Job opportunities at UK Pet Food

Head of Communications & External Relations

1st May 2026

Why this role matters

This role is central to delivering UK Pet Food’s strategy and strengthening trust, influence, and visibility. It translates scientific expertise and industry insight into clear, confident storytelling that positions UK Pet Food as the first call for government, regulators, media, and key stakeholders.

About us

UK Pet Food is the industry body representing the UK pet food sector. Our 100+ members account for around 90% of the market, feeding the nation’s pets every day.

Our Vision is for our pets to be the best-fed in the world.

We are a small, ambitious, collaborative team of 5 with a dog-friendly office hub in Holborn.  

Purpose of the role

To lead UK Pet Food’s communications and external engagement, strengthening reputation, trust and influence through clear, simple, and compelling communication that translates scientific expertise and industry insight into real impact.

Inclusion statement 

Studies have shown that women and people from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single criterion. We are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway! Please read more about this brilliant opportunity below.

---

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Communications & Narrative

• Develop and deliver a communications strategy aligned to UK Pet Food’s strategic priorities.
• Lead the Communications Committee, shaping priorities, aligning activity and ensuring the delivery of the communications strategy.
• Shape a confident, evidence-based narrative that strengthens UK Pet Food’s position as a trusted authority.  
• Translate complex scientific, regulatory and industry issues into clear, accessible and compelling messaging tailored to key audiences, including the public, professionals, policymakers, members and the media.  
• Ensure clarity, consistency and impact of messaging across all channels and stakeholders.

Media & Reputation Management

• Lead media relations, acting as the primary contact for journalists and press enquiries.
• Proactively identify opportunities to strengthen UK Pet Food’s profile, credibility and influence, building relationships and trust with key media.
• Lead communications response to emerging issues and crisis situations, working closely with the CEO to protect and strengthen UK Pet Food’s reputation.
• Horizon-scan for any potential reputational threats to UK Pet Food or the wider sector.
• Work closely with colleagues, members, and relevant experts to ensure credible and accurate external communications.
• Support and prepare the CEO and other expert colleagues as spokespeople, ensuring clear and impactful external communication.

Stakeholder Engagement & Public Affairs Support

• Support the CEO in delivering policy engagement, ensuring communications effectively support and amplify UK Pet Food’s influencing activity.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders across the communications remit.  
• Align communications activity with policy priorities and sector positioning.

Digital Strategy & Communications

• Set strategic direction and priorities for digital communications, ensuring UK Pet Food’s digital presence is a primary channel for engagement and influence.  
• Build search authority and online visibility across priority topics, strengthening reach, credibility, and discoverability.
• Ensure digital platforms support visibility, engagement, and organisational influence.
• Provide strategic oversight of digital channels and content, with delivery led by the Membership & Communications Executive. 

Campaigns & Sector Positioning

• Lead the development and delivery of campaigns that support strategic priorities and strengthen UK Pet Food’s external profile.
• Strengthen the organisation’s external profile on key issues such as nutrition and sustainability.
• Develop compelling storytelling that brings the industry’s work, value, and impact to life.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Line management of the Membership & Communications Executive.
• Work collaboratively across the organisation, particularly with Science, Technical and Membership functions.
• Provide guidance and support to ensure clear, confident and consistent communication.  
• Build a culture of clear, confident and consistent communication across the organisation.

Personal Specification

Experience

• Significant experience in senior roles within communications, public affairs or external relations.
• Experience managing media relations and delivering strategic, high-impact communications.
• Experience working in a complex stakeholder environment such as a trade association, public body, or regulated sector.
• Experience in managing reputational risk and responding to issues or crisis situations.

Desirable criteria

• Familiarity with regulated, science-led or policy-facing sectors such as animal health, animal welfare, human health, food, feed, agriculture or manufacturing.

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical information into clear messaging.
• Strong understanding of media, reputation management and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in digital communications strategy and content planning.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong judgement.
• Confident communicator and relationship builder.
• Collaborative and able to work across multiple functions.
• Proactive and comfortable working in a small, dynamic team, with a practical, hands-on approach.

Salary & Benefits

• We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including an attractive pension, private healthcare, and opportunities for professional development.
• This role offers flexible, hybrid working, with a mix of home working, time in our Holborn hub office and external meetings as required. A minimum of one day per week in the office is required, with additional time during the onboarding period.

If you would like an informal, confidential conversation about the role, please feel free to get in touch.