PR Officer

CO-OP; Scunthorpe; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

28 days holiday

Pension contributions

Discount on Co-op products

Stream (pay access)

Virtual healthcare

24/7 support

Training & development

Cycle-to-work scheme

Job summary

Co-op Wholesale is growing and we're seeking a PR Officer in the Customer Experience (CX) team to drive proactive media relations, press activity and content that strengthens our voice in the market. You will manage day-to-day media engagement, develop stories, support press campaigns and respond to inquiries, helping shape awards and case studies across trade media and partnerships.

Hybrid working: typically two days per week across our Manchester and Scunthorpe offices, with at least one day

Qualifications

• Proven experience in PR media relations within a B2B, retail, FMCG, or agency environment.
• Experience supporting issue communications and managing media protocols under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft strong media copy.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage relationships with key trade and B2B media to secure coverage that supports awareness and growth.
• Manage press office activity including store launches, franchise openings, corporate announcements, and extensions.
• Develop press materials such as releases, statements and pitches aligned to brand strategy.
• Help deliver integrated media campaigns to raise awareness of initiatives and milestones.
• Collaborate with internal teams to uncover media-worthy stories and amplify leadership voices.
• Support industry award submissions and create case studies for media, social and events.

Skills

PR media relations

B2B communications

Press office management

Storytelling / news sense

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

Location: Manchester/Scunthorpe (hybrid working - typically two 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 PR Officer in our Customer Experience (CX) team, you'll deliver proactive media relations, press activity, and content that strengthens our voice in the market. Working closely with our PR and Social Manager, you'll bring our brand to life in trade media, raise awareness of our commercial propositions, and position Co-op Wholesale as a trusted, progressive voice in the wholesale, franchise and convenience space. This is a really varied role where you'll manage day-to-day media engagement, develop stories, support press campaigns, and respond to media enquiries. You'll also play a key part in our awards strategy and case study pipeline, creating engaging content that showcases the impact we make for our partners. 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 we're protecting and strengthening the reputation of our brand, and positioning ourselves in the best way possible. 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

• Build and manage relationships with key trade and B2B media, securing regular and relevant coverage that serves our wider corporate objectives of awareness and growth
• Manage press office activity namely store launches, franchise openings, corporate announcements, and contract extensions, handling inbound enquiries and ensuring accurate, timely responses
• Support with reactive comms and issue management in a highly professional capacity
• Develop press releases, media statements, photography briefs, editorial pitches, trade features and thought leadership content aligned to our brand strategy
• Help deliver and shape integrated media campaigns that drive awareness of new initiatives, partnerships, or milestones
• Collaborate with internal teams and join working groups to uncover media-worthy stories, represent the PR team and amplify leadership voices
• Support industry award submissions and create case studies for use across media, social and events
• Help seek new media opportunities to develop Co-op Wholesale's media presence
• Proven experience in PR media relations within a B2B, retail, FMCG, or agency environment
• Experience supporting issue communications and managing media protocols under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create strong media copy and respond confidently to journalist queries
• The ability to spot a good story and an understanding of what makes content newsworthy
• A proactive, positive, collaborative approach and confidence working with people at all levels of seniority

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