Head of External Communications

Debenhams Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Debenhams Group seeks a Head of Communications to oversee a cohesive communication strategy aligning internal and external narratives. This central role requires a strong leader experienced in retail communications to engage employees and strengthen brand identity, ensuring clear and impactful messaging.

Benefits

Highly competitive bonus scheme

Company pension plan

Access to on-site gym

40% discount across four brands

Comprehensive wellbeing package

Ongoing learning and development opportunities

Free season ticket loan

Qualifications

• Significant experience in communications leadership roles in the retail sector.
• Proven ability in building and implementing communication strategies.
• Excellent writing and editorial skills tailored to varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the internal and external communications strategy for Debenhams Group.
• Manage media relations and external narratives.
• Develop internal communications aligned with business priorities and values.

Skills

Internal Communications

External Communications

Media Relations

Crisis Communications

Emotional Intelligence

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communications or related field

Job description

THE ROLE

At Debenhams Group, we are on a journey of transformation, revitalising our brand, culture, and connection with colleagues and customers alike. In a fast-changing retail environment, effective and authentic communication is vital to building trust, aligning our teams, and amplifying the impact of our work across internal and external audiences.

We are now looking to hire an experienced Head of Communications to lead and deliver our communications strategy across all channels, internally with our colleagues and externally with media and key stakeholders. This is a pivotal role that will ensure our voice is consistent, engaging, and aligned with our values and commercial goals.

This role will be based out of our central Manchester office.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Following a period of structural change, brand repositioning, and workforce transformation, the opportunity now is to bring clarity, consistency and energy to how we communicate, inside and out.

This role will drive an integrated communications approach that:

• Unites and informs our workforce

• Strengthens our brand narrative

• Supports recruitment and retention

• Builds pride in our purpose and direction

You will be responsible for leading the strategy and execution of internal and external communications across Debenhams Group, ensuring that our story is clearly told, well understood, and positively received.

Key Responsibilities:

External Communications

• Shape and deliver a clear and credible external narrative for Debenhams Group and its brands, consistent with our values and strategy.

• Manage day-to-day media relations and proactive storytelling across consumer, business, and industry press.

• Act as a key point of contact for media enquiries, working alongside PR agencies and in-house colleagues as needed.

• Support executive and senior leadership with external speaking opportunities, briefings, and thought leadership content.

• Collaborate with Marketing, Brand, and Social Media teams to ensure consistency across all touchpoints.

Reputation and Crisis Communications

• Lead the communications response to reputation-sensitive issues, working closely with Legal, People, and Executive colleagues.

• Create and maintain scenario planning, holding statements, and guidance for rapid response.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders during sensitive or high-impact situations.

Internal Communications

• Develop and deliver a compelling internal communications strategy aligned with business priorities, values, and culture.

• Own the communication rhythm for colleague updates, announcements, town halls, campaigns, and leadership messaging.

• Work closely with the People team to engage colleagues with change initiatives, culture development, values, and DE&I programmes.

• Champion our internal platforms (e.g. intranet, newsletters, digital signage, collaboration tools) to maximise engagement.

• Create content that connects our people to strategy, performance, and purpose - including campaigns, Q&As, interviews, and stories.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR

Your Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Significant experience in external and internal communications leadership roles, ideally in a retail or fast-paced consumer business.

• Proven ability to build, lead and implement communications strategies that engage, inform, and inspire.

• Excellent writing and editorial skills, with the ability to adapt tone and message to varied audiences and platforms.

• Strong judgement and confidence in managing sensitive or complex issues calmly and effectively.

• Skilled in building relationships across all levels of a business, with a high level of emotional intelligence and influence.

• Experience in employer branding, employee engagement, and change communications is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with media landscape, journalist relations, and crisis comms best practices.

• Agile, proactive and hands-on — willing to roll up your sleeves and deliver content, not just strategy.

WORKING WITH US

At Debenhams Group we thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers—people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.

WHY JOIN US

Our mission is to create a workplace where everyone is respected, their individual differences are valued, and they can be themselves at work without exception.

2025 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group.

Let’s lead the change together.

Benefits Include: (subject to level and eligibility)

• Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover, and life assurance

• Access to an on-site gym (Techno Equipment) and free weekly yoga and fitness classes

• 40% discount across four brands and 20% off at Debenhams

• A comprehensive wellbeing package to support your health and lifestyle

• Some of our offices are dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join you at work

• Ongoing learning and development opportunities with great internal career progression

• On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks daily

• Free season ticket loan

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