Location: Head Office / Remote Department: Marketing & Communications Reports to: Marketing Director / COO Contract: Full-time
Job Purpose
The Communications Officer will be responsible for developing and delivering effective communication strategies that strengthen engagement with schools, clients, parents, students, employees, and the wider community. The role will support both internal and external communications, helping to promote the company’s school catering services, enhance customer satisfaction, and maintain a positive brand reputation. Crucially, the role will also support business performance by improving awareness, increasing engagement with our offer, and contributing to increased meal uptake and client retention.
Key Responsibilities
Internal Communications
- Develop and implement internal communication plans to keep employees informed, engaged, and aligned with company objectives.
- Create and distribute internal newsletters, updates, announcements, and staff communications.
- Support communication of company initiatives, operational changes, training programmes, and employee recognition activities.
- Work closely with operational teams to ensure consistent messaging across the business.
Client Communications
- Build and maintain strong communication channels with school clients and key stakeholders.
- Produce client-facing communications including service updates, menu launches, promotional campaigns, and reports.
- Support client retention by ensuring communications are timely, professional, and responsive.
- Assist account managers and operations teams with communication materials for client meetings and presentations.
Parent and Student Engagement
- Develop engaging communications aimed at parents and students to promote healthy eating, menu choices, sustainability initiatives, and special events.
- Create content for newsletters, websites, social media, and school communication platforms.
- Support campaigns that encourage meal uptake and increase awareness of catering services.
- Gather feedback from parents and students and help communicate outcomes and improvements.
Public Relations and External Communications
- Assist in the development and delivery of PR strategies that enhance the company's reputation.
- Draft press releases, case studies, award submissions, and success stories.
- Build relationships with local media, schools, community organisations, and industry stakeholders.
- Support the promotion of company achievements, partnerships, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement activities.
Digital Communications
- Manage and update website content and communication platforms.
- Create engaging content for social media channels.
- Monitor communication performance and provide regular reports on engagement and effectiveness.
- Ensure all communications reflect the company's brand guidelines and values.
Content Creation
- Write clear, engaging, and audience-appropriate content for a variety of channels.
- Produce marketing and communication materials including brochures, presentations, posters, digital assets, and promotional campaigns.
- Coordinate photography, video content, and testimonials where appropriate.
Employer Branding:
- Work closely with the People team to translate internal communications and employee recognition activities into engaging external content and social media updates, helping to promote Olive Dining as a great place to work
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience
- Experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or stakeholder engagement.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong content creation and copywriting abilities.
- Experience managing multiple communication channels including digital and social media.
- Ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital communication platforms.
Desirable
- Experience working within education, school catering, hospitality, or contract catering sectors.
- Knowledge of public sector or education environments.
- Experience with design software such as Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
- Understanding of media relations and PR activities.
Personal Attributes
- Creative and proactive approach to communication.
- Professional and confident communicator.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Customer-focused mindset.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Enthusiastic about promoting healthy eating and positive school experiences.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Stakeholder engagement levels.
- Parent and student communication reach and feedback.
- Client satisfaction and retention support.
- Internal communication engagement metrics.
- Social media and digital communication performance.
- Media coverage and PR opportunities generated.
- Quality and timeliness of communication outputs.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is treated with fairness, dignity and respect. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and are committed to ensuring equal opportunities throughout our recruitment and employment practices.
Safeguarding:
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All employees are expected to share this commitment. This role may be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check.
