About Us

We're a truly international company, fourth largest in our industry and operating across 119 markets. An inclusive, innovative global FMCG business supported by 26,000 employees. As we embrace a new era of growth, we are transforming. Our ways of working and culture are driven by a challenger mindset, constantly questioning the status quo where people can bring their best selves to work. Our agility and collaboration are driving our ambitions, innovation and success all supported by our award-winning development programmes that creates exciting and rewarding career opportunities for all.

As we move forward, our consumers will be at the heart of what we do, evolving to needs and expectations and committing to a more meaningful contribution to harm reduction by building a successful NGP business. Integral to our long-term success is our sustainability strategy, behaving responsibly and supporting our ambitions, all underpinned by high governance.

Encouraging inclusion at local levels and supporting a developing and robust diversity agenda globally, we’re fully committed to creating and maintaining an environment that celebrates and respects difference.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Cluster Corporate & Legal Affairs, the Communications Manager is responsible for defining, implementing and driving a high-quality internal and external communications strategy covering both next generation vaping products and tobacco. The primary focus is to give ITL a voice in the trade and specialist vaping media.

The Communications Manager must ensure consistency, accuracy, compliance and effectiveness of internal and external communications material. It is essential that the role holder should aim to maintain and enhance the brand and enhance the positive reputation of the business. To achieve this the role manages one direct report and external agency support.

The Communications Manager must be seen as a credible, factual and positive voice on issues affecting ITL and the industry. He/she must also take a proactive approach to external communication opportunities. In addition, the Communications Manager should build the internal reputation of the business by facilitating communication with our internal stakeholders and deliver our business & sustainability messages.

Principal Responsibilities/Accountabilities

The Communications Manager is responsible for defining & implementing ITL’s communications strategy for tobacco and next generation products to include trade press, trade specific events, legislation, corporate compliance & crisis management. The role also carries oversight for communications in the Irish market.

External Communications:

• To develop & maintain effective external relationships with editors, journalists and associations across trade press to position ITL as a credible category leader and to protect and enhance the corporate reputation.
• Identify external communications opportunities.
• To develop and manage new relationships with key vaping media and stakeholders to support our next generation products agenda.
• To assist and support the market spokesperson and communicate key messages to the media, trade associations & other stakeholders on all market & industry issues.
• Liaise with media sources to maximise exposure for ITL, including timely preparation of press releases.
• Prepare editorial content for UK press.
• To support management and monitoring of Social Media.
• Oversee event arrangement and management, particularly for trade events.
• Management of external consultancy

Internal Communications:

• Produce, edit and manage distribution of strategic internal communications material in support of Cluster Leadership Team (CLT) agenda.
• Identify and assist the implementation of efficient cross-business communication processes at both market and cluster levels.
• To provide support and assist with communication in relation to Crisis/Risk Management duties.
• To brief and provide media training to stakeholders at all levels when required to provide external comment.

Communications and Working Relationships:

Internal:

• Strong relationships with CLT, Group CLA & Group Communications
• Liaise and work closely with Group functions (primarily Group Corporate Affairs and Group Communications) and be an active member of the Global Corporate & Legal Affairs Community
• General Manager/CLT business partner
• Internal communications to the UK & Ireland workforce

External:

• Sourcing, developing and engaging key regional & national journals and trade media.

Person Specification (including Behaviours, Skills & Knowledge)

Essential:

Experience

• Proven experience of successfully handling regional & national media
• Proven experience of delivering high impact external & internal communications within a corporate and commercial environment
• Effective interpersonal, management and communication skills including the ability to write and present clear and concise professional communications to a range of audiences across all levels
• Proven experience of working within all forms of communication including print, digital and social media
• Experience of working within media relations with some formal media relations training strongly preferred
• Experience and interest of working within the political agenda
• Previous experience of planning, budgetary and strategy formulation around corporate communications
• Good attention to detail
• Experience of leading a team, coaching and developing others
• Readily adapts style and approach
• Strong project management skills

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of and interest in current and political affairs plus legislative and regulatory matters
• Possess an understanding of lobbying and the workings of Government
• The credibility and gravitas to influence strategically both internally and externally across all levels of seniority
• Excellent knowledge of English (both oral and written)

Skills/Abilities:

• Personal resilience with the ability to adapt to the ever-changing media and political landscape
• The credibility and gravitas to influence strategically both internally and externally across all levels of seniority.

Qualifications/Training:

• University degree
• Media/ PR training

Other Attributes:

• Bristol based
• To be flexible and available to travel across the UK and Ireland as and when required

Desirable:

Experience:

• A strong network of media and communications contacts

Knowledge:

• Member of relevant professional institute or association
• Professional or related qualification

What we offer

Imperial Brands offer a competitive package of salary, bonus scheme, pension and 25 days holiday (with an additional 4 days on top to cover the Christmas period and bank holidays) and hybrid work.

Next steps

Interested applicants should apply with their CV highlighting their suitability for the role.