Chief Executive
Strategy and Public Affairs
News and Media Manager
Ref: 001631
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £42,839 - £47,181 per annum (Grade 8)
Hours: 36.66 per week with hybrid working
Location: The Spindles, George St, Oldham OL1 1LF
Closing Date: Monday 3 August 2026
Interview Date: TBC.
Role Overview:
Oldham is one of the UK's fastest-changing boroughs in Greater Manchester, with major regeneration, ambitious public service reform and no shortage of stories to tell. We're looking for an experienced Media Manager to lead our press office and help protect and enhance the council's reputation.
This is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced news environment. You'll build strong relationships with journalists, manage reactive media enquiries, identify proactive opportunities and provide trusted communications advice to senior leaders and elected members. From breaking news and major announcements to sensitive issues and crisis communications, you'll know how to respond with confidence, accuracy and professionalism.
You'll lead a small, talented team and work across everything from regeneration and culture to children's services and the environment, ensuring our stories are told clearly, openly and effectively.
We're looking for someone who:
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Has significant experience working in a busy media or press office environment.
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Knows how to build positive relationships with local, regional and national journalists.
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Can write compelling press releases, statements, briefing notes and key messages at pace.
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Is calm under pressure and experienced in handling high-profile and sensitive issues.
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Can provide strategic media advice to senior stakeholders and political leaders.
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Has excellent news judgement and a proactive approach to finding and shaping stories.
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Is an inspiring leader who can develop and support a high-performing team.
In return, you'll join an ambitious organisation at the heart of one of Greater Manchester's most exciting transformation programmes, with the opportunity to work on projects that genuinely make a difference to people's lives.
If you're an experienced communications professional who knows what makes a story, enjoys working with the media and wants to help shape the reputation of a borough that's changing for the better, we'd love to hear from you.
About Us:
We want Oldham to have vibrant, safe neighbourhoods where people are proud to live with opportunities for healthier, more fulfilled lives; and a sustainable, thriving economy. As we look to the future, the challenges may be significant, but so are the opportunities. We’ve identified three missions with our residents and partners, focusing on what will deliver the biggest impact:
A Great Place to Live, Healthier, Happier Lives, and Green and Growing.
We’re looking for candidates who will support us to achieve our ambitions and we encourage you to download our Corporate Plan: Ready for the Future and our Oldham Plan for further information.
Our Values and Behaviours:
By driving innovation, investing in our people, and championing our communities, we will ensure that Oldham continues to be a place where everyone can live their best life. To support this, we have three core values which define who we are and how we operate. These are ‘Proud, Ambitious, and Together’, and they shape our culture, inform our decisions, and inspire us to deliver on our commitments to the people of Oldham.
We have translated these values into five behaviours which guide our actions and are the standards we hold ourselves to, day in and day out:
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Work with a resident focus
- Support local leaders
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Committed to the borough
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Delivery high performance
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Take ownership and drive change
You can find out more about our values and behaviours on our greater.jobs Oldham page
Our Benefits Package:
At Oldham Council we offer a great benefits package for our employees, which includes the following:
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25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10-years’ service
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The option to purchase additional annual leave.
- An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared cost additional voluntary contributions.
- Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active.
- Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating-out, eating-in, travel, motoring and more.
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Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work.
- Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24 hours access to advice and support.
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Staff recognition and celebration events.
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Peer support groups
Inclusive Recruitment:
We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, describing available working patterns, providing equipment or making changes to the workplace.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and therefore expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details for how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship.
If you have completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme please indicate this within the ‘About You’ or ‘Supporting Statement’ section of your application.
If you’re an applicant with disabilities and have previously been in or currently in care, a carer, someone who has served in the Armed Forces, or you’ve participated in the GM Elevate Programme, and you meet the essential criteria of the role, you are guaranteed to reach the first stage of assessment under our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme.
Data and Privacy:
For details of how we use your data please see our Privacy Notice
Important Information:
Please note that should a vacancy that has been released for internal or external recruitment be deemed suitable for a current employee at risk of redundancy, it can be pulled back at any point, up to the post being formally offered to a candidate who is not at risk of redundancy.
Right to Work in the UK from 1st July 2021.doc
