Regional Head of Comms

This job is with Allianz Commercial, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. We are looking for a Regional Head of Communications based in London.

The Team - You'll be part of a global community of communications professionals, with global and national colleagues working together over media relations and external topics, internal and change communications, digital channels, and thought leadership content. It's a highly collaborative team environment and culture, where taking individual ownership and responsibility are key, but always with the support of colleagues as part of a wider team.

The Impact You Will Have - This role takes direct leadership responsibility for the strategic planning, implementation and delivery of communications activities across the new Allianz Commercial UK, Ireland and South Africa region. In addition, the role is responsible for or contributes to a large number of ad hoc projects at varying levels of importance - from tactical to strategic, and from local to global. Reporting directly to the Global Head of Communications and working closely with the Regional President and Regional Managing Director, this role also coordinates closely with Marketing and other Communications teams across the region for alignment of key activities, and requires strong collaboration with Allianz Commercial UK to ensure a well-aligned approach within the UK Commercial business and segment.

Some of your specific responsibilities could include:

• Communications leadership: Provide regional direction and execution of communications activities. This includes close liaison with key stakeholders (including regional leadership and project stakeholders) and Global Communications, and budget oversight and management for all AGCS-hosted Allianz Commercial communications activities across the region.
• External Communications and Media Relations: Lead and coordinate proactive media and external communications across the region, in coordination with other colleagues (local and global, including media teams in other local Allianz companies such as Allianz UK), to include: Development of a media relations network and process across the region; media management to include planning topic coverage, coordinating, writing and distributing press releases, pitching, fielding journalist enquiries, providing guidance to journalists, press briefings etc.; Media relations management for product launches or organisational news and developments; when used, agency coordination, budgeting and management; Contact management of media contacts; work with Distribution to support external newsletters; supporting research and 'knowledge-based' content for external communications in conjunction with global team: white papers, expert reports, risk bulletins and other print/online content; reviewing and monitoring media activity; Preparing briefings, and coaching staff including senior management in media relations; planning and coordinating media training for managers and staff; Crisis communications planning and response (local contact for crisis communications); contribute to digital communications incl. social media where relevant.
• Internal Communications: Takes direct responsibility for coordination, management, support and delivery of internal communications activities across the region individually or in coordination with other colleagues (local and global including HR) supporting regional leadership and the Regional President such as communications planning and projects, change project communications, news/announcements, and briefing notes and other newsletters as required, Proactive development of consistent messaging and topics for internal use, copywriting and drafting communications, support for strategy and management & leadership communications, town halls, working with visiting Board Members as needed, regional Intranet (global responsibility is with Global Communications).
• Global and regional communications projects: Alongside the above responsibilities, the role will also support and contribute to Regional and Global Communications team activities, including media related activities and ad hoc projects. Occasional international travel will be required to other countries or within the region for annual workshops or specific events.
• Act as a leader and mentor: for junior colleagues on communications topics: Lead, manage and coach any colleagues supporting communications in the business, or in partnership with Allianz UK.

What You'll Bring to the Role - Strong corporate communications track record with extensive hands-on experience of media relations and internal communications, and practical communications delivery, ideally in a multi-country environment/global organisation, including working with senior managers. Services or B2B background preferred - experience of insurance not essential, although this would be beneficial. Experience of expertise-driven communications in a knowledge-based industry would be directly relevant. Demonstrable experience of new developments in digital and traditional media. Project and change communications experience in a matrix/international environment is an advantage. Expertise in integrating AI into various business functions, enhancing efficiency, and fostering a culture of data-driven innovation is crucial.

What's in it for you? Let's care about everything that makes you, you. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. We offer a hybrid working model, which recognizes the value of striking a balance between in-person collaboration and remote working. Please feel free to discuss flexible working arrangements with us.

Let's care for your financial wellbeing. We believe in rewarding performance with a great compensation and benefits package (details vary by location), including a generous bonus scheme and pension.

Let's care for your opportunities to progress. From career development and digital learning programs to international career mobility, we offer lifelong learning for our employees worldwide and an environment where innovation, delivery and empowerment are fostered.

Let's care for life's twists and turns. From our support for flexible working, health and wellbeing (including private healthcare and generous parental leave benefits), to helping people return from career breaks with experience that nothing else can teach. We've got your back.

Let's care for our society and our planet. With opportunities to be engaged in shaping a future that is safe, inclusive and sustainable, we care for the tomorrows of our people, our industry and our clients.

Allianz Commercial is the centre of expertise of Allianz Group, insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises, and special risks. Our customers include top consumer brands, financial institutions, industry leaders, the global aviation and shipping industries, as well as family-owned and medium-enterprises. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind farms, infrastructure projects and film productions. Our clients trust us to provide a wide range of traditional and alternative risk transfer solutions, outstanding risk consulting and multinational services, and seamless claims handling. Allianz Commercial helps customers to prepare for what's ahead.

At Allianz, we stand for unity: we believe that a united world is a more prosperous world, and we are dedicated to consistently advocating for equal opportunities for all. And the foundation for this is our inclusive workplace, where people and performance both matter, and nurtures a culture grounded in integrity, fairness, inclusion and trust. We therefore welcome applications regardless of ethnicity or cultural background, age, gender, nationality, religion, social class, disability or sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected under applicable local laws and regulations.

People with disabilities: We want to give all our candidates the best opportunity to succeed. If you need any adjustments to be made during the application and selection process, please email agcsglobalcareers@allianz.com.

Recruitment Agencies: Allianz Commercial has an in-house recruitment team, which focuses on sourcing great candidates directly. Allianz Commercial does not accept unsolicited resumes from agency or search firm recruiters. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired.