Internal Communications Manager

Exchange House Services Ltd - London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer in London seeks an experienced Head of Internal Communications to design and lead global internal communications aligned with the firm’s Ambition. You will work with the Head of Internal Communications, Strategic Initiatives & Channels, and Directors to drive change, engagement and culture across a merged, global firm.

The role demands seniority, strategic thinking and a track record in delivering cross-border campaigns, inclusive communication, and digital

Qualifications

• First-rate writing, editing and oral-communication skills.
• Ten-plus years' internal communications experience in a corporate environment.
• Project-management skills to run effective communications campaigns.
• Experience of managing communications plans aligned with business strategy.

Responsibilities

• Devise and implement internal communications strategies and plans that support the firm's Ambition strategy.
• Collaborate with global stakeholders to align communications across time zones and teams.
• Provide specialist advice on the most suitable formats and channels for audiences.
• Analyse data to test effectiveness and influence adoption of best practices.

Skills

Internal communications

Stakeholder management

Writing and editing

Strategic thinking

Team collaboration

Tools

Digital platforms

Job description

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals. Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years. As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas. We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world. All of this is achieved by supporting the growth of our people, who help us deliver on our ambition – which is to help you achieve yours. Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your goals. Our ambition

The Opportunity

Primary responsibilities

• Devise and implement internal communications strategies and plans that support the firm's strategic initiatives under our Ambition strategy.
• Working closely with the Head of Internal Communications, Strategic Initiatives & Channels, and Director of Corporate Communications, develop, manage and implement internal communications strategies and plans for global strategic initiatives that support the firm's Ambition strategy. This will include areas such as: Digital & Legal Transformation – for example, working with the Sydney-based Internal Communications Manager on communications to the firm about our AI and digitalisation strategy and priorities, including adoption of AI capabilities and tools; improvement of AI and tech fluency across the firm; and digital change, more generally.
  • Digital & Legal Transformation – for example, working with the Sydney-based Internal Communications Manager on communications to the firm about our AI and digitalisation strategy and priorities, including adoption of AI capabilities and tools; improvement of AI and tech fluency across the firm; and digital change, more generally.
• a range of communications needs arising from the integration of the former Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and ongoing work to align systems, processes and ways of working; and to aid in developing a one-firm culture across the merged firm.
• People & Culture initiatives/work/projects aimed at fostering a high-performing culture where people of all backgrounds have an opportunity to thrive – for example, learning and development programmes and campaigns; employee value proposition; firm Values; inclusion initiatives and reporting of data on progress; engagement survey and other feedback mechanisms; and other areas of work. This will also involve working closely with the Head of Internal Communications, Strategic Initiatives & Channels, and Director of Corporate Communications to manage, where required, sensitive and complex issues.
• other global comms pieces/initiatives in the firm's BAU cycle of communications – for example, the annual partner promotions; communications planning and announcements of senior hires; and more.
• Act as a trusted adviser on internal communications to key stakeholders (including global and regional leaders).
• Influence key stakeholders to adopt best practice in internal communications.
• Collaborate with other Internal Comms team members and the External Comms team to ensure strategic alignment.
• Identify and instigate improvements to the firm's internal communications, including innovative, effective channels to support employee engagement.
• Provide specialist advice on internal communications and the most suitable format or tools for the given audience.
• Employ data analysis to test effectiveness.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with external suppliers as required.
• Design and create communications strategy, plans and campaigns to support the firm's strategic initiatives under the Ambition strategy – ensure approach and content is engaging and effective.
• Contribute content to communications for the CEO/other leaders as well as other communications channels.
• Collaborate with the External Communications team to ensure internal and external messages and timings are aligned.
• Collaborate with others in the Internal Communications team on the design and delivery of global internal communications campaigns as needed.

Operational competencies

• First-rate writing, editing and oral-communication skills.
• Ability to interface with stakeholders at all levels within the firm.
• Outstanding influencing and stakeholder-management skills – and ability to simultaneously manage several stakeholders (often with differing preferences/options/input).
• Exceptional judgment, discretion, responsiveness and initiative.
• Ability to think strategically and visualise the 'bigger picture'.
• Ability to translate the firm’s business strategy into easy-to-understand language to communicate to partners and staff in a clear and meaningful way.
• Thorough understanding of the culture and workings of a global law firm or professional services business with a partnership structure.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Highly collaborative, with a team mindset and willingness to play an active role in a cohesive, high-functioning team.
• Ability to take ownership of projects and proactively report on progress.
• Ability to plan and reprioritise to meet changes in needs – and meet deadlines in the face of tight timelines and conflicting or competing demands.
• Resilience and enthusiasm when working in a busy, challenging environment.
• Commercial mindset.
• Interest in and willingness to explore new communication channels.
• Proficiency with IT and familiarity with relevant digital platforms.

Experience, skills and qualifications

• Ten-plus years' internal communications experience in a corporate environment, preferably a law firm or professional services organisation with a partnership structure.
• Project-management skills to run effective communications campaigns.
• Outstanding editorial skills.
• Experience of managing communications plans targeted with the objective of supporting business strategy, raising and maintaining awareness, supporting collaboration and reducing silos.
• Problem-identification and resolution skills; solid judgement and decision-making skills.
• Tact, diplomacy and tenacity.
• High degree of proactivity.
• Evidence of having built strong, lasting relationships with leaders and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across all levels of the firm, verbally and in writing.
• Experience of managing and delivering communications across multiple time zones, in a multicultural environment.
• Up-to-date knowledge of internal communications tools and strategies.
• Experienced of dealing with ambiguity and adapting to changing circumstances.
• An innovative mindset, curious about AI and emerging technologies.

Team Corporate Services

Working Pattern Full time Location London Contract type Permanent Contract Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to attracting people from all backgrounds and creating a respectful and inclusive culture where everyone thrives. We see this as essential to our success, including our ability to innovate and achieve sustained high performance. This is a key part of our Values—Human, Bold, and Outstanding. At Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, we align your growth and ambition with ours. We invest in your personal and professional growth and support you to achieve your ambitions. And you share responsibility for playing a part in delivering the firm’s growth and ambition too.

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer: Your growth. Our ambition.