Head of Communications

3 days a week in Surrey office, 2 from home

Circa £100,000 plus great benefits

Reports to: Director of Communications

This role is responsible for delivering a range of communications that tell a clear, compelling story about the organisation at an exciting time in its journey. The role sits within a small team, responsible for both external and internal communications, as well as a diverse programme of events primarily aimed at global and head office colleagues.

Key responsibilities include leading the communications strategy, managing reputational issues, and planning and executing major events – such as the annual leadership meeting. The role also involves providing communications advice to senior leaders and deputising for the Director of Communications. There is no team management responsibility in this role.

The organisation is committed to responsible business practices, and this role will oversee the production of the annual ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) report. It offers an excellent opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across global markets within a business that has a strong culture and ambitious plans for the future.

Responsibilities

Communications

• Lead communications activity, focusing on protecting and enhancing the organisation’s reputation through media and online channels.
• Internal communications activity and corporate/financial updates (e.g. dividend announcements).
• Prepare for and respond to reputational issues as they arise.
• Develop and align issue management approaches with business units and their communications teams.
• Provide guidance to leaders and teams to mitigate risk.
• Support ad hoc lobbying activity.
• Manage proactive and reactive media relations.
• Write and edit high-quality content for digital platforms.
• Manage communications around financial calendar updates, including support for bondholder communications and investor relations.
• Prepare and support activities involving shareholders.

Event Management

• Lead delivery of the annual global leadership meeting.
• Oversee event production and develop content for senior leaders, including presentations and strategic updates for the annual conference, monthly CEO webinars, and other ad hoc events.

Responsible Business Report

• Produce the annual ESG report, showcasing progress against commitments and promoting activities to stakeholders including colleagues, sales teams, customers, and partners.

Skills & Experience

Essential:

• Substantial experience in communications (internal & external).
• Proven media relations experience, including crisis management.
• Experience in corporate reputation and financial PR within publicly listed companies.
• Strong writing and editing skills across various audiences, channels, and formats.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Strategic thinker with creative flair.
• Broad experience across communications disciplines and channels (e.g. websites, intranet, video, streaming, reports).
• Strong stakeholder influencing skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with corporate activities such as finance raising and shareholder events.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Analytical, decisive, commercially aware, and results focused.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Resilient under pressure and comfortable with ambiguity.
• Innovative mindset, including interest in AI applications in communications.

Technical Skills:

• Skilled in writing various communication materials.
• Experience managing social media platforms.