Corporate Communications Business Partner – 6Mth Ftc

Wates Smartspace; East London; On-site; ZAR 910 000 - 1 252 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading property development company is seeking a Communications Specialist in East London. This role involves managing internal and external communication strategies to enhance employee engagement and public perception. The successful candidate will demonstrate strategic thinking, exceptional writing skills, and the ability to manage various communication channels. Competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary & bonus

Flexible working arrangement

Private Medical and extensive benefits

Learning and development activities

Industry-leading family leave benefits

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in communications functions.
• Skilled at managing communication channels and tactics.
• Proficiency in graphic design and social media management.

Responsibilities

• Lead internal communications initiatives and employee engagement.
• Manage external communications campaigns with media relations.
• Develop tools for change management and communication processes.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Written communication

Stakeholder relationship building

Creative problem-solving

Education

Degree in journalism, marketing, or public relations

Job description

Overview

The Vacancy As a key member of the Group Communications and Marketing function, this role is responsible for executing the corporate communications strategy to support the delivery of the business strategy and objectives. The role focuses on positioning Wates as a purpose-led, thought-leading organisation in areas such as sustainability, health, safety and wellbeing, innovation, and quality. Additionally, this role will lead internal communications efforts that foster employee engagement and inclusion, delivering HR-related communications and supporting external campaigns. This national role involves managing internal and external communications channels, event planning, media relations, digital and social media strategies, and PR activities.

Main Accountabilities

Internal Communications

• Lead employee engagement initiatives, including Group-wide virtual and in-person events, leadership briefings, and campaigns related to inclusion, diversity, health, safety, and sustainability.
• Deliver HR communications, including messaging for workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and pay reviews.
• Support the communication of significant legislative changes (e.g., the Building Safety Act and the Procurement Act).
• Create and implement tools, templates, and channels to streamline internal communication processes within business units, such as leadership updates, information cascades, and online briefings.
• Develop communications to support change management programmes across the Group.

External Communications

• Collaborate with the Media and External Affairs team to deliver campaigns that position the company as a purpose-driven organization and thought leader in key areas.
• Support the planning and execution of social media initiatives and ensure external-facing content is compelling, accurate, and up to date.
• Contribute to the organization of external events and ensure alignment with the company's corporate values and objectives.

Relationship Management

• Forge strong relationships with senior stakeholders, providing strategic advice to align communications with their objectives.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across the Communications and Marketing function, supporting embedded teams in the business divisions.
• Ensure all outputs adhere to company branding, policies, and procedures.
• Manage additional responsibilities within the communications and marketing function as assigned by leadership.

Required Knowledge, Qualifications, And Skills

Knowledge

• Demonstrated experience working in an in-house communications function (preferably in a related industry).
• Skilled at managing communications channels, tactics, and tools to engage diverse audience groups.
• Knowledge of internal communication best practices, employee engagement, change management, and leadership communication strategies.
• Proficiency in the fundamentals of graphic design, video production, social media, brand management, and event management.

Qualifications

• Degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, or a related writing-based discipline (preferred).

Skills

• Strategic thinker with the ability to implement hands‑on initiatives while managing competing demands effectively.
• Strong project management skills, including designing and executing communication channels, events, and campaigns.
• Exceptional written communication abilities to convey complex ideas in a clear, engaging manner.
• Creative problem-solving and adaptability, particularly when managing organisational change.
• Skilled at building strong stakeholder relationships and effective interpersonal communication.

Working Environment

Given the critical nature of relationship management in this role, the successful candidate will spend a minimum of three days per week working from a Wates office or project site to foster collaboration with key stakeholders.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary & bonus
• Flexible working – this role will be based between the Leatherhead or London office three days a week.
• Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)
• Extensive corporate benefits including Private Medical, Pension 8% employers' contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more.
• Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.
• Industry leading family leave benefits including 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 8 weeks fully paid paternity.
• Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage.

EEO Statement

Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offences. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre‑employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting.

About Wates

Wates is one of the UK's leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies. Founded over years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment. We are driven by our purpose, 'reimagining places for people to thrive' and our three promises: • Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity. • Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners. • Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care. We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer. We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.