Head of Global External Communications in Ewell

The Head of Global External Communications is responsible for building, stewarding and protecting Arup's external reputation on the world stage. This pivotal role leads the development and execution of a cohesive global external communications strategy, ensuring that Arup's voice is authoritative, trusted, and aligned with the firm's business priorities. The postholder proactively seeks opportunities to raise Arup's profile, manages reputational risk, and provides strategic counsel to senior leadership. Under this leadership, Arup will achieve a clearer external narrative across priority markets and improved consistency in how senior leaders are positioned and supported globally.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Arup's global external communications strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy, purpose and values.
• Steward the firm's corporate narrative and reputation, ensuring consistent, confident messaging across all external channels.
• Lead all PR and media activity, including global media relations, press engagement, and leadership visibility.
• Oversee the profiling of senior leaders across earned, owned and social channels.
• Provide operational leadership and day‑to‑day management of the Global Media team and Thought Leadership Lead, supporting their activity and ultimately acting as decision‑maker on proposed activity.
• Build a cohesive network of external communications leads worldwide, working and co‑creating a unified team approach and systems to drive a joined‑up approach.

Reputational Risk Management

• Anticipate and manage reputational risks, working with the Corporate Communications Leader to advise and help the business respond to moments of risk.
• Lead the development and execution of crisis communication plans, ensuring timely and effective response to issues.
• Develop and maintain a crisis communications toolkit and ensure readiness of teams globally.

External Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with global media, journalists, agencies and other partners.
• Advise senior leaders and board members on external engagement and media strategy.
• Coordinate media activity linked to board and leadership visits, and support leader participation at key events.

Collaboration and Influence

• Work closely with external communications teams across Arup's global network to ensure a unified approach.
• Partner with Corporate Affairs, Marketing, Brand, Internal Communications and Business Development to amplify Arup's impact.
• Work closely with the Global Corporate Communications Leader to develop and drive the strategic direction of external communications for Arup, holding responsibility for cascading this through the wider communications network across the firm.
• Work closely and align activity with the Global Corporate Affairs team.
• Commission and manage external agencies as required.

Measurement and Reporting

• Ensure robust measurement and reporting of media performance, share of voice and impact.
• Provide insights and analysis to inform leadership and support continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a senior communications, media relations or corporate affairs role, ideally within a complex, international organisation.
• Proven track record in communications strategy, crisis communications, leadership communications and media relations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, and to build trusted relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of current trends in communications, digital tools and reputation management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
• High level of creativity, initiative and attention to detail.
• Commitment to exemplifying Arup's values, including quality of work, integrity and a collaborative, humane approach.
• Undergraduate and/or further degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or business management or equivalent as appropriate.
• Professional qualification or accreditation from a recognised body is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive and equitable pay, profit share, private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance, income protection cover and flexible benefits that support health and wellbeing, learning opportunities and impact‑driven work.
• Flexibility to find best solutions for you, your family and individual needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or any other protected characteristic. Arup thrives on diverse experiences, perspectives and ideas and is committed to creating equitable spaces and systems for all.