Corporate Communications Senior Manager (MAT cover), London

Corporate Communications Senior Manager (MAT cover) - Full Time - Wimbledon, South West London The successful candidate for this role will be responsible for building and managing the profile of the company as well as assessing risk and protecting the reputation of the business. Working in a vibrant and extremely fast-paced environment, this role will attract a candidate who is excited by problem solving and being able to quickly and calmly react to changing scenarios on a daily basis, whilst working closely with senior stakeholders across the business. A strong and substantive background in corporate communications, with experience working across public affairs, will enable the successful candidate to hit the ground running. This is a 15 month maternity cover (FTC) position from August 2020 - November 2021. What you'll do •Devising and implementing Lidl GB's corporate communications and public affairs strategies •Overseeing management of Lidl's busy press office, supporting team with the effective investigation of and response to enquiries •Identifying and analysing potential threats to the reputation of the business, and managing risk •Managing issues and crisis communication, whilst providing strategic advice to the company •Working closely with the board of directors and key stakeholders across the business to provide strategic counsel on corporate affairs •Overseeing and managing national, regional and trade business announcements on corporate topics including expansion plans, CSR commitments, and HR policies •Developing company messaging and communication materials alongside internal stakeholders •Overseeing all property and expansion communication plans, working closely with regional teams on all proactive and reactive news •Managing corporate communications and public affairs agency •Identifying company spokespeople and managing media training •Overseeing management of strategic business awards •Liaising with company the company's trade associations the British Retail Consortium, the Confederation of British Industry and other government bodies and / or NGOs •Overseeing and managing the monitoring, reporting and performance measurement of all Corporate activity •Managing budget and invoice processing for all corporate communication activities What you'll need •Passion for working across corporate and public affairs •Strong experience working with retailers or big brands, and a substantial understanding and knowledge of the retail sector and the role of Lidl within it •Exceptional writing and communications experience, including the ability to structure and substantiate a persuasive argument, and present confidently to senior stakeholders •Can demonstrate strategic and risk management skills to plan for varying scenarios and solve potential issues •A clear and concise communication style with the ability to translate complex topics into simple language that resonates with the business priorities •Acute attention to detail and quality awareness •Strong understanding of the media landscape with proven experience working with national retail and business media •Experience working across public affairs strategies •Experience in implementing projects and processes, and the personal drive to see these through to success •Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to persuade and convince •Trustworthy and discreet with a respect for confidential information •Confident fielding challenging questions from external stakeholders and convincingly representing the company position •Comfortable with and motivated by working in a fast-paced environment •Willing to be on call evenings / weekends and work out of hours to respond to incoming or developing issues •Proven track record managing a team •Flexible to travel throughout the UK and internationally •Full UK driving licence is beneficial What you'll receive This isn't getting by. This is getting what you deserve. Working at Lidl is rewarding, in every sense, because we give you the training to succeed in your role and plenty of opportunities to progress your career here. We're proud to offer a competitive salary from £54,000 - £75,000 (depending on experience), with an additional 10% of your salary on top as a non contractual London Weighting benefit and a generous holiday allowance. Save for your future with our pension scheme, or save today with an in store discount, plus extra discounts on days out, cinema tickets and much more. Please note your employment is conditional upon the Company's receipt of satisfactory references and if requested by the Company, a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service