At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Communications team to amplify the Christopher Ward brand globally through innovative strategies.
- Company: Join Christopher Ward, a premium watch brand with a strong global presence.
- Benefits: 12-month fixed-term contract with flexible working options and a dynamic office environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced, creative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in brand storytelling and partnerships while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in communications, PR, and managing high-profile partnerships.
The Head of Communications at Christopher Ward, reporting into the Chief Operating Officer, is responsible for leading the Communications side of the Marketing function, helping to amplify the Christopher Ward brand globally through partnerships, PR, organic social, showrooms and experiential. This position is offered as a 12-month fixed-term contract with a start date at the end of September.
About the role:
- The CW Marketing team is structured across two complementary areas: Brand – including e-commerce, CRM, paid social and advertising; Communications – including partnerships, PR, organic social, events and showrooms.
This role works in close collaboration with the Head of Brand, with both roles jointly leading the wider Marketing team to ensure a cohesive strategy. Leading a team across PR, social, partnerships and events, this role is responsible for ensuring the Christopher Ward brand proposition is consistently and creatively communicated across earned, owned and experiential channels. Central to this role is responsibility for activating high-profile partnerships, including Everton Football Club, to drive impactful storytelling, supporting both brand awareness and commercial growth. This role is primarily office-based, with an expectation of four days per week in the office - particularly at the beginning of the contract. We do, however, offer a degree of flexibility, which can be discussed and agreed with your line manager.
Responsibilities:
- Leadership & Team Management: Lead and develop a high-performing Communications team across PR, social, partnerships and events. Foster strong cross-functional collaboration across CW teams. Help drive integrated planning with the Head of Brand across the wider Marketing team.
- Partnerships: Lead the activation of Christopher Ward’s partnership and sponsorship portfolio, including Everton Football Club, Charlton Athletic and Men in Blazers, positioning partnerships as key drivers of brand storytelling and audience growth. Own and develop senior partner relationships, ensuring strong alignment and collaboration. Develop and deliver integrated activation strategies that translate partnerships storytelling across all marketing channels. Work cross-functionally to ensure partnerships are fully embedded into brand campaigns, product launches and global marketing initiatives.
- PR & Communications: Oversee Christopher Ward’s global PR strategy across watch, lifestyle, business and mainstream media. Work with PR team to drive executive profiling opportunities for founders and senior leadership. Sign off on launch PR assets such as press releases, media kits and embargo management. Manage crisis communications and reactive brand responses, in partnership with the Head of Customer, where required.
- Organic Social & Community: Oversee Christopher Ward’s organic social strategy across key channels, working with CW’s Content Manager. Lead the development and growth of new social content series and recurring content formats. Build and strengthen the Christopher Ward social community through engaging, social-first storytelling and audience interaction. Ensure social activity supports both brand storytelling and wider commercial objectives, working with the Head of Brand on organic/paid relationship.
- Events & Showrooms: Oversee Christopher Ward’s global events strategy and delivery. Support the Events Lead with planning and execution of global launch events, showroom events, partnership activations and industry shows. Lead the marketing strategy for Christopher Ward’s growing showroom network. Ensure showrooms are fully integrated into launch campaigns, partnerships and wider brand activity. Run a cross-functional Showroom x Marketing forum, bringing together stakeholders to align events activity, launches and performance.
- CSR & Internal Communications: Lead Christopher Ward’s CSR and charitable initiatives, including the 2% for GOOD programme, holding relationships with the business’ charity partners. Manage the 2% for GOOD charity budget and filter external requests. Help amplify sustainability and community initiatives through Christopher Ward channels and internally, where appropriate. Support the Operating Board on internal communications such as company Town Halls.
Requirements / Experience:
- Proven experience leading Communications within a global consumer, lifestyle or premium brand.
- Experience managing and activating high-profile sponsorships and strategic partnerships.
- Strong track record across PR, partnerships, organic social and events.
- Demonstrated ability to build, lead and develop high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams.
- Strong commercial acumen, with experience linking brand and communications activity to measurable business impact.
- Experience working cross-functionally within a marketing function to deliver integrated campaigns.
- Strong editorial judgement and attention to detail across messaging, tone of voice and brand consistency.
- Ability to lead through ambiguity in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
- Experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
Head of Communications (Maternity Cover - 12 Months FTC) in Maidenhead employer: Christopher Ward
At Christopher Ward, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and collaborative work culture. As the Head of Communications, you will lead a talented team in a vibrant office environment, with opportunities for professional growth and development while working on high-profile partnerships that amplify our brand globally. Our commitment to flexibility and community engagement, including our 2% for GOOD programme, ensures that you can make a meaningful impact both within the company and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications (Maternity Cover - 12 Months FTC) in Maidenhead
✨Dive into Local Events
Get involved with local marketing and communications events! These are great places to meet people from the industry, learn about temporary roles, and even uncover hidden job leads. Check out local networking events or marketing conferences that might be happening in your area.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a standout digital portfolio showcasing your previous campaigns, writing samples, or projects. Share this on social media and professional groups relevant to marketing-communications. This public visibility can often attract interest from potential employers, especially for those temporary gigs!
✨Utilise Online Job Boards
Focus on job boards specific to marketing and communications. Sites like MarketingJobs.com or even LinkedIn can have temp roles that aren’t always advertised on the usual job sites. Keep your eyes peeled and apply through our website—temp roles can come up unexpectedly, and you want to be first in line!
✨Tap into Your Uni's Resources
If you're still at university, don't forget to lean on your career services for temporary marketing roles. They often have connections to firms looking for interns or temporary staff who can jump in at short notice. Plus, networking with your professors can lead to some valuable opportunities—always worth a chat!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications (Maternity Cover - 12 Months FTC) in Maidenhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Campaigns:In marketing-communications, it’s all about showcasing your ability to create impactful campaigns. Make sure to include any relevant projects you’ve worked on in your CV, detailing your role, the strategies used, and the results achieved. We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate their creativity and analytical skills!
Tailor Your Writing Samples:For a temporary role, we want to see your versatility and adaptability in communication. Include a couple of writing samples that align with our brand voice or reflect your ability to engage various audiences. This gives us a taste of what you can bring to the team at Christopher Ward from day one!
Show Off Your Digital Savvy:Digital marketing is a big part of marketing-communications, so make sure your application reflects your understanding of social media, SEO, and content marketing. Feel free to throw in any certificates you've earned in these areas—it shows your initiative and dedication to learning the latest trends!
Express Your Enthusiasm for the Short-Term Role:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in this temporary position at Christopher Ward specifically. Share what you hope to learn during your time with us and how you can contribute to our ongoing projects. We're all about passion and potential, so let that shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Christopher Ward
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
As a candidate for a temporary marketing-communications role at Christopher Ward, your portfolio will speak volumes. Bring along samples of your best work—think campaigns you've managed, social media content, and any visuals. Be ready to talk through your creative process and the impact your work had on previous projects.
✨Understand the Latest Trends
We know the marketing-communications field moves at lightning speed. Make sure you brush up on the latest trends—such as digital storytelling or the effectiveness of influencer partnerships. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show Christopher Ward you're not just up-to-date but also eager to innovate.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work on short timelines. Share examples from your past where you had to pivot a strategy or campaign swiftly to meet changing demands. This will reassure Christopher Ward that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Ready Your Communication Strategy
Be prepared for questions that assess your communication skills. You might get asked to pitch a marketing idea on the spot or create a quick content plan. This is your chance to shine and show how your unique perspective can solve problems for Christopher Ward, so think on your feet and don't hesitate to showcase your creativity!
