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: Public Relations & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 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
• Crisis management and corporate communications messaging
• Team leadership and development
• Collaboration with marketing and other functions
• Sustainability and CSR communication

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and analytical mindset, with strong planning and prioritizing skills. It involves managing and developing a team, ensuring strong collaboration and integration.

📋 Key Responsibilities

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

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

✅ Crisis Management, support, guide, and coordinate when needed

✅ Understanding of sustainability and communication of sustainability messaging

✅ Experience with CSR and engaging and developing partners and plans

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

✅ Responsible for local fashion PR activities and events together with the Marketing & Communications Manager and PR & Comms Team.

✅ Overall responsible to secure fashion press releases and content, incl. proof reading and translations with Communication Specialist & Press Officer.

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

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

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and team leadership. It requires strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A communication degree or relevant qualification is required.

Experience: Proven experience in strategic communication planning, media relations, and issues/crisis management. Deep knowledge and experience of working with local media (fashion & corporate). Event management experience and experience in managing external partners (PR agencies, Event agencies etc.).

Required Skills:

• Excellent relationship building and communication skills
• Strategic and analytical with strong planning and prioritizing skills
• Proven experience with internal communications and corporate communications messaging
• Fluent in Microsoft Office - Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CSR partners and sustainability
• Good network with journalists, stylists, and influencers

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record in public relations and communications, with a strong understanding of the local media landscape. They should also have experience managing teams and external partners.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this role is AU$120,000 - AU$150,000 per annum, based on industry standards for a PR & Communications Lead with 5-10 years of experience in Sydney.

Benefits:

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

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard business hours, Monday to Friday. Some flexibility may be required to attend events or manage crises.

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

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: H&M Group operates in the retail industry, focusing on fast-fashion clothing. They have a strong global presence with over 4,800 stores in 75 geographical markets.

Company Size: H&M Group is a large company with 1,001-5,000 employees globally. This size offers opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects.

Founded: H&M Group was founded in Sweden in 1947 and has since grown into a multinational corporation.

Company Description:

• H&M Group is a multinational clothing company based in Sweden that focuses on fast-fashion clothing.
• The company operates in 75 geographical markets with 4,800 stores under various brands, including H&M, COS, Monki, Weekdays, Arket, and & Other Stories.
• H&M Group is committed to sustainability and ethical practices in its operations and supply chain.

Company Specialties:

• Fast-fashion retail
• Sustainable and ethical business practices
• Global brand management

Company Website: hmgroup.com

ASSUMPTION: H&M Group's large size and global presence offer opportunities for career growth and exposure to diverse projects. The company's commitment to sustainability is a significant aspect of its corporate culture.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the Marketing and Communications Manager.

Reporting Structure: The PR & Communications Lead will report to the Marketing and Communications Manager and collaborate closely with other functions to maximize the effect of earned media.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with employees working from the office 3 days a week and remotely for the remaining 2 days.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to progress to a more senior role within the communications team or the broader marketing function.
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and campaigns, gaining valuable experience and exposure.
• Chance to develop leadership skills by managing and mentoring team members.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the communications team and the broader marketing function. The hybrid work arrangement provides a balance between collaboration and remote work.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The H&M Group office in Sydney is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and creativity.

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

Geographic Context:

• Sydney is the largest city in Australia and the capital of New South Wales.
• The city is known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• Sydney offers a high quality of life, with a range of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, with some flexibility required for events and crisis management.

ASSUMPTION: The Sydney office provides a modern and collaborative work environment, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities. The city of Sydney offers a high quality of life and a range of cultural and recreational opportunities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video screening with the HR team
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and a team member
• Final interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and strategic thinking
• Experience in public relations and crisis management
• Leadership and team management skills
• Understanding of the local media landscape and sustainability

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare examples of your past achievements in public relations, crisis management, and team leadership.
• Research H&M Group's corporate culture and values to demonstrate your fit with the company.

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Communications, Crisis Management, Sustainability, CSR, Event Management, Media Relations, Strategic Planning, Team Management, Internal Communications, Corporate Communications, Analytical Skills, Relationship Building, Communication Skills, Microsoft Office, Networking

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, with a focus on communication skills, strategic thinking, and relevant experience. Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight their fit with the role and the company.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

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

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the public relations and communications industry. Applicants should have experience with Microsoft Office Suite and be comfortable learning new software as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Creativity
• Sustainability
• Collaboration

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Focused on results and continuous improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with H&M Group's values of creativity, sustainability, and collaboration?
• How comfortable are you working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a focus on results?
• How do you approach teamwork and collaboration, and how have you fostered a collaborative work environment in the past?

ASSUMPTION: H&M Group values creativity, sustainability, and collaboration in its corporate culture. Applicants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have a proven track record of successful teamwork and collaboration.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Adapting to a large, global organization with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Balancing the demands of local and global PR strategies
• Navigating a competitive job market and demonstrating a strong fit with the company's values and culture

ASSUMPTION: This role presents both opportunities and challenges, including the need to manage multiple priorities and adapt to a large, global organization. Applicants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and have experience navigating complex stakeholder relationships.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other PR & Communications Lead roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work for a global retail brand with a strong focus on sustainability.
• Industry-specific context: The retail industry is highly competitive and fast-paced, with a constant need for innovation and adaptation.
• Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for career growth within the communications team and the broader marketing function, with potential progression to more senior roles.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work for a global retail brand with a strong focus on sustainability. Applicants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, competitive environment and have experience in the retail industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a local PR strategy to launch a new H&M brand in the Australian market
• Managing a crisis communication plan for a high-profile sustainability issue affecting the H&M Group
• Collaborating with the marketing team to create and execute an internal communications campaign to announce a significant company milestone

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the PR & Communications Lead at H&M Group. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and the outcomes they achieved.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics, and how this role fits within the broader marketing function?
• How does H&M Group support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the communications team?
• Can you provide examples of how H&M Group has successfully managed crises or navigated challenges in the past, and what role this position would play in those scenarios?
• How does H&M Group balance the demands of local and global PR strategies, and what is the expected approach for this role?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions help applicants understand the team structure, company culture, and expectations for the role. They also demonstrate the applicant's interest in and understanding of the position and the company.

📌 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, including specific examples of your achievements in public relations, crisis management, and team leadership.
• Prepare for the interview by researching H&M Group's corporate culture and values, and practicing your responses to common interview questions.
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the role and reiterate your qualifications.

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