Hybrid – London Store Support Centre (2 days per week on average) and Home 

Please apply for the role with your current CV and Cover Letter.

About the team
The Corporate Affairs division at Sainsbury’s is at the heart of our communications strategy, shaping the narrative that defines our brand and purpose. As part of this dynamic team, you will be joining a group of professionals dedicated to delivering impactful communications across all our brands. The Media Relations team plays a critical role in protecting and promoting our reputation, working closely with colleagues across Government Relations, Consumer PR, Internal Communications, and Strategic Communications to ensure a unified and compelling message.

More about the role
As a Media Relations Executive, you will play a key role in supporting issues-led media relations for the company, working on both a reactive and pre-emptive basis on matters that impact corporate reputation. Reporting to a Senior Media Relations Manager, you will manage incoming media requests, handle localised media issues relating to individual stores, liaise with internal teams to anticipate and prepare for potential media issues, and support the delivery of company-wide communications to key stakeholders. You will also support communications around property activity, including store openings and closures, and contribute to generating positive media coverage. Building and maintaining relationships with key journalists and internal stakeholders across diverse teams will be central to your day-to-day activities. 

More about you
You will have a good understanding of how the media works and demonstrable experience in managing media issues and working confidently with journalists across a range of media outlets, including key national publications. Your ability to craft clear and compelling media statements, Q&As, and press releases will set you apart. A strong understanding of the media landscape, current affairs and consumer-facing businesses is essential.

We are looking for someone who is proactive, curious, and enthusiastic. You should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, prioritising tasks, managing ambiguity, and engaging and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. You should feel confident sharing your views openly and keeping communication clear and constructive. 

Essential criteria
•    Proven experience in a press office or news media environment, including hands-on issues management.  
•    Strong written and verbal communication skills and demonstrable ability to write clear and accurate statements, Q&As, briefing documents and press releases quickly and confidently.
•   Good understanding of media operations, current affairs, consumer-facing businesses, and ideally the retail industry.
•    Demonstrable experience with social media monitoring tools and reporting on digital conversations alongside traditional media. 
•    Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with journalists and internal stakeholders.