Strategic External Communications Lead, Airspace Modernisation

NATS; Whiteley; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NATS, the UK's leading air navigation service provider, is seeking a Senior Communications professional to lead external communications for the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) and airspace modernisation. The role focuses on managing communications across diverse audiences and UK locations, safeguarding reputation and driving engagement.

The role requires strategic and hands-on delivery, with experience in complex, regulated environments, and a track record of leading communications work

Qualifications

• Significant practical experience in PR, communications and engagement, with an understanding of how to maximise impact in a corporate, regulated and complex environment.
• Sound judgement, awareness of reputational sensitivities that may impact NATS, and the ability to provide strategic advice and input.
• Ability to work at both strategic and tactical levels and tailor solutions to meet business needs.
• Self-starter with strong organisational skills to develop and manage multiple projects, stakeholders and changing agendas.
• Strong and mature ambassador for the company at senior levels, with diplomacy and business sense reaching beyond Communications.
• Excellent communication, writing and editorial skills.
• Excellent networking skills, establishing key contacts and using them effectively.
• Strong influencing skills, the ability to overcome resistance and a highly personable character.
• Familiar with social media and digital media tools, and how to use them to maximum reputational effect.
• Successful team leader with experience coaching, developing and managing communications professionals.
• An understanding of aviation, airspace modernisation, infrastructure delivery or regulated environments would be advantageous.
• Calm under pressure, collaborative and able to provide constructive challenge while maintaining delivery momentum.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver integrated communications strategies, campaigns and plans that support UKADS, airspace modernisation and NATS' strategic objectives.
• Own the implementation of communications plans across defined audiences, building awareness, understanding and support for UKADS, consultation and airspace modernisation priorities.
• Lead and evolve the narrative for UKADS and airspace modernisation, ensuring consistent messaging across internal and external audiences while protecting NATS' reputation.
• Provide strategic communications advice and counsel to programme teams and senior stakeholders, identifying opportunities and risks and shaping responses.
• Lead the development and delivery of communications work packages across the range of airspace modernisation projects.
• Work closely with digital communications, media relations and wider teams to develop high-quality content and ensure alignment.
• Identify and develop opportunities to demonstrate NATS' thought leadership on airspace modernisation and the future of UK airspace.
• Define and scope external agency support and manage briefs, quality, value-for-money expectations.
• Build strong relationships across UKADS, airport teams and the wider business, coaching colleagues to maintain high standards.

Skills

PR & comms

Stakeholder mgmt

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Editorial skills

Digital & social

Networking

Crisis comms

Influencing

Job description

NATS, the UK's leading air navigation service provider, is seeking a Senior Communications professional to lead external communications for the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) and airspace modernisation. The role focuses on managing communications across diverse audiences and UK locations, safeguarding reputation and driving engagement.

The role requires strategic and hands-on delivery, with experience in complex, regulated environments, and a track record of leading communications work