Senior Head of Communications in London

Senior Head of Communications in London

London Full-Time 95000 - 105000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
BBC Group and Public Services

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the BBC's Corporate Press Office and Local teams, managing media operations.
  • Company: Join the iconic BBC at a pivotal moment in its history.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our recruitment strategy.
  • Why this job: Shape corporate storytelling and influence senior leadership in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Senior-level communications experience and strong leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 95000 - 105000 £ per year.

CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent, Full-time

DEPARTMENT: Press and Local

LOCATION: London

PROPOSED SALARY RANGE: £95,000 - £105,000 depending on relevant skills, knowledge and experience. The expected salary for this role reflects internal benchmarking and external market insights.

We're happy to discuss flexible working. If you'd like to, please indicate your preference in the application – though there's no obligation to do so now. Flexible working will be part of the discussion at offer stage.

Purpose of the Role

As Senior Head of Communications for Corporate and Local, you will be responsible for running the BBC's Corporate Press Office and Local teams.

Why Join the Team

At a key moment for the BBC, with the process for a new Royal Charter underway, you will be at the centre of the BBC's corporate storytelling, working with and advising senior leadership and liaising with key media contacts as a senior spokesperson.

Your Key Responsibilities and Impact

  • Manage the seven‐day‐a‐week press office operation.
  • Manage and oversee the BBC Local media team.
  • Act as a key point of referral for complex, sensitive, and high‐risk enquiries.
  • Provide strategic advice to the BBC's senior and executive leadership.

Your Skills and Experience – Essential Criteria

  • Proven track record and experience at a senior level within communications, in a complex and fast‐paced environment.
  • Strong evidence of creative achievement, showing ideas, clear thinking and problem solving.
  • Demonstrable success in leading, motivating, and developing a team.
  • High level of interpersonal skills, with the credibility and influence to advise senior leaders and engage confidently with external stakeholders.
  • Proven high‐level understanding of communications thinking, practices, and techniques, including audience reach and social media.

Being a leader at the BBC means putting the organisation's interest, goals and values first, ahead of individual team or function needs. The characteristics of an enterprise leader are: Focuses on outcomes over activity, adapts quickly, and simplifies complexity. They balance short‐term actions with long‐term impact, take full accountability for actions and decision‐making, and prioritise capability development to create teams fit for the future.

Before your start date, you may need to disclose any unspent convictions or police charges, in line with our Contracts of Employment policy. This allows us to discuss any support you may need and assess any risks. Failure to disclose may result in the withdrawal of your offer.

Diversity, inclusion & belonging strategy

We welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio‐economic background, religion and/or belief. We want to attract the broadest range of talented people to join us. The more diverse our workforce, the better able we are to respond to and reflect our audiences in all their diversity.

Benefits

  • Fair pay and flexible benefits including a competitive salary package, a flexible 35‐hour working week, 25 days annual leave with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care and gym.
  • Excellent career and professional development.
  • Support in your working life, including flexible working which you can discuss with us at any point during the application, selection or offer.
  • A values‐based organisation where the way we do things is important as what we do.

Senior Head of Communications in London employer: BBC Group and Public Services

The BBC is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London where creativity and strategic thinking thrive. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, competitive salaries, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while playing a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's corporate narrative during a transformative period. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a values-driven culture that prioritises both individual growth and collective success.

BBC Group and Public Services

Contact Details:

BBC Group and Public Services Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Head of Communications in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their recent projects and challenges, especially in communications. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals.

Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling skills! As a Senior Head of Communications, you’ll need to convey complex ideas clearly. We suggest rehearsing answers to common interview questions while weaving in your own experiences and achievements.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you one step closer to that role!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Head of Communications in London

Senior Level Communications Experience
Creative Achievement
Problem Solving
Team Leadership
Interpersonal Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Communications Practices and Techniques

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Head of Communications role. Highlight your experience in managing press offices and leading teams, as well as any creative achievements that showcase your problem-solving skills.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you've successfully led and motivated teams in the past. Share specific examples that demonstrate your ability to advise senior leaders and engage with external stakeholders effectively.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to convey your ideas and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!

How to prepare for a job interview at BBC Group and Public Services

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the BBC's recent projects and communications strategies. Familiarise yourself with their corporate storytelling approach and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their current goals, especially during this pivotal time with the new Royal Charter.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead and motivate teams in a fast-paced environment. Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully managed complex communications challenges and how you’ve developed your team’s capabilities to meet future demands.

Engage with the Interviewers

Remember, this is a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the BBC's communication strategies and how they envision the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and career aspirations.

Be Authentic and Confident

As a senior spokesperson, your interpersonal skills are crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be yourself, as authenticity resonates well with interviewers, especially when discussing sensitive or high-risk enquiries.