Football Communications Lead

⚒️ WEST HAM UNITED FC ⚒️

❤️💙 FOOTBALL COMMUNICATIONS LEAD ❤️💙

📍 London Stadium & Rush Green Training Ground

💰 To be discussed at interview+ Discretionary Bonus ( Please add salary to your application form)

🛡️ Enhanced DBS Check Required

West Ham United is seeking an experienced and dynamic communications professional to join the Club in a senior leadership role within our Football Communications team.

This is an exceptional opportunity for someone currently operating as a senior communications professional within a Premier League, EFL or other high-profile sports competition, with extensive experience supporting elite first-team operations.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working directly with players, senior executives and the Head Coach, leading media activity, interviews, press conferences and matchday communications.

⚒️ Key Responsibilities

• Lead media relations and communications support for the men's first team football operation.

• Manage player and occasional Head Coach media requirements, interviews and press conferences.

• Oversee matchday media operations, accreditation and broadcaster obligations.

• Act as a key contact for media enquiries and reputation management.

• Draft statements, responses, press releases and key messaging.

• Monitor media coverage and manage emerging issues proactively.

• Work closely with the EFL and rights holders to ensure all contractual obligations are met.

• Develop relationships with national, regional and international media.

• Support commercial, community and Foundation initiatives involving first-team players.

• Help deliver and implement the Club's wider communications strategy.

• Participate in media monitoring and on-call communications support when required.

⚒️ Candidate Profile

✔ Minimum 5 years' experience in frontline sports media relations.

✔ Extensive matchday communications and press management experience.

✔ Strong crisis communications and stakeholder management skills.

✔ Excellent writing, copywriting and communication skills.

✔ A dedicated and motivated personality with the ability to positively influence and lead others

✔ Proven experience working with elite athletes, coaching staff and senior executives.

✔ Strong understanding of digital and social media.

✔ Established relationships with national and international media.

✔ Proficient in Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop.

✔ Flexible approach to working hours, including evenings, weekends and travel.

Benefits on offer (may vary based on contract type and location)

• 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
• Pension and life insurance
• Healthcare cash scheme
• Travel season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Priority access to apply for match tickets
• Discounted season tickets
• Staff discounts in the club store, café and our official partners products and services
• Discounted gym membership and onsite fitness room facilities
• Family friendly leave policies
• Company Social events

EDI Statement

• The successful candidate must demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with the organisation’s business and tactical approach to eliminating barriers and addressing inequity. You agree to actively contribute to creating a discrimination-free and inclusive environment, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and benefits, while fostering a culture of dignity and respect that enables everyone to perform and achieve their potential.

• Candidates must demonstrate their capability and willingness to uphold best practices and procedures, promoting lasting positive change while eliminating biases and barriers to attracting, achieving, and supporting talent from all communities, regardless of background, circumstances, or protected characteristics.

Safeguarding

• The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the safety and welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk of harm across all stakeholders. Everyone, including third parties who work with the Club or the West Ham Foundation, is responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals. Successful candidates must undergo essential background checks before starting their employment, which may include screening of social media. The type of DBS check required will depend on the responsibilities of the position and may be basic, standard, or enhanced.

• The successful candidate agrees to proactively identify and respond appropriately to any concerns, and follow the Club's Safeguarding reporting procedures to report allegations of abuse, poor practice, or anything that may impact the welfare of a child, young person, or adult at risk without delay, within 24 hours, or as otherwise directed by the Club’s or the West Ham Foundation Safeguarding Team.