At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead brand strategy and inspire a high-performing team to drive engagement and growth.
- Company: Animal Friends is a leading UK pet insurance provider, dedicated to animal welfare and conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, 25 days annual leave, and discounts on gym memberships.
- Other info: Remote work available; applications from diverse backgrounds encouraged.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team making a positive impact on pets and wildlife globally.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience, strong strategic thinking, and expertise in brand communications required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a strategic and inspiring Head of Brand & Communications to lead our brand vision and customer-focused storytelling. You'll shape and deliver integrated marketing, PR, and internal communications strategies that drive engagement, growth, and reputation.
What’s on offer?
Not only do we offer a competitive salary of £90,000 with excellent benefits, we also firmly believe that your postcode should never be a barrier when it comes to finding the pawfect role – that’s why we’re flexible on your working location. At Animal Friends, you can choose to be based remotely within the UK, within our Amesbury office, or hybrid (a mixture of both). At Animal Friends Insurance, we’re all about empowering our colleagues to make work work for them wherever possible, which is why we also welcome applications from candidates looking to work condensed hours.
What you’ll do
- Lead and inspire a high-performing team with clear goals and development plans
- Define and implement brand strategy, voice, and messaging
- Deliver engaging marketing campaigns across digital, social, events, and media
- Ensure brand consistency across all channels and touchpoints
- Develop the UK marketing strategy alongside the CSMO
- Drive internal comms and colleague value proposition (CVP)
- Manage PR, events, and crisis communications in collaboration with C-suite
- Set KPIs and track performance to inform future strategy
Who You Are
- Proven experience leading and motivating high-performing teams
- Strong strategic thinking, data analysis, and marketing campaign execution
- Creative problem-solver with a track record of innovative brand and comms work
- Expertise in brand strategy, positioning, and messaging across channels
- Skilled in budget management, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration
- Confident communicator with experience advising C-suite and engaging key stakeholders
- Strong background in PR, events, and media, with high-profile campaign success
- Excellent writing and verbal communication, including with partners and influencers
- Deep understanding of segmented targeting and audience engagement
- Able to easily work from home with a quiet space and good internet connection
Why choose Animal Friends
Animal Friends has been supporting UK pet owners for more than 25 years with our comprehensive and meaningful pet insurance. We are not only an award-winning business but one of the largest pet insurance providers in the UK. But we’re not like other leading UK pet insurers, we were built to be unmistakably different – giving back to incredible animal welfare and conservation charities, at home and around the world, as they fight to support and care for vulnerable pets, wildlife, and habitats. So far, we’ve helped support over 800 charities and conservancies across the UK and worldwide and donated over £8.5 million and continue to use our voice and platform to fight for positive change. We believe that even the smallest act can make a big difference.
We understand that our success is only possible because of how we work together, which is why our company values of being courageous, kind-hearted and passionate are the heart of what we do – and we simply wouldn’t be who we are today without our colleagues, who embody these values every day.
We are part of the Pinnacle Pet Group (PPG) – a pan European fully integrated pet insurance and pet health services provider. On a mission to help pets live happy, healthy lives with their pet parents, PPG are committed to supporting the diverse needs of their customers and colleagues with a clear ambition to become the world leader in pet insurance and healthcare services.
What You’ll Get
- 25 days annual leave, which increases with service, plus bank holidays
- A day off for your birthday
- One paid day off per year to volunteer with a UK-registered animal charity of your choice
- Access to 50% off insuring pet companions with Animal Friends
- Free access to our expert vet partner, Joii Pet Care, for your cat and/or dog
- Your mental and physical health is incredibly important to us. That’s why we offer discount on gym membership, access to a dedicated Wellbeing Hub and a healthcare cash plan, private medical insurance and Group life assurance.
- We like to celebrate success and recognise excellent employee performance; we will donate £3k to the charity of our employee of the quarter’s choice
- Most importantly, you’ll be working with, and supported by, a team of courageous, passionate, and kind-hearted individuals.
Inclusion, Diversity and Belonging at Animal Friends
At Animal Friends, we take inclusion seriously. This means nurturing a culture that respects everyone as an individual and values the unique perspectives we all bring through our background, characteristics, and lived experiences. We know that harnessing our differences makes us stronger and helps us to deliver better outcomes for our customers and each other. That’s why we are committed to ensuring that everyone is treated fairly and without discrimination, and we are passionate about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong.
Our recruitment process
As an FCA regulated business, we require successful applicants to clear our pre-employment screening process which includes a credit check and references checks. Under the latest UK Right to Work regulations, we will require successful applicants to evidence their right to work in the UK, either in person, online, or digitally via a third party subject to circumstances.
Please be aware this advert will remain open until the vacancy has been filled rather than the advertised closing date. Interviews will take place throughout this period; therefore, we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.
Head of Brand and Communications employer: Animal Friends
Animal Friends is an exceptional employer that champions a flexible working environment, allowing you to choose between remote, hybrid, or office-based roles in Amesbury. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, generous benefits including 25 days of annual leave, and a culture rooted in kindness and passion, you'll thrive in a supportive team dedicated to making a positive impact on animal welfare. Join us to lead innovative brand strategies while being part of a mission-driven company that values your contributions and fosters personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Brand and Communications
✨Show Your Creative Side
In marketing communications, standing out is key. Get creative with your application! Consider designing a mini-campaign or pitch that highlights your skills and understanding of the brand. Tailor it for Animal Friends and show them what you can bring to the table.
✨Engage in Marketing Communities
Get involved in local or online marketing communications groups. Check out platforms like Meetup for events and workshops. Networking here can lead to hidden job openings and valuable insights into the industry trends—this is where we often discover what companies like Animal Friends are looking for.
✨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to showcase your passion for marketing communications. Share insights, articles, and your own content that resonates with the industry. Tagging or interacting with Animal Friends on these platforms can catch the eye of recruiters and show you're genuinely interested in them.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for marketing conferences and workshops. These are great places to meet potential employers face-to-face and make connections that could land you a full-time role at Animal Friends. Bring your business cards and be prepared to chat about how you can contribute!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Brand and Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft an Impactful Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Focus on your passion for marketing communications and how your previous experiences can benefit Animal Friends. Make sure to mention specific campaigns or projects you’ve worked on that showcase your creativity and strategic thinking.
Showcase Your Writing Skills:As you're diving into a marketing communications role, your writing ability is crucial. Include samples of your work, like blog posts, press releases, or social media campaigns in your application. This lets us see your style and how you engage with different audiences.
Tailor Your CV to Marketing:Your CV should highlight relevant marketing skills and experiences! Include specific tools or platforms you’ve used, like Google Analytics or social media management software. Mention any certifications or workshops related to marketing that you've completed – they can give you an edge!
Demonstrate Your Understanding of Animal Friends:Show us that you’ve done your homework! In your application, briefly mention what you admire about Animal Friends’s marketing approach or any recent campaigns that caught your attention. This can reveal your enthusiasm for the role and your genuine interest in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Animal Friends
✨Showcase Your Creative Campaigns
Get ready to flaunt your portfolio! Include examples of previous marketing campaigns you've worked on, especially those that showcase your creativity and strategy. Recruiters at Animal Friends will be keen to see how you conceptualise and execute campaigns, so highlight any measurable outcomes to back up your claims.
✨Know Your Digital Tools Inside Out
If you’re heading into a marketing-communications role, make sure you're comfortable discussing key digital marketing tools like Google Analytics, HubSpot, or Hootsuite. Expect some technical questions about how you've used these tools in the past, as they'll want to gauge your hands-on experience and how you analyse data to drive marketing decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
At Animal Friends, they may throw some scenario-based questions your way, aimed at testing your problem-solving skills in real-life marketing situations. Think through potential challenges you’ve faced, how you navigated them, and be prepared to discuss your thought process and outcome.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Marketing
As you’re applying for a full-time position, show that you're not just looking for a job, but a career in marketing. Talk about the latest trends in marketing communications, your favourite campaigns, and why they inspire you. Your enthusiasm can really make you stand out and demonstrate that you’re committed to growing within the field.
