Group Communications Manager

Azets was formed in 2016, as a result of bringing leading-edge UK and Nordic business services companies together. For decades, we have provided business-critical support to thousands of clients throughout the UK and the Nordic region. Today, we are an international accounting, tax, advisory and business services company that delivers sustained outcomes for our clients. We are on a mission to help organisations of all shapes and sizes move forward with confidence.

Azets Group has over 9,000 people and supports some 100,000 clients across its network of 190+ offices in the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Estonia and Romania. Its clients include enterprises, SMEs, large scale businesses, public sector organisations, and private clients, across multiple sectors. It generates revenues of approximately £740 million and has acquired more than 100 local providers since inception.

Azets’ client experience is based on delivering a highly personalised service, through its local office network and proprietary digital workplace technology Azets Cozone, a unique cloud-based portal. Azets Cozone offers SMEs a market-leading digital solution, with instant access to information about their business that simplifies workflows, increases operational productivity, and supports a more productive client relationship.

Azets is backed by two leading private equity investors: PAI, with its deep sector expertise in Business Services, and Hg, with its longstanding heritage in software and services investing. Both investors have a strong track record of partnering with management teams to rapidly scale businesses and create global industry leaders.

Azets has ambitious plans to become a £1.3 billion business by 2027 and move into at least one new European market within the next 12-18 months.

The role

The Group Communications Manager is a key part of the Azets Group Communications team, reporting to the Group Director of Communications. This is a newly created position aimed at strengthening our group-wide corporate communications function, with a primary focus on external communications in the UK and Ireland that align with Azets Group’s purpose, brand, and strategy.

This strategic yet hands-on role is ideal for a mid-senior communications professional who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and can adapt to the complexities of a matrix organisation.

Based in the UK, you will work closely with Group, business unit leadership and marketing teams to build our brand and reputation in key markets as the advisor, employer, and acquiror of choice.

Key accountabilities

External Communications

• Develop and implement communications strategies and plans that align with group priorities and support business units in building the Azets brand and reputation.
• Create and distribute high-quality content, including press releases, articles, op-eds, and social media posts, to promote Azets as the advisor and employer of choice.
• Support business units in managing external communications during crisis situations, ensuring consistent and effective messaging.

PR and Media Relations

• Act as the primary point of contact for media enquiries and proactively cultivate relationships with journalists and media.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and industry influencers across target channels in key markets.
• Proactively identify and pursue PR opportunities, including awards, speaking engagements, and thought leadership.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive media list, tracking coverage and identifying new opportunities.
• Manage PR agencies or freelance support, ensuring alignment with Azets\’ strategy and value proposition.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including business unit leadership and marketing teams, to support the delivery communications objectives.
• Provide guidance and training to ensure alignment with strategies and brand standards.

Performance and Insights

• Establish metrics to measure the impact of communications activities and provide regular updates.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends, identifying opportunities to enhance Azets’ visibility and reputation.

M&A

• Collaborate with the Group Director of Communications, Group Head of Internal Communications, and M&A/integration colleagues to develop and deliver engaging communication strategies and initiatives to support new markets and colleagues.

Leadership Communications

• Contribute to communication plans for key organisational announcements and events, ensuring alignment with group-wide messaging.

Skills & experience

• Proven experience in communications, with a strong emphasis on PR and external communications.
• Experience working in or with professional services or B2B organisations, ideally within a complex, matrix environment.
• Track record of delivering successful PR campaigns and securing positive media coverage.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to produce engaging content for diverse audiences and channels.
• Familiarity with internal communications strategies and tools.
• Experience managing stakeholder relationships at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Understanding of UK and Ireland media landscapes and cultural nuances.

Personal Characteristics

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to delivering results.
• Collaborative and relationship-driven, with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Adaptable and resilient, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A proactive and curious learner, always seeking opportunities to improve and innovate.
• Committed to upholding Azets’ values of Collaboration, Authenticity, Respect, and Dynamism.

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