Senior Media & External Communications Manager (Remote UK)

Capita plc; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote working in the UK

23 days' holiday (pro rata)

Volunteer day

Family leave policies

Cycle2Work scheme

Job summary

Capita plc is seeking an experienced Senior Media and External Corporate Communications Manager to lead a busy press office and steer our external narrative across national, regional, trade, and digital channels. You will protect Capita's reputation and shape responses to complex media inquiries while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

You will report to the Head of External Communications and Marketing, working with internal teams, investor relations, public affairs, and

Qualifications

• Proven experience in corporate communications within a PR agency, including media relations and issues management involving UK national and trade media.
• Journalism experience, with a strong understanding of how the media operates and what makes a good story.
• Experience of communications within the public sector, regulated industries or another complex and highly scrutinised environment is preferable.
• Excellent news judgement, with demonstrable experience of writing and editing clear, accurate and high-quality content for different audiences and channels.
• Experience of advising and influencing senior stakeholders, preparing spokespeople and providing clear communications recommendations.
• Ability to interpret complex operational, political and reputational issues and communicate them clearly and concisely.

Responsibilities

• Managing and responding to daily media enquiries, often involving complex, high-profile or sensitive issues that affect individuals and communities.
• Identifying emerging reputational risks and working with contract communications leads, public affairs, internal communications, legal teams, senior leaders and external PR agencies to agree clear handling and escalation plans.
• Developing reactive statements, lines to take, Q&As, briefing materials and other communications needed to support rapid and accurate responses.
• Providing clear, evidence-based communications advice to senior leaders, including constructive challenge where required, and preparing spokespeople for interviews and difficult questions.
• Supporting crisis communications planning and urgent issues outside normal working hours when required.
• Helping to shape and deliver Capita's external communications strategy and plan.
• Developing credible stories and campaigns that demonstrate Capita's transformation, expertise and contribution to the delivery of essential public services across earned, owned, social and digital channels.
• Working closely with colleagues across contracts and functions to identify evidence, insight, case studies and spokespeople that strengthen our external narrative.
• Building trusted relationships with reporters at key national and trade media outlets covering Capita and the sectors in which we operate.
• Monitoring the media, business and UK political landscape to anticipate risks and identify opportunities to share informed viewpoints and profile our spokespeople.
• Monitoring coverage and evaluating communications activity, using insight and evidence to improve future plans and report on reputation, reach and impact.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

News judgment

Spokesperson coaching

Education

Journalism degree

Job description

Capita plc is seeking an experienced Senior Media and External Corporate Communications Manager to lead a busy press office and steer our external narrative across national, regional, trade, and digital channels. You will protect Capita's reputation and shape responses to complex media inquiries while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

You will report to the Head of External Communications and Marketing, working with internal teams, investor relations, public affairs, and