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- Tasks: Lead strategic communications and engagement for a major UK Defence partnership.
- Company: Join a key player in facilities management supporting the UK Defence estate.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, pension contributions, private medical cover, and a company car.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while engaging with diverse stakeholders in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in communications or related field; senior-level experience required.
- Other info: Home-based role with national travel; ideal for proactive communicators.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Role : Head of Communications & Engagement
Location : Home-based (Central England) – regular national travel required
Contract : Full-time, Permanent
Salary : Up to £80,000 + Company Car / Car Allowance
Are you a strategic communicator ready to lead national engagement across a critical UK infrastructure contract? We\’re looking for a Head of Communications & Engagement to shape the voice, presence, and influence of a major facilities management partnership supporting the UK Defence estate.
This is a high-profile, impactful role for someone who thrives on building trust, managing complex stakeholder networks, and delivering clear, consistent messaging in a fast-paced and regulated environment.
The Role
As Head of Communications & Engagement, you’ll lead the development and execution of a cohesive internal and external communications strategy aligned with major operational programmes, contract mobilisation, estate improvement, and transformation initiatives.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading media relations, stakeholder engagement, digital communications, and crisis response
- Developing content and messaging that enhances brand identity, public perception, and employee engagement
- Acting as a trusted advisor on reputational risk, media protocol, and customer-facing communication
- Representing the organisation at events and through thought leadership across the Defence and FM sectors
- Managing the governance of official publications, customer briefings, FOI responses, and digital content
You’ll also oversee a high-performing communications team, ensuring strategic alignment, impactful campaigns, and professional development across the board.
What You’ll Bring
To excel in this role, you’ll need:
- A degree (or equivalent experience) in communications, marketing, or related field
- Proven senior-level experience in corporate communications—ideally in Defence, public sector, or regulated industries
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders, including government bodies, under formal protocols
- Strong skills in reputational risk management, crisis comms, and translating complex operational messages
- Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, along with digital fluency
- A collaborative, action-driven approach and a passion for engaging and inspiring internal and external audiences
This is a national role requiring flexibility, occasional short-notice travel, and a proactive approach to managing evolving priorities.
What We Offer
- 25 days annual leave
- 6% matched pension contribution
- Single private medical cover
- Life assurance (2x salary)
- Company car or car allowance
If you\’re ready to lead transformative communications in a role where your impact will be felt across the Armed Forces community and beyond, we’d love to hear from you.
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Head of Communications & Engagement employer: Mainstay Industrial
Contact Detail:
Mainstay Industrial Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications & Engagement
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the Defence and facilities management sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences to connect with key stakeholders and gain insights into current trends and challenges.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in managing complex stakeholder networks by preparing examples of past successes. Be ready to discuss how you built trust and delivered clear messaging in challenging environments during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest developments in crisis communication and reputational risk management. Being well-versed in these areas will demonstrate your readiness to handle the responsibilities of this role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to leading a communications team. Highlight your strategies for ensuring alignment, impactful campaigns, and professional development, as these are crucial for the Head of Communications & Engagement position.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications & Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in communications and engagement, particularly in the Defence or public sector. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex stakeholder networks and deliver impactful messaging.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your strategic communication skills and your understanding of the role. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description, and express your passion for engaging with internal and external audiences.
Showcase Your Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include quantifiable achievements that illustrate your success in previous roles. For example, mention any campaigns you led that improved brand identity or employee engagement, and provide metrics to back them up.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors. Clear, concise, and professional writing is crucial for a role that requires exceptional communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mainstay Industrial
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Head of Communications & Engagement, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've developed and executed communication strategies in previous roles, particularly in complex environments like Defence or public sectors.
✨Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills
This role involves managing complex stakeholder networks. Be ready to discuss your experience in building relationships with senior stakeholders, including government bodies, and how you navigated any challenges that arose.
✨Demonstrate Crisis Communication Experience
Crisis management is a key part of this position. Prepare to share specific instances where you've successfully managed communications during a crisis, focusing on your approach and the outcomes achieved.
✨Prepare for Thought Leadership Discussions
You'll be representing the organisation at events and through thought leadership. Think about your insights into the Defence and facilities management sectors, and be prepared to discuss how you can enhance the organisation's presence in these areas.
