Lead Media Manager

Tesco UK • Shire Park, Kestral Way, Welwyn Garden City • Permanent • Working hours Team Rota. Shifts include - 8am-4pm, 9am-5pm and 10am-6pm • Apply by 03-Feb-2026

We are on the lookout for a Lead Media Relations Manager to join our Group Communications team. You will be a senior leader in the Press Office, responsible for protecting the brand's reputation through timely, effective and accessible media engagement. You'll develop impactful proactive media strategies and manage sensitive issues with sound judgement.

You approve local media enquiries and supplier press releases to ensure accuracy, consistency and alignment with central messaging. Collaborates closely with the Group Communications team to represent Tesco confidently in the media and support a strong sector-wide Share of Voice.

What is in it for you

We're all about the little helps. That's why we make sure our Tesco colleague benefits package takes care of you - both in and out of work. Click Here to find out more!

• Annual bonus scheme of up to 20% of base salary
• Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance
• 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (after 1 years' service) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, we also offer 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave
• Free 24/7 virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family, free access to a range of experts to support your mental wellbeing

You will be responsible for

• Supporting the Head of Media with day‑to‑day Press Office operations.
• Handling reactive media enquiries with accurate, timely responses.
• Approving local media responses for consistency and alignment.
• Creating clear, effective communications plans and press materials.
• Monitoring news and responding quickly to emerging stories.
• Shaping coverage by promoting key messages and protecting reputation.
• Pitching proactive stories that deliver strategic, positive coverage.
• Working with Group Communications and wider teams on media issues and opportunities.
• Building strong relationships with key journalists.
• Managing filming requests and overseeing in‑store and on‑site shoots.
• Providing out‑of‑hours support on the on‑call rota.
• Upholding high standards of integrity and due diligence.

Supporting best‑in‑class Press Office operations by:

• Assisting with procurement for media monitoring services.
• Tracking news trends to spot risks and opportunities.
• Horizon‑scanning for emerging issues.
• Contributing to campaign evaluation reports.
• Managing external stakeholders and reviewing supplier releases.

You will need

Operational skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication, with clear and accurate messaging.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proven ability to work at pace, manage deadlines and stay composed under pressure.
• Strong news judgement and understanding of political, media and stakeholder landscapes.
• Skilled at identifying reputational risks and effective mitigations.
• Solid knowledge of the media landscape, ideally including the retail sector.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with journalists.
• Able to turn complex information into clear, accessible media content.
• Collaborative, can‑do approach with strong prioritisation skills.

Relevant experience (concise)

• Experience in a busy press office or newsroom.
• Handling high volumes of reactive media enquiries.
• Drafting, reviewing and editing press materials for tone and accuracy.
• Delivering proactive media activity and measuring results.
• Building strong relationships with national, local and trade journalists.
• Managing agencies and working with external stakeholders.
• Developing internal stakeholder networks.
• Experience managing proactive campaigns and budgets (desirable).

About us

You might know us as a supermarket, technology company or even for our award-winning mobile network. Truth is, we're all of those things, and much more. Our colleagues work with one goal in mind, helping to make every day a little better for our customers, colleagues and communities all over the world. No two customers are the same, neither are our colleagues.

At Tesco, we champion a balance that lets you thrive both in and out of work. Spend 60% of your week collaborating with colleagues at our office locations or local sites and the rest remotely. Whether you're just kicking off your career, juggling passions, or navigating big life events, we're here to support you. We always welcome a conversation about flexible working, so talk to us throughout your application about how we can support.

We're proud to be an accredited Disability Confident Leader, where everyone's welcome. That's why we commit to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need support with your application, click here for more information. And if you're interested in joining our team but don't tick every box, don't let that hold you back from applying.