Group Head of External Communications

inchcape; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Inchcape is seeking a Head of External Communications to lead the global external communications strategy and elevate the company’s external narrative across corporate, financial and leadership channels.

The role partners with Investor Relations, regional teams and senior leaders to ensure a consistent, compelling narrative and strong media engagement on a global scale. A strategic, collaborative leader with automotive or international B2B experience is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience developing and delivering communications strategies within complex, international organisations.
• Strong track record of building reputation and delivering impactful communications programmes across audiences and channels.
• Experience advising senior leaders on communications, stakeholder engagement, reputation management and complex business issues.
• Strong understanding of media engagement, corporate communications and executive communications.
• Experience supporting financial communications, corporate reporting or market-sensitive communications.
• Excellent judgement, commercial awareness and ability to translate complex business topics into clear narratives.
• Strong relationship-building skills across markets, functions and leadership teams.
• Collaborative leadership style and a passion for building capability and alignment across stakeholder groups.
• Experience within automotive, mobility, distribution or another international B2B environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver Inchcape's global external communications strategy, aligned to the Group's strategic priorities and corporate narrative.
• Shape and strengthen how Inchcape is represented externally, building awareness of our differentiated business model, strategy and long-term value creation.
• Develop compelling communications programmes that enhance reputation, support thought leadership and position Inchcape as the world's leading independent automotive distributor.
• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement across international, national, trade and financial media.
• Partner with Investor Relations, regional communications teams and senior stakeholders to ensure a consistent external narrative across corporate, financial and leadership communications.
• Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO, Executive Team and senior leaders on media engagement, reputation management and strategic communications.
• Build capability across Inchcape's global communications community through coaching, collaboration and the sharing of best practice.
• Lead and develop external communications channels, resources and partnerships, ensuring activity is impactful, measurable and aligned to business priorities.
• Lead the end-to-end delivery of Inchcape's Annual Report & Accounts and ensure our external digital channels deliver a consistent, engaging and strategically aligned narrative that strengthens awareness, reputation and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Strategic communications

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Executive communications

Corporate reporting

Cross-cultural leadership

Automotive industry knowledge

Spanish language skills

Education

Degree in communications or related field

Job description

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Are you looking to shape the future of a global business, influence at the highest levels and make a lasting impact?

At Inchcape, our leaders play a critical role in driving transformation, inspiring teams and delivering sustainable success. You'll have the opportunity to work across markets, influence strategic decisions and help shape the future of a business that is transforming the automotive distribution industry.

Our Group Communications team is seeking a Head of External Communications to lead and evolve Inchcape's global external communications strategy. This role will shape how Inchcape communicates with external audiences, strengthen our global reputation, support executive visibility and ensure a consistent, compelling narrative across corporate, financial and leadership communications.

What You'll Do

• Lead and deliver Inchcape's global external communications strategy, aligned to the Group's strategic priorities and corporate narrative.
• Shape and strengthen how Inchcape is represented externally, building awareness of our differentiated business model, strategy and long-term value creation.
• Develop compelling communications programmes that enhance reputation, support thought leadership and position Inchcape as the world's leading independent automotive distributor.
• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement across international, national, trade and financial media.
• Partner with Investor Relations, regional communications teams and senior stakeholders to ensure a consistent external narrative across corporate, financial and leadership communications.
• Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO, Executive Team and senior leaders on media engagement, reputation management and strategic communications.
• Build capability across Inchcape's global communications community through coaching, collaboration and the sharing of best practice.
• Lead and develop external communications channels, resources and partnerships, ensuring activity is impactful, measurable and aligned to business priorities.
• Lead the end-to-end delivery of Inchcape's Annual Report & Accounts and ensure our external digital channels, including the corporate website and social media platforms, deliver a consistent, engaging and strategically aligned narrative that strengthens awareness, reputation and stakeholder engagement.

About You

To be successful in this role, you'll bring:

• Experience developing and delivering communications strategies within complex, international organisations.
• A strong track record of building reputation and delivering impactful communications programmes across a range of audiences and channels.
• Experience advising senior leaders on communications, stakeholder engagement, reputation management and complex business issues.
• Strong understanding of media engagement, corporate communications and executive communications.
• Experience supporting financial communications, corporate reporting or market-sensitive communications.
• Excellent judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to translate complex business topics into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across markets, functions and leadership teams.
• A collaborative leadership style and a passion for building capability, developing others and creating alignment across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience within automotive, mobility, distribution or another international B2B environment.
• Professional qualification or degree in communications, journalism, public relations or a related discipline.
• Experience working across multiple regions and cultures.
• Spanish language skills would be advantageous.

We Offer You

At Inchcape, we're shaping the future of mobility and you're invited to shape it with us.

You’ll join a collaborative culture that values wellbeing, growth and inclusion. Through meaningful work, global exposure and development opportunities, you’ll have the chance to make a significant impact and build a rewarding career.

Opportunity For Everyone

Inchcape is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where the power of our differences can be embraced and everyone feels they can be themselves. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

About Us

Inchcape is the leading global automotive distributor operating in 40+ markets. We partner with some of the world's leading automotive brands to power better mobility today and in the future.

Our diverse global team of over 16,000 talented colleagues foster an inclusive and collaborative culture, delivering brilliant experiences for our customers, partners and people.

For any technical support please email to [e-mail]