Virgin Media O2
Senior External Communications Manager

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Senior External Communications Manager
Summary
Location: London Job Family: Corporate Functions Job Type: Full Time Posted Date: 03-Jul-2026 Ref #: 74378
Join us as a Senior External Communications Manager where you’ll shape how Virgin Media O2 shows up in culture, conversation and the media. In this role, you’ll lead standout consumer PR campaigns that build brand relevance, spark engagement and strengthen customer trust. You’ll be at the heart of delivering bold, creative storytelling that connects our products and services to the moments that matter most for our customers.
Working as part of a fast-paced External Affairs team, you’ll develop insight-led campaigns that go beyond traditional PR, spanning earned, social, influencer and experiential channels. You’ll partner with senior stakeholders, manage projects end to end and spot opportunities in news and culture to position the brand in meaningful and impactful ways. From leading influencer strategies to crafting compelling narratives, you’ll play a key role in driving fame, advocacy and commercial impact through exceptional communications.
Who we are
At Virgin Media O₂, we connect people to the moments that matter most. Virgin Media leads the UK for broadband reliability, speed and overall performance, while O₂ keeps people connected on the move with award-winning coverage.
We’re also proud to be named one of the Financial Times Top 500 Best Employers for 2026, based on one of the UK’s largest employee satisfaction surveys.
Join us and you’ll be part of a team that stays curious, positive and focused on making life easier for our customers and each other. We’re investing in the future of connectivity, from expanding next-generation 5G to exploring satellite-supported solutions that help reach rural communities and hard-to-connect places.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
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Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
You’ll work with people who back good ideas and give you plenty of room to grow. So if you’re looking for a place where you can feel supported, trusted and genuinely valued, you’ll feel right at home here.
Our ways of working
We’re a flexible-first organisation, because we know people do their best work when they have choice and clarity. To support meaningful collaboration, we ask everyone to spend at least eight days a month connecting with each other in person.
That doesn’t just mean time in the office – it could be team meetings, offsites, volunteering days, cross-functional projects, or away days. What matters is making those moments count – so when we come together, it benefits everyone.
Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all
We believe a better tomorrow starts with the choices we make today. That means moving the dial on diversity, building equity into everything we do and putting inclusion at the heart of our business.
Virgin Media O₂ is an equal opportunities employer and we work hard to remove bias and barriers. We want every person who joins us – and everyone thinking about joining us – to feel seen, heard and supported.
When you work with us, you’ll have access to our award-winning employee network groups. These communities bring people together, champion allyship and create uplifting spaces where you can learn, share and feel part of something bigger. They play a big role in helping people feel connected from day one.
The must haves
- At least 8 years’ consumer PR experience in agency or in-house environments
- Proven track record leading integrated, cross-channel communications projects
- Strong experience in media relations, brand storytelling and reputation management
- Experience working with influencers and delivering multi-channel campaigns
- Ability to manage budgets, timelines, agencies and senior stakeholder relationships
- Strong understanding of cultural trends and how brands can show up in conversation


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The other stuff we are looking for
- Experience using AI tools and insights to inform PR activity
- Ability to coach or mentor others on modern, digital-first communications approaches
- Passion for innovation in communications and audience engagement
What's in it for you
We know life isn’t just about work, so our benefits are built to support you in the moments that matter. You’ll get Bupa healthcare, wellbeing support, life cover, a pension and generous holiday –plus your birthday off.
And there’s more. Enjoy some extra perks on us, with optional electric vehicle lease and Cycle2Work schemes, dental insurance, neurodiversity assessments, and brilliant discounts on broadband, TV and mobile. You’ll even get access to the Virgin Family platform and the O2 Priority app, with exclusive rewards, experiences and chances to attend events at The O2 and beyond.
Next steps
If this feels like a place where you can belong, we’d love to see what you can do. Once you apply, the next steps might include a call with a recruiter, a video interview, an interview with the hiring manager and a task or assessment.
We’ll also ask about any adjustments you might need, and we’ll do our best to make them happen.
We review applications and interview throughout the advert window, so it’s worth applying sooner rather than later. If you’re offered the role, the offer will be subject to background checks, including a criminal record check and, for some roles, a financial background check.
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