At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape our communications strategy during an exciting transformation.
- Company: Join CarFinance247, a leading automotive finance tech company in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy subsidised parking, gym access, free fruit, and excellent career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team focused on reshaping car finance.
- Why this job: Build an in-house communications function and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications within financial services and strong writing skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
CarFinance247 is looking for a Head of Communications to lead and shape our communications strategy during an exciting period of transformation. This is a rare opportunity to build an in-house communications function from the ground up and shape the narrative of one of the UK's leading automotive finance businesses. As Head of Communications, you will play a pivotal role in supporting our evolution from a traditional broker into a technology-led platform.
Reporting to the Managing Director, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Directors, acting as a trusted adviser on communications strategy, reputation, leadership positioning and organisational change. You will own the framework, strategy and delivery approach, partnering with specialist agencies where required rather than inheriting an established model.
A key part of the role will be defining, embedding and championing the company's tone of voice, ensuring a clear, consistent and authentic identity across external communications, leadership messaging, internal engagement and brand storytelling.
You will be responsible for:
- Developing and delivering the communications strategy that supports our transformation and strengthens our market position.
- Defining and evolving the organisation's tone of voice, creating clear guidelines that reflect our values, ambitions and technology-led future.
- Raising the profile of the business and its leadership team through earned media, thought leadership and strategic storytelling.
- Creating data-led PR campaigns that leverage our unique insight into the UK car finance market.
- Leading internal and change communications to keep colleagues informed, engaged and aligned with business priorities and values.
- Managing agency relationships, setting clear briefs and holding partners accountable for commercial outcomes.
- Building a communications approach that reflects the changing landscape of search, discoverability and AI-driven information consumption.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys creating, influencing and building capability rather than managing a large internal team.
We’re looking for an experienced communications professional who understands how to operate at senior leadership level and is comfortable advising and challenging executives, including the MD, CEO and Board of Directors. You will bring:
- A strong background in communications within a regulated financial services or fintech environment, with a sound understanding of FCA requirements and Consumer Duty.
- Demonstrable experience building, reshaping or transforming a communications function rather than solely managing an established one.
- A proven track record of increasing the profile of organisations and senior leaders through earned media and thought leadership.
- Experience managing external agencies as the client, setting strategic direction and measuring performance against clear objectives.
- Strong internal and change communications expertise within growing or transforming businesses.
- Commercial awareness, with a focus on outcomes and business impact rather than volume of media coverage.
- Exceptional writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas in clear, straightforward and engaging language.
- Data-led or digital PR expertise.
- Experience within high-growth, private equity-backed or significant transformation environments.
- An understanding of how AI is influencing search, content discovery and communications strategy.
About Us: Subsidised Onsite Parking, a great working environment with free fruit and juice bars, birthday off, onsite gym, free transport to and from Piccadilly Train station, free Barista bar serving teas and coffees, excellent career progression.
About Team 247: We’re more than the UK’s #1 digital car finance platform. We’re a Manchester tech business that’s reshaping how people buy cars. Backed by smart tech, sharp minds, and a relentless focus on exceptional service, we’re on a mission to make car finance simple, fast, and customer-first. We’ve got big goals – and the roadmap to get there. Join us and be part of something exciting.
Our values Passion, Ownership, Resilience and Togetherness define how we work and win. We look for people who bring energy and drive, take accountability, push through challenges, and back their teammates. If you care about doing a great job, stepping up when it matters, and succeeding as part of a team, you’ll fit right in.
Head of Communications in Manchester employer: CarFinance 247
CarFinance247 is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Manchester where innovation meets opportunity. As the Head of Communications, you will not only shape the narrative of a leading automotive finance business but also enjoy benefits like subsidised onsite parking, a free gym, and excellent career progression. Our culture fosters passion, ownership, and resilience, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our exciting transformation journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications in Manchester
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like CarFinance 247. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like CarFinance 247, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research CarFinance 247 inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of CarFinance 247. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at CarFinance 247.
How to prepare for a job interview at CarFinance 247
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
