Senior Public Affairs And Communications Manager

Summary

From our Head Office to the shop floor and everywhere in between our primary goal is to create and deliver a fantastic customer journey for everyone who shops at Lidl. 

With over 7,000 colleagues across our stores, warehouses and offices in Ireland and Northern Ireland we are a big and ambitious team. We know our people are our greatest asset and our success is down to the commitment and dedication of our team.

Recently named the Most Reputable Retailer and the Most Sustainable Retailer in Ireland in the Ireland RepTrak Study, we’re seeking an experienced public affairs and communications professional to join our award-winning Corporate Affairs team. The Public Affairs and Communications Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing Lidl’s public affairs strategy, communications and stakeholder engagement across Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The ideal candidate will be an ambitious project manager with exceptional communication and relationship building skills, political expertise and commercial awareness. In this role, the successful candidate will support Lidl’s ambitious expansion plans, commercial agenda and reputation through strategic internal and external stakeholder engagement.

What you'll do

• Develop and manage Lidl’s public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategy
• Ensure the public affairs needs of internal and external stakeholders are met including Lidl’s Board of Directors, senior leadership team, employees and key stakeholder organisations
• Work closely with Corporate Affairs team leads across Communications, Partnerships & Events and Sustainability and well as Property, Commercial and Human Resources to develop a multi stakeholder mapping strategy and engagement plan to support wider business goals
• Liaise with departments to identify appropriate initiatives and activities for promotion to key external stakeholders
• Monitor government and policy developments and develop reporting, analysis and recommendations for Lidl
• Manage public policy work including conducting research, drafting reports and consultation responses
• Provide guidance and information, both internally and externally, on matters of policy seeking advice as necessary
• Horizon scanning to help shape Lidl’s policy and public affairs planning
• Collaborate and support Lidl’s Public Relations team to ensure messaging to media and other stakeholders is aligned
• Support the wider Corporate Affairs team as needed

What you'll need

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in public affairs and corporate communications
• Strong understanding on the political and media landscape in Ireland
• Proven track record of developing stakeholder engagement strategies with a focus on political engagement
• Experience in project management
• Third-level degree in politics or relevant field
• Excellent communication, presentation and analytical skills
• Proficient Microsoft Office skills
• German is an advantage but not essential
• Full driving license is essential

What you'll receive

Through our salary system, we ensure pay equality across all positions at Lidl

• €74,000 rising to €97,000 after 4 years
• Company car (optional)
• 25 days holidays per annum
• Private employee medical insurance
• Company pension after six months of service
• Flexible start and finish times
• Initial training and on-going development from an experienced team member
• Individuals recognised as high performing will be invited to join our Leadership Academy as part of your on-going development
• Excellent opportunities for career progression
• Dynamic work environment
• Modern office facility with free parking
• On-site gym and canteen
• Up to 2 days remote working per week
• Mobile and broadband discounts with Three network

Lidl is an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements, we will ensure any reasonable accommodations are implemented as part of the recruitment and selection process. We value diversity and inclusion in our workplace and want to ensure that all applicants have the same opportunity regardless of gender, civil status, family status, sexual orientation, age, disability, race, religious belief, political opinion or membership of the traveller community.