Head of Content Strategy

Head of Content Strategy

Full-Time 68000 - 76000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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First Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and shape a dynamic content strategy across multiple channels.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on brand and communication excellence.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health perks, flexible working, and 25 days holiday.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on brand reputation while leading innovative content initiatives.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in content strategy and strong leadership skills required.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on mental and physical wellbeing.

The predicted salary is between 68000 - 76000 £ per year.

We are looking for an exceptional Head of Content Strategy to shape and lead a new, integrated content function. This is a leadership opportunity within our Group Brand & Communications shared service, reporting to the Director of Marketing and Director of PR & Public Affairs. You will define and deliver a comprehensive content strategy that supports both our short-term commercial objectives and long-term brand reputation. This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who can think long-term while delivering at pace.

We offer a hybrid working model for this role, with 2–3 days per week based in our London office and flexibility for remote working.

The Role

  • Own and proactively manage the integrated marcomms content calendar across the Group
  • Align content strategy to business objectives, commercial priorities and brand guidelines
  • Lead end-to-end content production across multiple channels (web, social, CRM, email, campaigns and public affairs)
  • Ensure consistency of tone, voice and editorial standards
  • Drive measurable impact through data, analytics and performance optimisation
  • Work closely with the wider Marketing, PA and PR team, as well as Commercial and Regional teams to support campaigns and business objectives
  • Ensure content is optimised for SEO, GEO and AI/LLM discoverability
  • Define KPIs and dashboards to measure engagement and impact
  • Explore and experiment with emerging technologies to enhance content effectiveness

About You

  • Significant experience in content strategy, editorial leadership or content marketing within a complex corporate environment
  • A strong understanding of brand governance and integrated communications
  • Experience managing cross-functional stakeholders at senior level
  • A track record of delivering measurable commercial and reputational outcomes through content
  • Knowledge of SEO, performance analytics and content optimisation
  • Knowledge of CRM and customer lifecycle communications (desirable)
  • A collaborative leadership style with the ability to build and inspire teams
  • Commercially aware, creative and comfortable balancing short-term commercial drivers with long-term brand reputation

Salary £85,000 - £94,727, plus up to 30% annual bonus

Rewards & Benefits

  • Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advice.
  • Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
  • We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc.
  • Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
  • Holiday buy/sell scheme
  • Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
  • Flexible working

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You will find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.

Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process. The closing date for applications is 25th March; however, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Head of Content Strategy employer: First Group

At First Bus, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of our employees. With a hybrid working model based in London, we offer a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusivity, alongside comprehensive health benefits, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development. Join us to lead innovative content strategies while enjoying a rewarding career with competitive compensation and a strong focus on employee welfare.
First Group

Contact Detail:

First Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Content Strategy

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s content strategy and recent campaigns. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your vision aligns with their goals and how you can drive measurable impact.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to showcase your leadership style! We want to see how you inspire teams and manage cross-functional stakeholders. Share examples of past successes where you balanced short-term wins with long-term brand reputation.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and contributing to our integrated content function.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Content Strategy

Content Strategy
Editorial Leadership
Content Marketing
Integrated Communications
Stakeholder Management
SEO Optimisation
Performance Analytics
Content Production
Data Analysis
KPI Definition
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Emerging Technologies
Commercial Awareness
Creative Thinking
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in content strategy and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!

Showcase Your Creativity: As a Head of Content Strategy, creativity is key! Use your application to demonstrate your innovative ideas and how you've successfully implemented them in past roles. We love seeing fresh perspectives!

Be Data-Driven: We’re all about measurable impact, so include examples of how you’ve used data and analytics to drive content performance. This will show us that you can balance creativity with commercial objectives.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at First Group

✨Know Your Content Strategy Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into your understanding of content strategy. Be ready to discuss how you would align content with business objectives and brand guidelines. Think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your ability to deliver measurable outcomes.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

This role is all about leadership, so be prepared to talk about your collaborative approach. Share stories that highlight how you've inspired teams and managed cross-functional stakeholders. Emphasise your ability to balance short-term goals with long-term brand reputation.

✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making

Since the role involves driving measurable impact through data and analytics, come equipped with examples of how you've used performance metrics to optimise content. Discuss any KPIs you've defined in previous roles and how they influenced your content strategy.

✨Stay Ahead of Emerging Technologies

The job mentions exploring emerging technologies, so show your enthusiasm for innovation. Be ready to discuss any new tools or trends in content marketing that you've experimented with. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and commitment to enhancing content effectiveness.

Head of Content Strategy
First Group
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