Communications Specialist

Co-op; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail cooperative in the UK seeks a Communications Specialist to develop engaging content for campaigns and enhance communication strategies. The role involves translating technical messages and collaborating with teams to align communications with organizational goals. Candidates should possess strong copywriting skills and experience managing customer data systems. This position is hybrid, requiring time spent both in Manchester and Scunthorpe.

Benefits

Annual bonus based on performance

28 days holiday plus bank holidays

Pension with up to 10% employer contributions

30% discount on Co-op products

Virtual healthcare services

Training and support for development

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Exceptional writing skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to create engaging and clear communication.
• Experience in managing content across various formats.

Responsibilities

• Develop content for campaigns and partner communications.
• Translate technical messages into customer-friendly language.
• Collaborate with internal teams for consistent messaging.
• Shape communications for high-profile events.

Skills

Great copywriting skills

Editing and proofreading skills

Ability to write for different audiences

Experience building strong partner relationships

Creative mindset

Experience using CMS/CRM systems

Job description

Communications Specialist
£40,800 plus great benefits (Work Level 6A)
Location: Manchester/Scunthorpe (hybrid working – typically two to three days per week spent across our Manchester and Scunthorpe offices, with at least one day each week based in Scunthorpe)

Co-op Wholesale is growing, and we’re looking for people who want to help shape what comes next. As a Communications Specialist in our brand-new Customer Experience team, you’ll be at the heart of how we communicate with our external customers and customer-facing teams. We’ll look to you to help them feel informed, understood, and connected to the exciting work we’re doing.

Why this role matters

We’re building something big at Co-op Wholesale. With a refreshed structure and exciting plans ahead, we’re creating new opportunities to strengthen our proposition for our independent retailers, key accounts, and a growing corporate client base. To do that, we need to make sure our communications are clear, consistent, and engaging – helping to strengthen our brand reputation and partner relationships.

This is your chance to help bring new ideas to life and make a real impact across Co-op Wholesale. Be part of it.

What you’ll do

• Develop content for campaigns, websites, printed materials, partner communications, scripts, and presentations
• Translate technical messages into clear, customer-friendly language
• Collaborate with internal teams to make sure messaging is consistent
• Align communications with our brands purpose, and community and commercial goals
• Continuously improve how we communicate, spotting opportunities to do things better
• Shape communications for high-profile events attended by Co-op Wholesale colleagues
• Create briefing materials for customer-facing teams to land messages effectively

What you’ll bring

• Great copywriting, editing, and proofreading skills
• The ability to write for different audiences and formats
• Experience building strong partner relationships
• A creative mindset and the ability to stay brand-aligned in your communications
• Experience using CMS/CRM systems to manage customer data

Why Co-op?

At Co-op, we’re owned by our members. And because we’re owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you’re not just taking a job, you’re joining a movement. We’re an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we’re powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you’ll also receive:

• An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• 24/7 colleague support service
• Training and support for your development and career progression
• Cycle-to-work scheme

A place you’ll belong

We’re building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, and our support centre is an inclusive environment where all our colleagues can thrive.

If you have a disability, we’ll make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process. We’re also proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme - if you’re disabled and you meet the minimum criteria for this job, we’ll guarantee you an interview.

Learn more about our recruitment process at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process

Explore our commitments to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion-wellbeing

As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes. If you're a current Co-op colleague, this does not need to be completed.