PR & Communications Lead

Driven to create unique home-grown food concepts that bring people together, the Independent Food Company is a UAE-based hospitality company with multiple concepts under its umbrella - SALT, Parker's, Grind, Somewhere, Public, Soil and Kumo.

We are presently seeking to hire a highly qualified PR & Communications Lead. This is a strategic role responsible for developing, leading, and executing comprehensive public relations and communication strategies to shape and maintain a positive brand image, drive awareness, and manage all forms of organizational messaging across internal and external channels. They act as a key liaison between the organization and the media/public, often owning crisis communication protocols.

• Develop and Execute PR Strategy: Formulate, implement, and lead a comprehensive, integrated public relations and communications strategy that supports overall business goals and marketing initiatives.
• Brand Messaging & Positioning: Own the corporate narrative and key messaging, ensuring consistency in voice and positioning across all external and internal communications channels.
• Stakeholder Counseling: Provide strategic communications advice and guidance to the Executive Team, senior leadership, and various cross-functional departments (e.g., Marketing, Product, HR).

• Manage Media Relations: Establish, cultivate, and maintain strong, productive relationships with key journalists, industry analysts, influencers, and media contacts to secure favorable and accurate coverage.
• Content Creation: Lead the creation, editing, and distribution of high-quality communication materials, including press releases, media advisories, op-eds, speeches, corporate announcements, newsletters, and website content.
• Spokesperson Management: Prepare, train, and manage company spokespersons for media interviews, public appearances, and press conferences.
• Event Management: Plan and oversee the execution of PR-related events, including product launches, press briefings, media tours, and corporate announcements.

• Crisis Communications: Develop, maintain, and execute comprehensive crisis communication plans and protocols to swiftly and effectively manage negative publicity, mitigate reputational damage, and address sensitive issues.
• Reputation Monitoring: Continuously monitor media, social channels, and industry trends to identify potential risks, opportunities, and competitive activities, adjusting strategies as needed.

• Internal Communications: Develop and manage internal communication strategies (e.g., town halls, intranet, staff newsletters) to ensure consistent, transparent, and engaging messaging for employees.
• Digital Presence: Oversee the company's presence across key digital channels, collaborating with the marketing team to ensure PR campaigns are integrated with social media, SEO, and content marketing efforts.