Deputy Head of Communications

Publicis Groupe; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A major marketing agency in Greater London is looking for a Deputy Head of Communications to lead external communications for its agencies. The ideal candidate will manage media relations, develop communication strategies, and work closely with senior leadership. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills are essential. The role offers a hybrid working pattern, integrating remote work with office presence three days a week. Join a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment where creativity and professionalism are valued.

Benefits

Hybrid working pattern

Inclusive benefits

Training programmes

Qualifications

• Strong communicator with excellent writing skills.
• Experience working in-house in complex organisations or in an agency environment.
• Ability to manage multiple clients and work at pace.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Publicis Media UK’s communications strategy.
• Provide strategic advice and leadership on issues or crisis situations.
• Build, manage, and strengthen relationships with key journalists and media outlets.

Skills

Corporate and b2b media relations experience

Strong leadership abilities

Excellent interpersonal skills

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

Digitally savvy

Ability to think strategically

Creative problem-solving approach

Job description

About Publicis Groupe UK

Publicis Groupe is a business and marketing transformation partner to the world’s biggest brands with 108,000 employees in 100 countries around the world. Publicis Groupe is the world’s largest holding company. The UK is the company’s second largest market with more than 7,500 employees across 30 agencies and capabilities including Saatchi & Saatchi, BBH, Leo Burnett, Zenith and Starcom with three main offices in Chancery Lane (Holborn), Television Centre (White City) and Turnmills (Farringdon).

About the comms team

In the UK, we are an in-house team of 13 comms thinkers and practitioners, whose job it is to build the reputation of Publicis Groupe UK’s capabilities and agencies. We have close ties to the global communications team and specialist teams from other areas of the business so there is a good network of communications professionals, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow within the team. We run specialist training and have access to the whole suite of Publicis Groupe training programmes, we also run surgeries and regular sessions to help upskill the team and share expertise.

About the role

We’re looking for a Deputy Head of Communications to lead and oversee external communications for the agencies and capabilities across Publicis Media UK. You’ll build strong relationships of trust with the agency leaders and experts, and work with them to build reputation among the right audiences, to attract the right clients and talent. You’ll also support the Head of Communications on implementing the external communications strategy for Publicis Media UK and its CEO.

About the candidate

You’ll be a comms professional with lots of energy and ideas, natural gravitas and experience liaising with journalists on both proactive stories and sensitive issues. You’ll need to be a strong communicator with excellent writing skills, someone who enjoys media relations and is good at managing stakeholders and providing counsel. We’re looking for someone who is action-oriented, organised and with great attention to detail, with a good news instinct, able to identify opportunities and come up with new ideas. You’ll need to be able to work at pace when it’s required and be comfortable working with senior leaders, having earned your stripes as a trusted adviser in a similar role. You’ll have experience working in-house in complex organisations, or working in an agency environment, managing several clients, with an interest in the advertising and marketing industry.

Your responsibilities will include

• Collaborate with the Head of Communications to develop and implement Publicis Media UK’s communications strategy across multiple platforms, ensuring it aligns with organisational goals.
• Develop strategy, plans and key messages for the agencies and capabilities within Publicis Media, working closely with the Head of Communications, CEOs and senior leadership.
• Provide strategic advice and leadership on issues or crisis situations, working closely with senior leadership to manage reputation and response.
• Build, manage, and strengthen relationships with key journalists and media outlets. Proactively pitch stories to the media, respond to press inquiries, and secure coverage in relevant publications.
• Lead the development of key communication materials, including writing Q&A, press releases, briefing notes, thought leadership articles and comments.
• Consistently review and add value to the quality of written work produced by members of the communications team. Provide constructive feedback and guidance to ensure high standards of clarity, consistency, and professionalism in all outputs.
• Able to clearly and concisely communicate to senior stakeholders, seen as trusted advisor, providing relevant counsel and recommendations
• Navigate complex and uncertain situations, providing clear, strategic communication while adapting to shifting priorities and emerging challenges.

Personal qualities and skills

• Corporate and b2b media relations experience.
• Strong leadership abilities, with experience in managing and motivating teams to achieve high performance and meet organisational goals
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate communication challenges, and create effective solutions aligned with business objectives.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and natural gravitas.
• Proven ability to build strong, trusted relationships with CEOs and senior leaders, offering strategic communication guidance and supporting high-level decision-making in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong understanding of the media landscape and a proven ability to build and maintain relationships with journalists and media professionals. Ability to pitch stories effectively and manage press inquiries with ease.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, conveying complex ideas clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• A creative approach to problem-solving, generating new ideas and innovate in response to evolving communications needs.
• Digitally savvy, with proficiency with digital tools and platforms, including social media and media monitoring tools.
• Enthusiastic self-starter who can work independently, proactive and resilient.
• A strong team player, with the ability to remain flexible.

Additional Information

Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full time employees being office-based three days during the working week.

We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process.

Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG’s (Employee Action Groups).