Communications Business Partner

Kirklees Metropolitan Council; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in West Yorkshire seeks a Communications Lead to deliver strategic communications across various services. The ideal candidate will have a background in communications, experience leading projects, and skills in managing a team. You will work to ensure effective communication strategies for diverse stakeholders. Flexibility and development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working

Opportunities for learning and development

Responsibilities

• Lead on delivering strategic communications across services.
• Manage a small team and provide advice to senior leaders.
• Identify reputational risks and support behaviour change.

Skills

Experience delivering communications strategies and campaigns

Ability to manage and develop a team

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Understanding of public sector communications

Confidence working with senior leaders

Solutions-focused approach in high-pressure situations

Strong digital skills including social media

Job description

About the role

You’ll take the lead on delivering strategic communications across a wide range of services and issues—from regeneration projects and policy announcements to internal campaigns and urgent responses to fast-moving events.

This role combines hands-on communications work with leadership responsibilities. You’ll manage a small team of communications professionals, provide trusted advice to senior leaders and councillors, and ensure that all our communications are clear, consistent, and legally sound.

You’ll also play a key role in identifying reputational risks, supporting behaviour change, and helping us communicate effectively through digital, print, media, and face-to-face channels.

What we’re looking for

You’ll have a strong background in communications or marketing, with experience leading complex projects and advising at a senior level. You’ll be politically aware, comfortable managing sensitive or high-stakes situations, and confident working with a wide range of stakeholders.

You’ll also be a supportive and proactive team leader who can manage competing priorities, develop colleagues, and help deliver meaningful impact through communications.

What you\'ll bring

• Experience delivering communications strategies and campaigns.
• The ability to manage and develop a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A good understanding of the public sector and its communications landscape.
• Confidence working with senior leaders and councillors.
• A calm, solutions-focused approach in high-pressure situations.
• Strong digital skills, including social media and web content.

Why join us?

You’ll join a supportive, skilled team that values creativity, collaboration, and impact. We’re proud to offer flexible working, opportunities for learning and development, and the chance to make a real difference to the lives of people across Kirklees.

Kelly Holdaway is the manager for this role, please contact them on 01484 221000 for an informal discussion, or if you need any more information.

To apply please click the Apply Now link below.