Group Communications Manager

Applegreen is in a rapid growth phase and to support this ambitious growth, We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Group Communications Manager to lead and deliver external and internal communications for Applegreen, across Ireland, UK and the United States. This exciting new role, reporting to the Group Chief Commercial Officer, will be central to shaping and managing Company updates, enhancing Applegreen's brand reputation, and ensuring consistent, engaging communications with stakeholders across multiple markets and cultures (for example - print & social media, state authorities, investors, etc). The role will involve close collaboration with senior leadership, country teams, and functional departments to develop and implement integrated communications strategies that support the company's business objectives, brand identity, and employee engagement across diverse geographies. The successful candidate will have responsibility for building communication frameworks, crafting best in class messages, and creating a communications function that truly drives business value. Key Responsibilities: External Communications: Develop and execute a proactive external communications strategy aligned with the company's brand, business goals, and ESG priorities. Create and maintain an editorial calendar that supports key business initiatives and campaigns. Work with external stakeholders (for example - traditional and social media, State authorities, investors, etc) to ensure we communicate in a timely and effective manner, in line with agreed objectives. Establish communications KPIs and measurement frameworks to track effectiveness. Build communication processes and workflows that can scale with organisational growth. Manage media relations across multiple markets, acting as a key point of contact for press enquiries and preparing spokespeople for interviews and public speaking engagements. Draft and distribute press releases, media statements, op-eds, speeches, and briefing documents. Work with marketing and digital teams to ensure consistent messaging across social media, corporate websites, and other external-facing channels. Support crisis and issues management, including media monitoring and rapid response planning. Coordinate with agencies and partners to amplify messaging and measure media impact. Internal Communications: Work closely with the HR teams to manage and optimise our internal communications platform, WorkVivo, ensuring high engagement and adoption groupwide. Lead the development and delivery of internal communications content for internal channels to engage, inform, and align employees across diverse geographies and cultures. Partner with internal stakeholders to support internal campaigns around culture, values, employer brand, D&I, change initiatives, and leadership communication. Act as a communications advisor to leadership and department heads. The Candidate should have the following: Qualifications, experience & skills Proven experience (8+ years) in corporate communications, preferably in a multinational, matrixed organisation. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content for varied audiences. Experience managing internal communications platforms. Demonstrable experience in using communications analytics and performance tracking to review impact of communications. Background working with (or for) external PR agencies/communications consultants. Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and respond quickly to changing circumstances. Background in the retail, or consumer goods an advantage. Experience in crisis communications or change management communications. Passion for storytelling and making complex information accessible and engaging. Experience working across both Europe and the US preferred; understanding of local market nuances and media landscapes. Fluency in English required. Additional key skills & attributes: A dynamic individual who adapts well to change and can thrive in a rapidly growing organisation that continues to evolve. Proven track record of delivering to tight deadlines. A highly organised individual with ability to plan and prioritise workloads effectively for maximum impact and adapt around changing priorities as required. Ability to execute directly at high quality and pace. Excellent drive, enthusiasm and commitment and a keen interest in developing a career in Applegreen. A 'can do' attitude and a positive solution focused mindset. Has strong commercial acumen and a focus on delivering value to the business. Exceptional interpersonal skills, and ability to engage and develop relationships with individuals at all levels of the organisation. Be a self-starter, and also be able to work collaboratively as a member of a highly interdependent team across many parts of Applegreen. Is resilient, calm under pressure and comfortable dealing with ambiguity. Has sound judgement and objective logical decision-making skills. Has strong leadership potential and management skills, who will be a role model for the people and culture at Applegreen. Willing to travel ad hoc if required in addition to supporting out of hours content development as required. Illustrative Application & Screening Process (subject to change): Application Process: Please submit an up to date tailored CV (max 2 pages). Interview & Selection Process: Two interview rounds will be required for this role. To Apply Please forward your CV via the APPLY Now button below.