PR & Communications Lead

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: PR & Communications Lead

🔹 Company: H&M Group

🔹 Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 16, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 office days per week)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Adapting global PR strategies and driving local PR activities
• Building and protecting the H&M brand through corporate communications messaging
• Managing crisis communications and internal communications initiatives
• Collaborating with marketing and other functions to maximize earned media impact

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and analytical mindset, with strong planning and prioritizing skills to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Responsible for adapting global PR strategies and driving local PR activities, including media selection, pitching, events, follow-up, and proof-reading

✅ Build, strengthen, and protect the H&M brand by developing corporate communications messaging for senior leaders of the business

✅ Manage crisis communications, supporting, guiding, and coordinating when needed

✅ Understand and communicate sustainability messaging, with experience in CSR and engaging and developing partners and plans

✅ Plan, execute, and follow up on local internal communications activities, supporting the Marketing & Communications Manager with important internal communication initiatives

✅ Lead and develop team members to strengthen the team and foster collaboration

✅ Secure business results and follow-up based on insights and analytics

ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong leadership, communication, and project management skills to oversee a team and deliver results across various PR and communications channels.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A communication degree or relevant qualification

Experience: Proven experience in strategic communication planning, media relations, issues/crisis management, and corporate communications messaging

Required Skills:

• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills
• Strategic and analytical mindset with strong planning and prioritizing skills
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Deep knowledge and experience working with local media (fashion & corporate)
• Event management experience and experience managing external partners

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CSR partners and sustainability
• Proven experience with internal communications and corporate communications messaging

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in PR and communications, along with relevant experience and qualifications, will be well-suited for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a PR & Communications Lead role in Sydney, the estimated salary range is AUD 120,000 - 160,000 per annum. This estimate takes into account the candidate's experience level and the company's size.

Benefits:

• 25% off H&M Group brands
• Flexible working arrangements (WFH 2 days a week, subject to business needs)
• Extensive development opportunities around the globe

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible working arrangements available

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's skills, experience, and the company's final decision.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: H&M Group operates in the retail and fashion industry, focusing on fast-fashion clothing. The company is known for its affordable pricing and wide range of products, catering to a diverse customer base.

Company Size: H&M Group is a large company with over 1,000 employees in Australia alone, providing ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: H&M Group was founded in Sweden in 1947 and has since expanded globally, operating in 75 geographical markets with over 4,800 stores under various company brands.

Company Description:

• H&M Group is a multinational clothing company that focuses on fast-fashion clothing
• The company is known for its affordable pricing and wide range of products, catering to a diverse customer base
• H&M Group operates in 75 geographical markets with 4,800 stores under various company brands, employing over 107,000 full-time equivalent positions

Company Specialties:

• Fast-fashion retail
• Affordable pricing strategy
• Global expansion and brand diversification

Company Website: hmgroup.com

ASSUMPTION: H&M Group's large size and global presence offer candidates the opportunity to work in a dynamic and multicultural environment, with potential for international career progression.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, requiring a strategic mindset and experience in leading a team and driving results.

Reporting Structure: The PR & Communications Lead reports directly to the Marketing & Communications Manager and collaborates closely with other functions to maximize earned media impact.

Work Arrangement: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with employees working from the office for three days a week and remotely for two days.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a regional or global role within the PR & Communications department
• Opportunities to work on cross-functional projects and collaborate with other departments
• Access to extensive development opportunities around the globe

ASSUMPTION: Given H&M Group's large size and global presence, candidates in this role have ample opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Sydney office is located in the central business district, offering a vibrant and dynamic work environment.

Office Location(s): 55 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia

Geographic Context:

• Sydney is the largest city in Australia, offering a multicultural environment and a high standard of living
• The city is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Sydney has a subtropical climate, with mild winters and warm summers

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, with flexible working arrangements available.

ASSUMPTION: Working in Sydney offers candidates the opportunity to live and work in a vibrant, multicultural city with a high standard of living and a pleasant climate.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with the Marketing & Communications Manager

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and ability to adapt global PR strategies
• Strategic mindset and analytical skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with H&M Group's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your past PR and communications work, demonstrating your ability to drive results and manage crises
• Research H&M Group's brand and values to show your enthusiasm for the company and alignment with its mission

ATS Keywords: PR, Communications, Crisis Management, Sustainability, CSR, Event Management, Media Relations, Strategic Planning, Team Management, Internal Communications, Corporate Communications, Microsoft Office, Networking, Content Creation

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on assessing candidates' communication skills, strategic mindset, and cultural fit.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
• PR and communications software (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions, Cision)
• Social media platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard in the PR and communications industry, with a focus on Microsoft Office Suite and industry-specific software for media monitoring and outreach.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Caring for customers
• Caring for colleagues
• Caring for the environment

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on delivering business impact
• Adaptable and open to feedback

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with H&M Group's values, particularly in caring for customers and colleagues?
• How do you approach working collaboratively with a team to deliver results?
• How do you adapt your communication style to different stakeholders, such as media, influencers, and internal colleagues?

ASSUMPTION: H&M Group values a work environment that is caring, collaborative, and focused on delivering results. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their alignment with these values and work style preferences.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• Adapting global PR strategies to local markets and cultures
• Balancing the demands of internal communications and corporate communications messaging
• Navigating a large, global organization with diverse teams and departments

ASSUMPTION: The PR & Communications Lead role presents unique challenges, requiring strong project management, communication, and leadership skills to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions, such as PR Manager or Communications Manager, in its focus on adapting global PR strategies and driving local PR activities, as well as managing crisis communications and internal communications initiatives
• Industry-specific context: The retail and fashion industry is highly competitive, with a strong focus on brand image and customer engagement
• Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the PR & Communications department, as well as potential cross-functional projects and collaborations with other departments

ASSUMPTION: The PR & Communications Lead role is unique in its focus on adapting global PR strategies and managing crisis communications, offering candidates the opportunity to work in a strategic and impactful role within the PR and communications industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a local PR campaign to launch a new H&M brand in Australia
• Managing a crisis communication strategy in response to a negative media article about the company's sustainability practices
• Creating and implementing an internal communications plan to announce a company restructuring or merger

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by a PR & Communications Lead, requiring strong strategic planning, communication, and leadership skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the overall PR and communications strategy for H&M Group in Australia?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does H&M Group support the professional development and growth of its PR & Communications team members?
• What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities exist for growth and advancement within the company?
• How does H&M Group approach work-life balance, and what resources are available to support employees in managing their personal and professional responsibilities?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates better understand the role's context, priorities, and growth opportunities, as well as the company's culture and support for work-life balance.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your past PR and communications work, demonstrating your ability to drive results and manage crises
• Research H&M Group's brand and values to show your enthusiasm for the company and alignment with its mission
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.