Head of UK Communications

Bauer Media Group; London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media company in London is looking for a Head of Communications to manage both internal and external communications. This newly created role focuses on enhancing the quality of communications across the business while ensuring alignment with corporate strategies. The candidate should have a solid background in corporate communications, proven experience in change management, and strong relationship-building skills. This position offers an opportunity to lead transformative communications strategies in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Solid background in corporate communications with a focus on internal communications.
• Proven ability in using communication strategies to support business objectives.
• Demonstrable experience of change communications and crisis management.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of communication strategy for UK Publishing business.
• Create and own the UK Publishing narrative across all communications.
• Own media relations and develop content for internal communications.

Skills

Corporate communications

Internal communications

Crisis management

Media relations

Change communications

Relationship building

Job description

Head of Communications, UK Publishing

The Head of Communications reports to the UK Co-CEOs and the Director, Publishing Communications and will be accountable for embedding a proactive corporate communication strategy (internal and external) and approach for the UK Publishing business (print and digital).

This is a newly created position supporting the Publishing business transformation and resulting cultural change enhancing quality and consistency of communications throughout Publishing UK, proactively managing our reputation and positioning with all our audiences.

The successful candidate will work closely and constructively with the Publishing Communications Director and the UK Co-CEOs to devise and drive a creative transformation in how we communicate internally and externally.

The key focus of this role is on internal communications- aligned to the Global Publishing Communications strategy- implementing formats for more creative and engaging ways of communicating.

The Head of Communications, Publishing UK will be a trusted advisor, a message maker and act as a guardian of the UK Publishing business working proactively to enhance our external and internal voice.

The candidate must be credible at the highest level both internally and externally as someone who represents the business and understands, takes ownership of, and responds to, any given relevant situation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a communications strategy for the UK Publishing business ensuring at all times it is aligned with the business’ objectives and the Publishing Communications strategy and plan with a key focus on internal communications
• Create and own the UK Publishing narrative and building it out with proof points ensuring it is embedded across all communications
• Own the internal communications plan and execution thereof
• Lead transformation communications
• Develop content for internal communications formats- UK Publishing and international
• Provide counsel to the UK Publishing leadership team on all communication issues
• Own media relations
• Develop and manage the Communications Manager

Essential requirements

• A solid background in corporate communications with a focus on internal communications in a complex, corporate environment ideally gained in a matrix organisation.
• A history of broad exposure to a variety of communications functions. Proven ability to use communication strategies, tools and techniques to support the achievement of business objectives, in alignment with overall business strategies
• Demonstrable experience of change communications
• A proven track record in implementing innovative internal communications as a key driver for employee engagement
• A broad capability for crisis management
• A thorough understanding of print and digital media and each of their agendas, needs and priorities; plus a good sense of Social Media with experience of leveraging this as part of an effective communications strategy
• A highly effective internal networker and relationship builder, recognising the need to provide effective counsel based on strong relationships
• People management and development capabilities
• Finally, the successful candidate will have the right level of emotional intelligence with the necessary credibility and gravitas to build strong relationships with the UK LT and other stakeholders