Head of Communications

Location: We are based in Blackfriars, London and operate a hybrid working model where you will be able to work from home 2 days per week.

Who is Christie & Co? We are the leading specialist adviser for buying and selling businesses in our sectors - hotels, pubs, restaurants, childcare, healthcare, convenience retail, leisure and medical.

Overview: The Head of Communications plays a pivotal role in shaping our image, values, and key messages to internal and external audiences. This leadership position is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that support business objectives and enhance reputation. We require a dynamic individual with a strong vision, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to drive effective communication across multiple platforms.

Main Responsibilities:

• Strategy Development: Design, execute, and continually refine comprehensive corporate communications strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Media Relations: Build and maintain productive relationships with media outlets, manage press releases, and act as the primary spokesperson when required.
• Brand Management: Safeguard the company’s brand reputation through proactive messaging, crisis management, and strategic communications planning.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate communication with key stakeholders including investors, intermediaries, clients, and employees.
• Crisis Communication: Develop and implement crisis communication plans to manage and mitigate reputational risk.
• Content Oversight: Lead content creation for reports, newsletters, digital platforms, social media, and other communication channels.
• Social Media Management: Oversee the organisation’s presence on social media platforms, develop strategies to engage audiences, monitor trends, and respond to public sentiment.
• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the communications team, fostering a collaborative and creative working environment.
• International liaison: Work with the Managing Director – Hotels & International, to support the growth and development of our international business.
• Measurement & Reporting: Monitor, analyse, and report on the effectiveness of communication strategies and initiatives.

Key Attributes:

• Exceptional Communication Skills: Demonstrates clarity, influence, and adaptability in written and verbal communication.
• Strategic Vision: Able to think long-term, anticipate challenges, and develop innovative solutions.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Inspires and motivates teams, works effectively with senior management, and builds strong cross-functional relationships.
• Resilience & Calm Under Pressure: Handles crises and high-pressure situations with composure and professionalism.
• Media Savvy: Possesses a deep understanding of the media landscape and effective engagement tactics.
• Brand Awareness: Maintains keen insight into brand positioning and reputation management.
• Analytical Mindset: Uses data and feedback to measure impact, drive improvements, and guide decision-making.
• Integrity & Discretion: Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates ethical conduct at all times.

This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary communications leader to make a significant impact within a dynamic organisation.

About the Team: The wider Marketing team consists of a committed and friendly group of marketing professionals who work closely to support the business and its objectives to grow, through providing a ‘one stop shop’ for those who own, or wish to invest in, business property.

General Responsibilities:

• To be an ambassador for the company.
• To adhere to the company’s Equal Opportunities policy in all activities, and to actively promote equality of opportunity wherever possible.
• To be responsible for your own health and safety and that of your colleagues, in accordance with the Health & Safety At Work Act (1974) and relevant EC directives.
• To work in accordance with the Data Protection Act.
• To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably expected.

Skills and Experience:

• Educated to Degree level, ideally in Marketing, Communications, English or History - Desirable.
• Experience in Communications role – Essential.
• Experience in a Management role - Essential.
• Willingness to learn - Essential.
• Excellent attention to detail - Essential.
• Copywriting and content development skills - Essential.
• Comfortable dealing with media enquiries and undertaking proactive media outreach - Essential.
• Demonstrable project management skills and the ability to multitask - Essential.
• Digital marketing and communications experience, comfortable using content management and online newsletter systems - Desirable.
• Experience with CRM such as Salesforce and social media scheduling software such as Buffer – Desirable.

Personal Characteristics:

• Personable.
• Friendly.
• A team player.
• Meticulous.
• Organised.
• Proactive.
• Flexible.
• Self-motivated.
• Able to work on initiative.
• Creative.
• Able to think laterally.

What we offer:

• Business Referral commission.
• Discretionary annual company performance bonus.
• 25 days holiday with additional leave during Christmas.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Income protection.
• Life Assurance.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Wellbeing employee assistance platform.

Our Values: Adaptable, Collaborative, Innovative, Personal and Trusted.

*** Please note we will not be able to sponsor for this position and therefore only invite candidates permanently settled in the UK or not requiring sponsorship ***

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

For more information, please apply today.