External Communication Lead- Risk & Broking, Global

Willis Towers Watson; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global risk management firm seeks a senior external communications professional to lead media strategy and global campaigns. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in external communication, especially within the insurance industry. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with media guidelines, managing external PR agencies, and providing counsel to senior leadership. This role accommodates a hybrid working style, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and trust.

Qualifications

• Substantial proven experience in senior external communication roles.
• Experience within the insurance industry is essential.
• Deep expertise in media relations with a strong network of media contacts.
• Ability to influence senior leadership and be a trusted strategic partner.
• Strong people management, interpersonal and team skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a global media strategy aligned to business goals.
• Lead implementation of global campaigns and content.
• Ensure compliance with global media guidelines.
• Provide external communications counsel to leadership.
• Manage external vendors and PR agencies.

Skills

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Crisis management

Written and oral communication skills

People management

Cross-functional collaboration

Social media experience

Job description

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a global media strategy aligned to R&B business goals and priorities
• Lead implementation of global campaigns, thought leadership and other content
• Ensure local PR strategies align with global priorities, messaging and the WTW Story
• Ensure compliance with global media guidelines and other relevant processes
• Provide external communications counsel to global R&B senior leadership and other key stakeholders
• Act as 24/7 Press Office
• Coordinate and collaborate closely with other support function colleagues as appropriate, in particular, ICCM and Marketing
• Provide external communication support for M&A related activities
• Measurement and reporting of R&B media coverage
• Manage external vendors, including PR agencies and vendor RFPs where appropriate
• Provide issues/ incident communications counsel when required
• Social media monitoring and social media amplification of tier one media coverage
• Line management responsibility for an External Communication manager

Qualifications

• Substantial proven experience in senior external communication roles
• Experience within the insurance industry is essential
• Deep expertise in media relations, including strong network of media contacts
• Strong track record of stakeholder engagement, including the media
• Ability to influence senior leadership and be a trusted strategic partner
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills and ability to produce high quality and succinct communications materials for targeted audiences
• Lead crisis and issues management
• Experience of managing external PR agencies, budgets and performance
• Demonstrates ability to collaborate cross functionally and cross culturally
• Social media experience
• Strong people management, interpersonal and team skills
• Flexible worker with the ability to self-direct and regularly switch between strategic and tactical responsibilities
• Synthesizes direction, navigates ambiguity and prioritizes actions from a variety of stakeholders
• Works efficiently and effectively under pressure in an environment of continuous improvement
• Diligent listening skills and succinct, focused written and verbal communication skills

WTW's Risk & Broking business is at the forefront of helping organisations globally, large and small, to navigate a rapidly evolving and volatile risk landscape. Our focus on industry speciality means we have subject matter experts spanning all major sectors of the global economy, ensuring we have valuable insights to share on almost every subject making media headlines. This role offers an exciting opportunity to leverage those insights and to establish WTW as a leading commentator on a diverse range of topics.

At WTW, we believe difference makes us stronger. We want our workforce to reflect the different and varied markets we operate in and to build a culture of inclusivity that makes colleagues feel welcome, valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive work environment throughout our organisation. We embrace all types of diversity.

At WTW, we trust you to know your work and the people, tools and environment you need to be successful. The majority of our colleagues work in a "hybrid" style, with a mix of remote, in-person and in-office interactions dependent on the needs of the team, role and clients. Our flexibility is rooted in trust and "hybrid" is not a one-size-fits-all solution.