Job Description

Based - St Albans, AL1 2RE (Hybrid 50%)

14 Month FTC, Full Time

Join Premier Foods — where people, brands and purpose come together.

We’re proud to be one of the UK’s largest listed food businesses, with over 4,000 colleagues across 13 sites shaping the future of some of Britain’s best‑loved brands, found in 94% of households nationwide, making us one of the UK’s top three ambient food suppliers. From much‑loved household names such as Mr Kipling, Bisto, Oxo, Batchelors and Sharwoods, to our recently welcomed brands Fuel10k and Merchant Gourmet, our portfolio is packed with iconic favourites — and continues to grow.

At Premier Foods, we’re home to some of the UK’s best‑loved food brands, enjoyed by millions every day. But we’re about more than great food. We’re about people, growth, warmth and individuality – creating an environment where everyone can thrive, be themselves, and make a meaningful impact.
We’re now looking for an experienced Director of Corporate Affairs to join us on a maternity cover fixed‑term contract. This is a senior, high‑profile role and a member of the Group Leadership Team, offering the opportunity to lead and shape corporate communications, public affairs and internal engagement at a pivotal time for the business.

Reporting into the Executive Leadership Team, this role holds overall responsibility for protecting and strengthening the corporate reputation of Premier Foods with key internal and external stakeholders. As a listed business operating in a fast‑paced, highly visible environment, you’ll lead all internal and external corporate communications and public affairs activity, working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, Investor Relations Director and senior stakeholders across the organisation.

You’ll oversee a busy press office, an experienced internal communications team, and all public affairs engagement, ensuring the business is well positioned, well briefed and confident in its voice.

What you'll be doing?

External communications

• Lead communications for financial results, trading updates, the AGM and Annual Report
• Develop and deliver strategic corporate communications plans, including investment case, growth strategy and ESG storytelling
• Oversee owned channels, including the Group website and corporate social media
• Provide senior counsel on reactive media, issues management and reputational risk
• Lead communications around M&A activity and other business‑critical events

Internal communications

• Shape and deliver an engaging internal communications strategy aligned to business priorities
• Drive engagement across all colleague channels, connecting office‑ and site‑based colleagues
• Lead leadership conferences, town halls and senior leadership communications
• Ensure clear, compelling storytelling around strategy, culture, brand and ESG

Public affairs

• Lead relationships with government, trade bodies, NGOs and key political stakeholders
• Ensure senior leaders are well briefed on policy, regulatory and political developments
• Oversee trade association engagement and consultation responses

Leadership & management

• Provide trusted strategic counsel to the CEO, Executive Leadership Team and PLC Board
• Lead, develop and inspire a team of five across Corporate Affairs
• Manage external agencies and oversee corporate affairs budgets

What we need from you?

You’ll be a seasoned corporate affairs leader with:

• Senior‑level experience across corporate communications, internal comms and public affairs
• A strong background in a listed organisation, including financial results communications
• Proven experience managing a high‑volume press office and complex stakeholder landscape
• Confidence influencing at Executive and Board level
• A collaborative, fast‑paced leadership style with strong judgement and gravitas

Experience in FMCG, retail or a similarly high‑profile consumer environment would be advantageous.

What we offer you in return...?

• Competitive salary
• Car Allowance
• Bonus
• Up to 7.5% pension
• Life assurance
• Wide range of online and in-house training
• Access to an employee discount scheme, with access to hundreds of nationwide retailers

Ready to apply...?

Click apply, submitting an up-to-date CV tailored to this opportunity. We look forward to hearing from you.

At Premier foods we believe in inclusion, authenticity and individuality. We aim to ensure all existing and future colleagues are given equitable opportunities and are respected, valued and encouraged to bring their true authentic selves to work no matter who they are, what they look like, who they love or what they believe in. Our culture is one where everyone is welcome.

We're proud to be a Disability Smart employer and are committed to supporting disability inclusion throughout our recruitment process. If you experience any access issues or require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know so we can ensure you have the support you need.