Head of External Communication

Żabka Polska; Poznań; Hybrid; PLN 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car

Hybrid work model

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Żabka Group in Poznań is seeking an experienced leader to oversee External Communications, manage a team of experts, and partner with the Executive Board to shape reputation.

You will guide crisis communications, develop PR strategies, cooperate with media, and align communications with CSR initiatives. Hybrid work 2–3 days a week in Poznań, with a competitive compensation package including a company car.

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, or Strategic Communications.
• Proven track record in crisis communication management within a large, dynamic organization.
• Thrives under pressure and provides sound judgment in demanding environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and inspire the Communications Team (7 FTEs) to high performance and collaboration.
• Advise the Executive Board on communication, reputation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Steer crisis communication efforts and prepare the organization for high-pressure scenarios.
• Identify reputational risks, develop response scenarios, and implement crisis procedures.
• Represent the company to media and external stakeholders as a primary spokesperson.
• Develop and execute PR strategies aligned with business and reputation goals.
• Shape external communication strategies and enhance tools and channels.
• Coordinate with PR agencies and external partners, and support marketing initiatives.
• Build relationships with local authorities, NGOs, and external partners via Public Affairs.
• Oversee events planning and ensure execution within budgets.
• Monitor market trends and competitors’ communications activities.
• Manage budgets for communication and PR efforts.
• Develop and implement CSR strategy and monitor social impact initiatives.
• Ensure consistency of materials with Corporate Identity standards.

Skills

Public Relations Leadership

Crisis Management

Executive Advisory

Media Relationships

Corporate Communications

Public Affairs

CSR Initiatives

Stakeholder Engagement

Budget & Events

Team Development

Job description

At Żabka Group, we are looking for an experienced leader to take on a strategic role responsible for overseeing the External Communication function and leading a team of experts. This position is ideal for a highly capable people manager with a proven track record of building and developing high-performing teams, partnering with Executive Boards, and successfully operating in a fast-paced business and communications environment.

We are seeking a professional experienced in managing communications within organizations exposed to significant media attention and reputational challenges, with the ability to effectively guide the organization through crisis situations. A key element of this role will be responsibility for crisis communication management, making sound decisions in demanding circumstances, and providing strategic communications counsel to the Executive Board and key business stakeholders.

This is a role with broad business and reputational impact, encompassing the development and execution of PR strategies, advancement of corporate communications, cooperation with media and external partners, Public Affairs activities, and CSR initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and inspire the Communications Team (7 FTEs), fostering high performance, engagement, and a collaborative culture
• Act as a strategic advisor to the Executive Board on communication, reputation, and stakeholder engagement matters
• Lead crisis communication efforts and ensure the organization is prepared to operate effectively in situations of elevated media and business pressure
• Identify and monitor potential reputational risks, develop response scenarios, and implement crisis management procedures and standards
• Serve as the company spokesperson and represent the organization in relations with media and key external stakeholders
• Develop and execute Public Relations strategies that support the organization’s business and reputation goals
• Shape and implement external communication strategies and continuously enhance communication tools and channels
• Oversee cooperation with PR agencies and external partners
• Coordinate communication activities delivered in partnership with other business functions and support marketing initiatives
• Build and strengthen relationships with local authorities, NGOs, and external partners through Public Affairs activities
• Oversee the planning and delivery of events while ensuring execution within approved budgets
• Monitor market trends and analyze competitors’ communication and reputation-building activities
• Manage planning and execution of communication and PR budgets
• Develop and implement the company’s CSR strategy in line with its business profile and monitor the effectiveness of social impact initiatives
• Ensure consistency of communication materials with Corporate Identity standards

We are looking for someone who

• Has extensive leadership experience in Public Relations, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, or Strategic Communications
• Has a proven track record in crisis communication management within a large and dynamic organization
• Thrives under pressure and demonstrates sound judgment in a demanding business and media environment
• Has experience partnering with Executive Boards and acting as a trusted strategic advisor to business leaders
• Has successfully led teams and supported the development of both managerial and specialist capabilities
• Can design and implement communication strategies aligned with business objectives
• Performs effectively in a fast-changing environment
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and presentation skills
• Builds long-term relationships with media representatives, external partners, and key stakeholders
• Is fluent in both Polish and English
• Holds a category B driving licence

What we offer

• A real opportunity to shape the communication strategy and reputation of one of the largest retail organizations in Poland
• Close collaboration with the Executive Board and key business leaders
• A strategic role with significant influence across the organization
• A dynamic work environment focused on growth, innovation, and continuous improvement
• A competitive compensation and benefits package, including a company car
• A hybrid working model with 2–3 days per week in our Poznań office