Communications &  PR Manager

We have a new and exciting opportunity for a Communications & PR Manager to join our Communications & Marketing team.

Billingshurst, West Sussex

Permanent, full time
A group of four office workers sit around a low table reviewing designs of houses.

The company

From day one, we have been driven by a clear vision: to transform the way people think about new-built developments. Over 20 years later, that ethos is still very much alive, reflected in our numerous awards and reputation in the sector.

An infrastructure-led community creator and strategic land promoter, we are committed to partnerships, innovation and creating amazing places to live and work. We are industry-leading in sustainability and biodiversity. We were one of the first to introduce Zero Bills homes in partnership with Octopus Energy.

We pride ourselves on our ‘Infrastructure first’ approach, ensuring communities release the benefits of new development at the outset, rather than later in the process. We deliver social, affordable and retirement housing for a wide range of housing associations and local authorities.

People are our most important asset, and this is reflected in the way we operate. We are proud to be listed in the Top 50 Best Mid-sized Companies to Work For 2025.

With around 185 employees, you will enjoy excellent rewards and working conditions in an exciting business. We offer exciting career opportunities, and are keen to develop, guide and support you, regardless of what stage you are in your career.

We value diversity and encourage you to bring your full authentic self to work. A Gold Armed Forces Covenant signatory and supporter of armed force’s charity Building Heroes, we operate a Talent for Development outreach campaign for military veterans and college leavers.

You’ll combine meaningful work with opportunities to give back through volunteering and fundraising initiatives, such as the Housebuilder Challenge. We will give you two paid volunteering days per year to do so. Where roles allow, our summer hours policy in June, July and August allows you to enjoy longer weekends with your loved ones. A flexible approach to working is available all year round.

Join us and we can build communities, together.

The department

Our Communications and Marketing department is responsible for strategic communications, press office, public relations, employee communications and development marketing, working with internal and external stakeholders. The Communications team works to protect and enhance Thakeham’s reputation and brand while supporting the business areas to achieve overarching goals and objectives.  

The role

The successful candidate will; 

  •  Work with the External Affairs and Planning teams to promote proposed new communities to engage the public and key stakeholders 

  • Reinforce Thakeham’s brand positioning and USPs throughout a renewed period of growth 

  • Develop and deliver PR and communications plans to best serve Thakeham’s strategic direction of travel  

  • Be a curious storyteller who knows how to get the best out of the people they interview 

  • Source and create engaging content for a range of audiences, including colleague communications in order to raise Thakeham’s profile nationally and locally 

  • Identify industry awards that will underpin the brand messaging and create quality submissions in the relevant categories. Promote any subsequent successes. 

  • Build relationships with industry partners and client/partner PR contacts 

  • Work closely with any agencies, providing relevant material, and managing sign off as necessary 

  • Be willing and able to travel to our live development sites across the south of England as needed 

  • Maintain a team culture that values, recognises and encourages high performance, supporting innovation and challenging the status quo  

  • Cover for the Senior Communications Manager as needed  

 

This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience. 

While prior experience in the housing sector will be an advantage, we welcome applications from different backgrounds from candidates who have an interest in sustainable placemaking and a willingness to learn the intricacies.  

The required skills

  • A strategic thinker with understanding of wider trends, customer focus and ideally experience in a relevant industry  

  • Experienced in media relations, having ideally managed PR agencies before  

  • Ability to spot a story and adapt it to different audiences/channels  

  • Exceptionally strong written communication skills 

  • Comfortable capturing and editing video footage and photography for social media and internal use  

  • Excellent MS Office and general IT skills  

  • Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills  

  • A can-do attitude and ability to take initiative    

  • Ability and confidence to work with a wide range of stakeholders  

  • Willing to get involved with a wide range of tasks  

  • Previous internal communications experience would be an advantage, but is not essential  

The benefits

  • Competitive salary

  • Salary sacrifice car scheme

  • Annual holiday allowance 26 days (plus bank holidays)

  • Life assurance

  • Private medical insurance

  • Health screening

  • Pension scheme

  • Bonus scheme

  • Flexible working hours in a modern office environment / Working from Home Policy

  • Excellent development and progression opportunities for the right candidate

Plus, a whole range of other employee benefits that we can tell you all about. You are rewarded for your performance, attitude and results.

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We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating people fairly. We will treat all job applicants and employees equally regardless of age, race, religious belief, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We welcome applicants from all sectors of society and we are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all.

Apply now