing and Communications with key corporate initiatives
17. Lead the press office function, securing positive media coverage and managing media relations, including drafting press releases, handling enquiries, and building strong journalist relationships
18. Oversee the creation of original content across digital and print channels — including blogs, social media, email campaigns, corporate publications, photography, and video — ensuring alignment with business objectives
19. Monitor and evaluate communication performance to inform and optimise strategy
20. Collaborate across departments and with the wider marketing team to ensure all content is consistent, on-brand, and strategically aligned.
21. Ensure quality and consistency across all written marketing materials
22. Work with the wider Marketing department to manage and grow the company’s social media presence, focusing on engagement, reach, and brand voice
23. Generate third-party endorsements through reviews, mailouts, and corporate award submissions
24. Lead and manage internal communications to enhance employee engagement and alignment, using relevant tools to deliver timely and relevant messaging
25. Plan and execute PR events, product launches, and community engagement initiatives that support business goals
26. Promote community engagement through the management of corporate sponsorships and the Sheps Giving charitable programme
27. Act as line manager to the Communications team, providing clear direction, mentorship, and development opportunities
28. Contribute to the broader marketing strategy through market and competitor analysis
The ideal candidate:
29. Degree or diploma in PR, Journalism, English, or a related field
30. Proven experience developing and executing integrated communications strategies across PR, social media, email, and web
31. Demonstrable background in managing brand presence on social media, with a focus on engagement and tone of voice
32. Experience overseeing photography and videography projects from concept to delivery
33. Confident using CMS platforms, digital design/editing tools, and marketing software
34. Exceptional copywriting and editing skills, with a keen eye for detail across all communications
35. Strong project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and stakeholders
36. Creative thinker with a track record of delivering innovative campaigns and leading end-to-end creative briefs
37. Excellent interpersonal skills, able to build strong relationships with colleagues, media, and industry partners
38. Resilient and adaptable, able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
39. Passionate about the hospitality industry, with an interest in emerging trends and best practices
40. Full, clean UK driving licence
Shepherd Neame may be Britain’s oldest brewer but our approach is anything but old-fashioned. We are an authentic, independent business, yet flexible and agile, and that has enabled us to survive and thrive based on the following Sheps Skills:
41. Working Together
42. Pride and Passion
43. Authenticity
44. Sheps Spirit
Who are we?
Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. An independent family business, we boast an award-winning visitor centre and more than 300 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline. We employ around 1,500 team members across our pub estate and more than 270 at our Brewery and Support Office.
Diversity, equality, and inclusion matter to Shepherd Neame. If you think you would be suited this role we would welcome your application regardless of age, disability status, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.