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- Tasks: Lead external communications and shape the public narrative for FirstGroup and First Bus.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading bus operator committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health perks, flexible working, and discounted travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic role at the forefront of public communications.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in communications leadership and media management required.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Location: London, Paddington
Reports to: Director of Public Affairs and Public Relations
We are excited to be recruiting a Head of External Communications to join the Group Brand & Communications shared service. This senior role will lead the national communications function across FirstGroup and First Bus, shaping how the organisation is seen as it continues its strategic repositioning. This is a full-time, permanent role based in London, with regular travel across the UK.
Welcome to First Bus. First Bus is one of the country's largest bus operators – taking 1.6 million customers to their destinations every day. We're a forward-looking business at the forefront of bus technology, leading the way on contactless payments, mobile Apps and real time information. Our investment in state-of-the-art, new buses is just one part of our transition to a low-carbon future.
About the role: As FirstGroup continues to evolve, a clear, credible and confident public narrative is critical. This key role will provide senior leadership for external communications, ensuring a consistent and high-quality approach across Group and Bus. The role leads the Bus PR team and oversees national delivery, setting clear direction and priorities to support reputation and commercial objectives.
What You'll Do:
- Strategic Media Leadership: Lead the Group PR strategy across Bus and Rail, set priorities, and build strong national media relationships.
- Content Leadership: Develop and deliver a quality, consistent content plan across digital, social and traditional channels.
- Crisis & Reputation Management: Support senior leaders during crises, coordinate responses, and act as spokesperson when required.
- Team Leadership: Manage and develop the First Bus PR team, fostering a performing, collaborative culture.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate as one team with Public Affairs, Marketing, and Internal Communications to align messaging and campaign planning.
About you: We're looking for an experienced, delivery-focused communications leader with a strong campaigning mindset. You'll be comfortable operating in ambiguity, confident navigating complex corporate environments and engaging with very senior leadership and able to deliver at pace in a fast-moving organisation. Highly collaborative by nature, you'll bring people with you—building alignment across teams, functions and geographies.
Skills & Experience:
- Proven senior leadership experience in communications and media management within a large, complex organisation.
- Strong editorial judgement with experience developing and delivering high-quality content across digital, social and traditional media.
- Demonstrable expertise in message development, campaign planning and execution.
- Confident, credible media spokesperson with experience handling reputation-critical issues.
- Deep understanding of media operations, news cycles and influence channels.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative and coaching mindset.
- Open to feedback and collaborative working across multiple disciplines.
- Experience managing geographically dispersed teams.
Rewards & Benefits:
- Competitive salary + bonus structure.
- 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.
- 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'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.
Please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application. 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.
Head of External Communications employer: First Group
Contact Detail:
First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Communications
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on social media. The more people know you’re looking for a role, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, recent news, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or use online platforms. This will boost your confidence and help you articulate your thoughts clearly during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of External Communications role. Highlight your relevant experience in communications and media management, and show how you can contribute to First Bus's strategic goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex projects in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures that your application goes straight to the right team and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Group
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research FirstGroup and First Bus thoroughly. Understand their current communications strategies, recent news, and how they position themselves in the market. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of External Communications, you'll need to exhibit strong leadership qualities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in crisis situations. Highlight your ability to foster collaboration and drive results.
✨Prepare for Media Scenarios
Given the role's focus on media relations and crisis management, be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios. Think about potential challenges First Bus might face and how you would craft a response. This shows your strategic thinking and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Content Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with content creation across various platforms. Bring examples of successful campaigns you've led, focusing on how you ensured consistency and quality. This will illustrate your editorial judgement and understanding of different media channels.
