Communications Manager for Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland

The Opportunity

A key role within the McDonalds UK and Ireland Impact (Corporate Affairs) department, we are recruiting for a Communications Manager for Ireland and Northern Ireland to join the team, ideally based in Dublin.

• We are looking for a creative communicator who enjoys variety within their role and appreciates the value of relationship building and engagement. Strong knowledge and understanding of the external media landscape in Ireland is essential.
• This diverse role spans corporate, consumer and local PR, including influencer engagement
• This role does not include Government Relations, but requires working closely with the Government Relations team who deliver political and stakeholder engagement in Ireland.
• You will be comfortable delivering both communications supporting corporate announcements (e.g. new store openings) through to consumer communications (e.g. new menu items and activation's working with both traditional and social media, and working closely with marketing as the lead PR person in the UK)
• This role leads the creation and delivery of the communications plan in Ireland, working closely to align with the strategy created at a central level
• Experience working with marketing teams and understanding the value that PR can bring alongside and as part of marketing activation's
• You will need to be agile to change, brilliant at building and maintaining relationships and ideally have experience managing agencies. You will actively partner with franchisees and suppliers to bring to life their stories at a community level as well as build positive relationships with journalists
• This role will suit a motivated, self-starting individual who will enjoy the autonomy and responsibility of managing and prioritising their time and resources and leading the development and implementation of their plan, but also who will work in close collaboration with the wider Impact (corporate relations) team

What will my accountabilities be?

• Develop and own the communications plan for Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, aligned to the wider communications plan and business objectives
• Work closely with the Head of Impact & Communications (Consumer and Corporate), Head of Government Relations, Head of Marketing and wider Impact team to bring to life an ambitious plan for Ireland

• Partner with, advise and provide hands-on support to franchisees on their local engagement plans
• Support the companys business strategy including growth plans, with communications support and local engagement for new restaurant applications, openings and extended hours licensing applications
• Create briefing documents and messaging for internal stakeholders
• Work with our ROI and NI agencies to ensure timely, relevant and tailored expertise and activation in support of all activates
• Develop news and content that informs a range of key audiences
• Support the press office function, and lead on reactive media enquiries relating to ROI and NI this will include out of hours support
• Strong written and presentation skills are essential
• A full Driving Licence is essential as there will be regular travel across Ireland
• A willingness to travel to the UK once a month for wider department meetings / business need

What Team will I be a part of?

• Impact (Corporate Affairs) department
• Franchisees, Restaurant Managers and Operations
• Communications agencies
• Office and field based departments
• Elected representatives.
• Media and social influencers

Who are my customers?

• Franchisees, Restaurant Managers and Operations
• Communications agencies
• Office and field based departments
• Media and social influencers

What background do I need to have?

• Experience working in a communications role in Ireland either in agency or inhouse working for big brands ideally with an understanding of the hospitality / food and drink industries
• Experience in drafting materials for press, organising and running events, budget management and agency management
• Issues management as well as proactive media relations experience
• An understanding of social media and influencers, working with talent and agents
• Proven media and stakeholder relationships across Ireland
• Adapt quickly and easily to new or changing conditions

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