PR Officer

PR Officer £40,800 plus great benefits (Work Level 6A) Location: Manchester/Scunthorpe (hybrid working – typically two to three days per week spent across our Manchester and Scunthorpe offices, with at least one day each week based in Scunthorpe)

Co-op Wholesale is growing, and were looking for people who want to help shape what comes next. As a PR Officer in our brand-new Customer Experience team, youll deliver proactive media relations, press activity, and content that strengthens our voice in the market. Working closely with our PR and Social Manager, youll bring our brand to life in trade media, raise awareness of our commercial propositions, and position Co-op Wholesale as a trusted, progressive voice in the wholesale and convenience space.

This is a really varied role where youll manage day-to-day media engagement, develop stories, support press campaigns, and respond to media enquiries. Youll also play a key part in our awards strategy and case study pipeline, creating engaging content that showcases the impact we make for our partners.

Why this role matters

Were building something big at Co-op Wholesale. With a refreshed structure and exciting plans ahead, were creating new opportunities to strengthen our proposition for our independent retailers, key accounts, and a growing corporate client base. To do that, we need to make sure were protecting and strengthening the reputation of our brand, and positioning ourselves in the best way possible.

This is your chance to help bring new ideas to life and make a real impact across Co-op Wholesale. Be part of it.

What youll do

Build and manage relationships with key trade and B2B media, securing regular and relevant coverage Manage press office activity, handling inbound enquiries and ensuring accurate, timely responses Support with reactive comms and issue management Develop press releases, media statements, editorial pitches, and thought leadership content aligned to our brand strategy Help deliver integrated press campaigns that drive awareness of new initiatives, partnerships, or milestones Collaborate with internal teams to uncover media-worthy stories and amplify leadership voices Support industry award submissions and create case studies for use across press, social, and events

What youll bring

Experience in PR or media relations within a B2B, retail, FMCG, or agency environment Experience supporting issue communications and managing media protocols under pressure Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create strong press releases and respond confidently to journalist queries An eye for a good story and an understanding of what makes content newsworthy A proactive, collaborative approach and confidence working with people at all levels of seniority

Why Co-op?

At Co-op, were owned by our members. And because were owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, youre not just taking a job, youre joining a movement. Were an organisation that puts people and communities first, and were powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so youll also receive:

An annual bonus (based on personal and business performance) 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays A pension with up to 10% employer contributions 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands Stream – early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice 24/7 colleague support service Training and support for your development and career progression Cycle-to-work scheme

A place youll belong

Were building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, and our support centre is an inclusive environment where all our colleagues can thrive.

If you have a disability, well make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process. Were also proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme - if youre disabled and you meet the minimum criteria for this job, well guarantee you an interview. Learn more about our recruitment process at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/apply-process

Explore our commitments to diversity, inclusion and wellbeing at https://jobs.coop.co.uk/diversity-inclusion-wellbeing

As part of your application, you'll need to complete an online assessment. This assessment typically takes up to 50 minutes. If you're a current Co-op colleague, this does not need to be completed.