We have an exciting opportunity for a Communications Assistant to join our expanding team at Primary Eyecare Services!
About Us:
Primary Eyecare Services (PES) is an established provider of high-quality extended eye care services (those beyond sight testing), utilizing a large network of optical practice subcontractors across England (~2000). PES currently holds and manages contracts on behalf of the primary eye care network, spanning ~70 NHS commissioners and delivering over 380,000 episodes of patient care each year, with a total annual turnover of ~£25+ million. PES is a not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee. This sees the majority of generated income pass through to frontline eye care services in optical practices.
Join us and be part of a company that is shaping the future of optometry.
Role Overview:
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our communications team as a Communications Assistant. This apprenticeship position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public relations and communications while working towards a Level 4 Public Relations and Communications Assistant qualification. Over approximately 14 months, you will support various communication initiatives, assist with content creation, event coordination, and contribute to both internal and external messaging.
General Responsibilities:
- Strategic Communication Support: Assist in implementing communication strategies and initiatives under supervision.
- Content Creation and Management: Support the sourcing, editing, and formatting of content for various platforms, ensuring adherence to brand guidelines.
- Internal and External Communication: Aid in drafting and distributing internal messages and preparing external communication materials.
- Event and Campaign Support: Assist with logistics, setup, and coordination of events and campaigns.
- Brand and Crisis Communication: Ensure consistency in branding across communication materials and support senior staff during crisis situations.
- Monitoring and Reporting: Assist with tracking, data entry, and reporting on communication activities and their effectiveness.
Apprenticeship Training & Development
As part of this apprenticeship, you will undertake the Public Relations and Communications Assistant Level 4 Apprenticeship. This program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to build, protect, and maintain a positive reputation for brands, organisations, and individuals. Key aspects of the apprenticeship include:
- Duration: Approximately 14 months.
- Qualification Level: Equivalent to a Higher National Certificate (HNC).
Skills to be Developed:
- Utilising IT systems and software to support campaigns.
- Building stakeholder relationships and engaging with media contacts.
- Producing written and non-written content tailored to diverse audiences.
- Supporting event coordination and campaign activities.
- Applying relevant legislation, regulations, and ethical guidelines in communication practices.
Benefits of the Role:
- Gain practical experience in a professional, fast-moving communications environment.
- Work closely with experienced communications professionals.
- Earn while you learn with structured career development.
- Exposure to a variety of projects across internal and external communications.
Take advantage of our comprehensive benefits and rewarding career opportunities.
Why You'll Love Working with Us:
- Performance-Related Pay
- Pension Match up to 5%
- Sick and Critical Illness Pay Cover
- Electric Car Scheme
- Enhanced Family Leave
- Paid Compassionate Leave
- 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays (increase with 1 day annually after 2 years of service, up to 30 days)
- Training and Development Opportunities
- Employee of the Month and Year Awards
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- NHS Blue Light Card
- Hybrid Working (60% home, 40% in office on a weekly basis)
- Cycle to Work Scheme
What We're Looking For:
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 GCSE’s (Including English and Mathematics) / equivalent (Essential)
Experience
- Excellent interpersonal skills (Essential)
- Proficiency in digital tools and systems (Essential)
- Ability to multitask in a fast-moving environment (Essential)
Skills & Qualities
- Outstanding verbal and written skills (Essential)
- Creative skills in design or digital (Desirable)
- Strong interest in in public relations, communications, or marketing (Desirable)
- Demonstrate ability to work effectively as a team (Essential)
- Ability to cope effectively under pressure whilst delivering results (Essential)
- Basic knowledge of graphic design tools e.g. Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (Desirable)
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Excel (Desirable)
- Some experience with event coordination or content creation (Desirable)
- Video creation/editing skills (Desirable)
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to proofread/edit content (Desirable)
- Basic understanding of social media and digital communication tools (Essential)
- Willingness to learn and take on new responsibilities (Essential)
How To Apply:
Please submit your up-to-date CV and personal statement highlighting your professional background and what motivates you to apply for this role to recruitment@primaryeyecare.co.uk
Become a part of something bigger - apply now!
Job Types: Full-time, Apprenticeship
Pay: £20,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Bereavement leave
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Enhanced maternity leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Sick pay
- Work from home
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- No weekends
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Manchester M4 6LN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person
