Sodexo, Abbot's, Salford, England, United Kingdom
Head of Communications
Job Introduction
We are looking for a Head of Communications to join the regional Brand & Communications team. This role leads the internal and external communications planning and delivery to support the growth ambitions of Sodexo Live! UK&I and to be seen as an employer of choice. It shapes stories that inspire others and ensures our messaging is impactful, engaging and reaches the right audiences. As Head of Communications, you will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that drive growth, strengthen our brand, and position Sodexo Live! as a trusted partner in the live events and hospitality sector.
Main Responsibilities
* Strategic Communication Planning: Develop and execute a strategic communications plan to support the company’s objectives, ensuring alignment with organisational goals. Collaborate with the CEO and executive leadership team to articulate key messages and position on relevant industry issues.
* Media Relations: Lead the Sodexo Live! media relations strategy, taking full ownership of its external media profile across the UK & Ireland, with alignment and input from the UK&I PR & Campaigns Director and Senior Press & PR Manager. Build and sustain high-impact relationships with tier‑one trade, business and national journalists to secure positive, agenda‑setting coverage that enhances the reputation of Sodexo Live! as a market leader. Build relationships with industry influencers, and stakeholders.
* External Communications: Develop and deliver an external communications plan aligned with the PR & Campaigns team to amplify the brand across the region, including identifying the right industry events, speaking opportunities etc and assist with the creation of content – speeches, case studies, client testimonials etc. Ensure award submissions are streamlined and aligned with wider UK&I Region submissions.
* Brand Deployment: Work closely with the senior B2B marketing manager and Marketing Director to elevate the company’s brand presence through strategic storytelling and content creation via channels such as the website and social media. Work collaboratively with Marketing on the creation and enhancement of Sodexo Live! UK&I client and prospect newsletters.
* Crisis Communication: Develop and oversee crisis communication protocols and strategies to address potential issues and mitigate reputational risks. Provide clear and accurate information during a crisis or sensitive situation.
* Performance Measurement: Monitor and assess the effectiveness of communication strategies and initiatives, using metrics and analytics to drive continuous improvement. Provide regular reports to the CEO and executive leadership team on communication performance and opportunities for growth. Use data‑driven insights to refine plans and demonstrate communications’ contribution to commercial outcomes.
The Ideal Candidate
* Experience in the Public Relations/Communications industry.
* Graduate calibre with strong experience working in a large matrix organisation.
* Professional communications generalist able to deliver a 360 external/internal communications programme within a complex environment.
* Excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing with the ability and gravitas to operate at all levels of the business.
* Proven track record of securing high‑impact coverage in top‑tier national and trade media.
* A self‑starter – able to work to tight deadlines and manage projects independently.
* Strong skills and experience in managing simultaneous projects – able to balance the hard and soft skills of managing projects so that plans are well‑laid and executed and that stakeholders are fully engaged and communicated with.
* Good organisational skills and excellent attention to detail. Thinks ahead and pre‑empts possible setbacks and obstacles.
* Creativity and desire for continuous improvement.
* Knowledge of digital communication tools and platforms (e.g., social media, email marketing, website management).
* Experienced at setting the right KPIs for communications and demonstrating personal and collective impact.
Package Description
£62,000 + Bonus + Car allowance
Travel & Working Conditions
Travel across Sodexo Live! sites will be required. Interviews to be held in January.
Benefits
We offer more than 20 Sodexo benefits, including a retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands, gym discounts, and a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support, including emotional, legal and financial advice. For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached.
EEO Statement
We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and identities. We are a Disability Confident Leader employer and encourage employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability Network, So Together, Generations and Origins.
Additional Information
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advertisement early if we are in receipt of a high volume of applications.
About Sodexo Live!
At Sodexo Live!, our purpose is to create a better everyday life for everyone. As the global leader in services that improve the quality of life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers daily through our unique combination of on‑site food and FM services, benefits & rewards services and personal & home services.
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