SVP of Communications

Zilch; City Of London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading payment technology company in the UK is seeking a Senior Vice President of Communications to enhance its global narrative. This pivotal role includes overseeing media relations, crisis communications, and driving strategic communications strategies. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience, particularly in regulated industries like fintech, and a robust network within media and government. A competitive compensation package is offered, reflecting the importance of this key position.

Benefits

Income Protection

Share Options Scheme

5% cashback on in-app purchases

£200 WFH Setup allowance

Private Medical Insurance

Unlimited mental health sessions

Enhanced family leave policies

Learning & Development programs

Qualifications

• Significant experience in communications and media relations.
• Proven success in leading a communications team.
• Strong presence and credibility when dealing with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute Zilch's global communications strategy.
• Act as external spokesperson across various platforms.
• Manage high-stakes media relations and crisis communications.

Skills

Communications leadership

Crisis communications

Stakeholder management

Media relations

Strategic planning

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Zilch is a payment tech company on a mission to create the most empowering way to pay for anything, anywhere. Combining the best of debit, credit and savings, we give our customers the option to earn instant cashback or spread the cost of pricier purchases, completely interest free and with no late fees. Pretty great, right?

We started in 2018 with a small team and a big dream - to make credit accessible to all. Since then, we've achieved double unicorn status and taken on more than 5 million customers. There are some exciting projects coming up and we’ve got big growth plans.

Want to join us?

About the role

We’re looking for a world‑class SVP of Communications to lead and elevate Zilch’s global narrative as we enter the next phase of hyper‑growth. This is a defining leadership role responsible for shaping Zilch’s reputation, driving strategic influence across media, government, and industry, and serving as a senior external spokesperson for the company. The ideal candidate is a strategic communications executive who has run an in‑house function, ideally with blended agency experience, and thrives at the intersection of government, media, and regulated industries. They will operate comfortably in fast‑moving and highly regulated environments (fintech experience a strong plus). This role partners closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Zilch’s executive team and has direct impact on our global communications strategy across London, Poland, and beyond.

Strategic Leadership & Narrative Building

Define and lead the development and execution of Zilch’s global communications strategy across external, internal, policy, and corporate comms. Hold ultimate accountability for the performance and resource allocation of the Communications division, driving sustainable value through strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and informed operational decision‑making.

Act as a senior ambassador and external spokesperson for Zilch across media, government, partners, and industry forums. Shape Zilch’s long‑term narrative and reputation at the intersection of fintech, regulation, and consumer outcomes. Define and drive the Communications roadmap, ensuring clear communication of objectives, realistic goal‑setting, timely delivery, and agile adaptation as priorities evolve.

Media, Government, and Stakeholder Influence

• Leverage a deep personal network across media, policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to drive influence and ensure Zilch’s voice is front and centre.
• Navigate complex communications landscapes where government, regulation, and media converge.
• Manage high‑stakes media relations, issue management, and crisis communications with speed, clarity, and authority.

Operational Leadership

• Build, lead, and scale a high‑performing in‑house communications function by hiring, coaching, and developing top‑tier talent; demonstrating strong resource management; making data‑driven hiring recommendations; and ensuring the efficient, productive deployment of team capabilities.
• Oversee agency relationships, ensuring world‑class execution and value.
• Ensure communications are aligned with business goals, product launches, partnerships, regulatory milestones, and commercial strategy.

Cross‑Functional Execution

• Partner with senior stakeholders (Marketing, Compliance, Product, Legal, Finance, Leadership) to drive integrated campaigns, announcements, and policy initiatives.
• Coordinate communications around financial models, KPIs, and performance, generating clear management reports.
• Identify and drive efficiencies, improvements, and structural enhancements across communication workflows and processes.

Governance, Risk & Reputation

• Lead communications strategy across regulated environments, anticipating issues and shaping proactive narrative management.
• Guide crisis response, reputation management, and sensitive regulatory communications.
• Develop and maintain annual communication growth plans aligned to business targets.

What we're looking for

• Has successfully led an in‑house communications function, maintaining an excellent reputation and demonstrating professionalism with all internal and external stakeholders; agency experience is valuable but not essential.
• Brings significant, progressive, and demonstrable experience in communications, PR, public affairs, or media, ideally including roles in both government and media settings.
• Demonstrates exceptional people leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop high‑performing teams; adept at conducting structured 1:1s, managing workload allocation strategically, providing constructive and timely feedback, and driving individual and team growth through targeted development conversations and ongoing support.
• Operates with authority, confidence, and presence; able to influence at all levels, driving accountability in high‑stakes environments.
• Has a deep contact network within their relevant sector(s).
• Has experience in regulated industries (ideally fintech or tech, but other regulated sectors welcome).
• Has proven experience as a senior spokesperson or leader managing high‑stakes external communications.
• Excels in fast‑paced, high‑growth environments and is comfortable with ambiguity.
• Has a proven ability to adapt to changing priorities, shifting stakeholder needs, and evolving strategic direction.
• Is an exceptional writer and verbal communicator, able to present complex strategies and insights clearly, driving executive‑level decision‑making while working collaboratively across teams and stakeholders.
• Brings rigorous organisation, strategic thinking, and flawless execution, leading cross‑functional alignment on mission‑critical initiatives.
• Demonstrates strong stakeholder management and cross‑functional leadership, building collaboration capability and enabling teams to co‑create innovative, enterprise‑wide solutions.
• Is adaptable, solutions‑focused, and able to work autonomously at pace.

Benefits

Compensation & Savings:

• Income Protection.
• Permanent employees enjoy access to our Share Options Scheme.
• 5% back on in‑app purchases.
• £200 for WFH Setup.
• Private Medical Insurance including;
• GP consultations (video, telephone or face‑to‑face).
• Prescribed medication.
• In‑patient, day‑patient and out‑patient care.
• Mental health support.
• Physiotherapy.
• Advanced cancer cover.
• Employee Assistance Programme including:
  • Unlimited mental health sessions.
  • 24/7 remote GP & physiotherapy.
  • 24/7 helpline for emotional & practical support.
• Savings & discounts on everyday shopping.
• 1:1 personalised well‑being consultations.

Family Friendly Policies

• Enhanced maternity pay.
• Enhanced paternity pay.
• Enhanced adoption pay.
• Enhanced shared parental leave.

Learning & Development

• Professional Qualifications.
• Professional Memberships.
• Learning Suite for e‑courses.
• Internal Training Programmes.
• FCA & Regulatory training.
• Hybrid Working.
• Casual dress code.
• Workplace socials.

To apply for this role

Please submit your CV along with a cover letter.

Zilch Technology is an equal opportunities employer and we encourage all applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.