Head of External Communications

Thales Avionics, Inc. (AGS); Crawley; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Thales UK is seeking an exceptional Head of External Communications to elevate our profile and strengthen our reputation across defence, security, technology and innovation. You will lead the external communications agenda, develop a proactive strategy and guide senior leaders on media engagement and stakeholder relations.

You will shape Thales UK's external narrative, manage a high-performing team, drive proactive media engagement and oversee campaigns, events and crisis communications to

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading External Communications, Media Relations or Corporate Affairs within a complex organisation, agency or consultancy.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver external communications strategies that align with business priorities.
• Extensive network of media contacts across national, business, technology, defence and trade publications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing External Communications team.
• Shape external reputation and strategic positioning for Thales UK.
• Drive media relations, thought leadership and executive profiling programmes.
• Oversee crisis and issues communications and stakeholder engagement.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Crisis management

People leadership

Job description

Location

Crawley, United Kingdom

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Head of External Communications

Location: South East England (Crawley or Reading)

Reports to: Director of Communications

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 25th November 2026

Connecting Stories, People and Purpose

We're looking for an exceptional external communications leader to elevate Thales UK's profile, strengthen our reputation and ensure our voice is heard in the conversations that shape our industries.

Job Overview

As Head of External Communications, you will lead all aspects of Thales UK's external communications agenda. You will be responsible for developing and delivering a proactive external communications strategy that enhances our reputation, increases our visibility and positions Thales as a leading voice across defence, security, technology and innovation.

What You'll Be Doing

Lead & Develop a High-Performing Team. Lead, coach and develop a talented External Communications team. Create a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on delivering measurable impact. Set clear priorities, objectives and performance standards.

Shape External Reputation & Strategic Positioning. Develop and deliver Thales UK's external communications strategy, aligned to business priorities and growth objectives. Build a compelling external narrative that strengthens visibility, influence and reputation. Advise senior leaders and Executive Committee members on media, reputation and stakeholder engagement. Lead external reputation management, issues management and horizon-scanning activities.

Drive Media Relations & Thought Leadership. Lead media relations strategy, positioning Thales as a trusted voice across defence, technology, security and innovation. Leverage and grow an established network of national, business, technology and trade media contacts. Drive proactive media engagement, thought leadership and executive profiling programmes. Oversee integrated external campaigns, content strategies and major industry events, including DSEI. Identify opportunities to increase Thales' visibility and influence across key audiences.

Manage External Partnerships. Lead relationships with PR, communications and media agencies. Ensure agency partners deliver high-quality work, measurable results and value for investment.

Lead Crisis & Issues Communications. Oversee crisis communications preparedness and response. Provide expert counsel to senior leaders during high-profile or sensitive situations. Ensure Thales responds quickly, consistently and effectively to emerging issues.

About You:

You are an accomplished external communications leader with a passion for storytelling, reputation building and media engagement. You understand how to translate complex business priorities into compelling external narratives and know how to influence audiences through strategic communications and strong media relationships. You will bring:

Significant experience leading External Communications, Media Relations or Corporate Affairs functions within a complex organisation, agency or consultancy environment. A strong track record of developing and delivering impactful external communications strategies. An extensive and active network of media contacts across national, business, technology, defence and trade publications. Proven success in generating high-quality earned media coverage and shaping public narratives on complex topics. Experie