Corporate Communications Manager

The Walt Disney Company; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Walt Disney Company seeks a Corporate Communications Manager to lead impactful PR campaigns. This role encompasses strategic communications, media relations, and cross-functional collaboration, focusing on enhancing brand reputation across EMEA. Ideal candidates are experienced in crisis management and possess exceptional writing skills, driving narrative through various channels.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Private medical insurance & dental care

Free Park Entry

Disney Discounts

Excellent parental and guardian leave

Employee Resource Groups

Qualifications

• Proven experience in corporate communications, ideally at Senior Account Director level or above.
• Exceptional writing skills - capable of drafting press releases, speeches, executive messaging.
• Deep understanding of the media landscape with expertise in shaping stories for earned coverage.

Responsibilities

• Shape brand storytelling through earned media channels ensuring alignment with marketing priorities.
• Manage PR agencies to maximize campaign impact and media coverage.
• Build relationships with media across various platforms to secure positive coverage.

Skills

Crisis management

Media relations

Strategic communication

Storytelling

Job description

About The Role & Team

Be you, be here, be part of the story!

At The Walt Disney Company, magic is more than just a word; it's a way of life. For a century, we've been inspiring imaginations, celebrating diversity, and bringing families together through our beloved stories, characters, and experiences. From our iconic theme parks and resorts to our groundbreaking films, television shows, interactive media and products, we're dedicated to creating magic that knows no bounds.

We are looking for an experienced Corporate Communications Manager to lead high-impact corporate PR campaigns that enhance brand reputation and drive earned media engagement. This role involves strategic storytelling, media relations, stakeholder management, crisis communication, and integrated campaigns that connect with audiences across EMEA.

You will work cross-functionally with teams including Brand & Franchise Marketing, CSR, DE&I, Public Policy, Legal, Finance, and Consumer Products, ensuring alignment in messaging and activation. Your expertise in managing PR agencies, developing assets, shaping narratives, and leading brand moments will be crucial in delivering standout communications efforts.

Join us in shaping the magic behind the scenes!

This is an office-based role. 4 days working in the Hammersmith, London office with 1 day working from home (Monday or Friday).

What You Will Do

Strategic Communications & PR Campaigns

• Shape brand storytelling through earned media and digital channels ensuring alignment with marketing priorities.
• Strategically manage PR agencies to maximize campaign impact and media coverage.
• Deliver high-profile comms activations across the UK and wider EMEA markets, ensuring localization while maintaining brand consistency.
• Develop and lead corporate PR campaigns for major brand activations such Disney’s annual Christmas advert and CSR initiatives such as A Disney Wish.
  
  
  

Media Relations & Crisis Management

• Build strong relationships with media (across broadcast, print, online), securing positive press coverage
• Lead with Corporate Communications Director on crisis communications, developing messaging and media management plans in response to issues.
• Conduct regular media briefings to keep journalists informed of key brand developments and corporate narrative.
• Work closer with executive team to deliver stakeholder engagement plan, including organizing stakeholder events.
  
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Thought Leadership

• Work with internal teams to amplify PR efforts across multiple channels.
• Work with Corporate Communications Director to set direction for EMEA markets, ensuring replication of successful campaigns where relevant.
• Sustain collaboration with market teams across EMEA
• Lead speaker engagements for UK and EMEA leadership, overseeing messaging, speechwriting, and audiovisual materials.
• Oversee corporate assets including fact sheets, boilerplates, executive biographies, photography, and corporate website content.
• Organize corporate events such as engagement events and media screenings as well as lead the EMEA elements of the bi-annual D23 Expo.
  
  
  

Performance Tracking & Budget Oversight

• Define earned media KPIs, assess campaign effectiveness, and apply insights to future strategies.
• Ensure efficient budget management, overseeing cost trackers and securing resources to support PR initiatives.
  
  
  

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Proven experience in corporate communications, ideally at Senior Account Director level or above (if agency).
• Deep understanding of the media landscape, with expertise in shaping stories for earned coverage.
• Exceptional writing skills - capable of drafting press releases, speeches, executive messaging, and strategy documents.
• Familiarity with different countries in EMEA through the lens of comms and confident navigating multiple market asks at any one point
• Strong organization and project management abilities, with a proactive, problem-solving mindset.
• A strategic and creative thinker, adept at developing impactful campaigns in fast-paced environments.
• Experience in crisis management, including media handling and reactive messaging.
• Leadership skills - ability to mentor junior team members and manage agency partnerships effectively.
• You’ll be adept in providing strategic comms advice - outlining internally what works in earned media.
  
  
  

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave
• Private medical insurance & dental care
• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
• Excellent parental and guardian leave
• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.
  
  
  

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.