Job Description

Team:

PR, Social & Comms

Ref.:

VN927

Type:

Permanent

Location:

Hatfield

Head of PR Communications and Social

Contract type:

Permanent

Location:

Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)

Working hours per week:

40 hours

Level:

Head of Department

Application closing date:

Thursday 22nd May 2025

About us

Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivaled service, and reassuringly good value.


We're

Ocado Retail

, a market-leading, joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S and the world's largest dedicated online supermarket

ocado.com

. Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, but it's also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We're also the brains behind

Zoom by Ocado

, our same-day grocery delivery service.

About the team and the role

As our Head of PR Communications and Social, you will be leading our external communications strategy, making sure our company positions are heard and understood and leading on organic social and influencer strategy.


This is a unique role spanning all elements of the comms ecosystem from consumer PR, through to corporate PR, public affairs, internal comms and organic social. The role will manage a team of eight (8) and our external social, PR / public affairs agencies.

What you'll do

Organic social strategy

Work with the internal team and external agencies to build and implement an organic social media strategy that drives fame and engagement. Significantly build our audience. Define the correct KPIs for delivering an elevated approach and execution on social media that adequately delivers on brand tone and identity - defining the correct brand pillars to create community and improved engagement with customers/audience. Optimise the output of, with your peers, the matrix of invested talent involved in social across Marketing: creative, digital, brand, pr. Improve the relationship and engagement between M&S social and Ocado social teams Improve social's adoption of main brand campaigns

Influencers

Work with the internal team to redefine our influencer strategy. Optimise budget Maintain quality of output and brand safety Optimise the output of, with your peers, the matrix of invested talent involved in influencers across Marketing: creative, digital, brand, pr.

Strategy & advisory

Collaborate across Ocado Retail to develop and implement an effective communications strategy - for external audiences Act as the strategic lead for all Ocado Retail external communications and be the professional comms advisor to the Ocado Retail leadership team

Consumer and corporate PR

Lead PR strategy including identifying target audiences and outlets, maintaining the comms calendar, cultivating journalist relationships, drafting media statements, managing launches and announcements, achieving media coverage Maximise the communications value of marketing initiatives, ESG projects, industry awards and other business projects Ensure that Ocado's reputation in the press is defended via minimal negative coverage which is balanced and reflects Ocado Retail's position

Public affairs

Advise the business on legislative and regulatory developments. Shape business contributions to public policy debates where relevant Build collaborative relationships where relevant with peers and industry bodies Lead stakeholder engagement for local initiatives eg expansion

Internal Comms

Establish and maintain effective relationships with counterparts at Ocado Group and M&S Act as point of sign off for Marketing and the Customer Hub to manage relevant customer escalations, messaging etc

Who you are

In-house retail experience, ideally grocery/food/drink but not essential. The successful individual will have an impressive record of achievement in the field of communications, both PR and public affairs/stakeholder engagement gained at senior level within industry. You will have proven and competent experience off front line communications and media experience, covering proactive strategic and tactical planning and crisis management. In addition you will be experienced in directing strategic comms issues in a fast-paced organisation. You will also ideally have experience in leading and / or driving social media and influencer strategy and implementation. Proven experience in leading and managing a team A self-starter who is able to devise and execute a proactive comms & public affairs agenda under your own steam. Confidence in representing the company publicly as our representative with the outside world. Ability to interact confidently with all aspects of our business including legal, finance and operations. Experience of a broad-based comms & public affairs role as a discipline in-house in tech or retail would be an advantage. Experience of public policy connected to the future of work, ecommerce, digital taxation, sustainability or public health would be an added bonus. Strong relationships with relevant media houses & journalists Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills. Good time management and organisational skills.

What's in it for you

By joining Ocado Retail you'll have the chance to experience life at the world's largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what's possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail.


If that's not enough to tempt you, you'll also get access to loads of great benefits to sweeten the deal. Here's a taste of what we offer:

Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with the option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market-leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.

Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.

Never miss the moments that matter: Blended/Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy an extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.

Our Hiring Process

Lucky for us, we get loads of great applications and we really appreciate that so many people put the time and effort in to apply. To recognise that, we treat all applications respectfully and fairly. So, if yours stands out, you'll follow our standard hiring process - one of our Talent Partners will talk you through this in an initial call.

Everyone's welcome

We're an equal opportunities employer. That means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.