Head of Communications

Licensed sponsor Liverpool Full-time Posted 3 days ago

John West is one of the UK's most iconic and trusted food brands, with a proud heritage and an ambitious future. As part of Thai Union, a global leader in the seafood industry, we're committed to delivering nutritious, responsibly sourced products while driving positive change for people and the planet.

You might know us for tuna. But we’re here for something bigger. We are the original tinned fish company, bringing sustainable, great tasting, nutritious, ready prepared fish to the your table/life!

We believe in fish, done properly. We believe seafood should be tasty, responsibly sourced, and part of a critical sustainable food system that doesn’t cost the earth or the ocean.

We’re looking for a Head of Communications who doesn’t just “do campaigns” — but starts conversations, sparks action, and gets people to care and take notice

Role Overview

We're looking for a communications leader who can turn brand ambition into conversation.

You'll lead leading how John West shows up in the world. We have that heritage , trust and respect already as a well- known and loved heritage brand, but we want to go further.

From bold campaign ideas to real-life activations, you’ll turn strategy into stuff people notice, talk about, and act on, where ever they buy or experience our brand.

You’ll be the kind of person who asks

“Why would anyone really care about this...its just fish?”
And then makes sure they do.

The role will be based in Liverpool and reporting to Senior Director, Marketing.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and lead integrated communications plans across PR, social, partnerships, and activations, that supports John West growth ambitions, brand positioning, and reputation.
Turn big brand ideas into real-world experiences and stories. Design and deliver brand activations, partnerships, and events that cut through
Think beyond the obvious: retail, experiential, digital-first, culture-led — wherever people are
Ensure everything we do feels unmistakably John West — bold, honest, and human
Translate our sustainability commitments into clear, engaging, and credible storytelling
Lead, inspire, and develop your team as you work cross-functionally with our brand teams, social, digital, shopper, commercial, and external agencies
Be the glue between idea and execution
Build strong relationships with partners, media, and creators
Use data to make things sharper, braver, and better next time
Stay curious about trends, culture, and what makes people tick

About You (Qualifications & Experience)

You don’t need to tick every box — but you should bring:

Experience in communications, PR, brand activation, experiential or integrated marketing
A track record of delivering campaigns that cut through
Ideally experience in food & drinks marketing
A strong sense of storytelling and audience insight
Confidence in managing agencies, stakeholders, and competing priorities
Line Management experience - team of 2+
A genuine interest in sustainability, food integrity, or doing business differently

And most importantly

You love brands and care about making brands matter.

The kind of person we are looking for

You’re curious — you dig deeper than the brief
You’re brave — safe ideas aren’t your thing – let’s take some risks (together)
You’re practical — real ideas actually get done, no faff!
You’re honest — no fluff, no nonsense
You’re optimistic — change is hard, but that’s the point

Why Join Us

Because seafood is at a crossroads.
Because consumers are paying attention to what they eat & how it impacts them
Because good brands have a responsibility — and an opportunity — to lead.

This role isn’t just about selling tuna. This is about selling quite fabulously tasting, ready to eat, nutritious , tinned fish!

It’s about helping shape a future where people trust what they eat and where it comes from

What we offer

A competitive salary (dependent on experience)
4 days in the office and up to 1 day at home
City center office location with free parking
27 days holiday plus bank holidays as well as the ability to purchase an additional 3 days annually
Discretionary bonus (based on company and personal performance)
A defined contribution pension scheme (maximum employer contribution of 7%)
Private Medical Insurance (Company funded single cover)
Life Insurance of 6 x salary
Flexible Benefits including gym discounts, cycle to work, high street discounts, wellbeing at home, flex pot into pension etc
Employee Assistance Programmed which provides support to help you navigate personal or work related challenges
1 paid volunteer day per year
Annual awards (linked to John West values, company and team events)

About Thai Union

Thai Union is a global seafood leader with a diversified portfolio spanning branded consumer products, nutrition, pet food, and OEM solutions, serving consumers and customers in more than 100 markets worldwide. With approximately 44,000 employees and trusted brands including John West, Chicken of the Sea, Petit Navire, Mareblu, King Oscar, Rügen Fisch, and Hawesta, we are united by a shared purpose: to nourish people and protect the oceans through innovation, sustainability, and responsible growth.

Discover more about working at Thai Union & John West

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Equal Opportunity Statement

Thai Union is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

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