Integration Communications Lead

South East London – 2 days per week in office, 3 days per week from home

Inside IR35 – PAYE/ UMBRELLA payment set up

As the Integration Communications Lead, you will lead communications for the integration, with a primary focus on internal communications. You will create a steady drumbeat of clear, timely and engaging communications that keep colleagues informed, connected and confident, and that tell the story of why we are better together.

Reporting to the Head of Enterprise Communications, you will also work closely with the leader of Internal Communications, you will build on the plans already in place and take them to the next level. You will proactively identify what needs to be communicated at the enterprise level and what needs to be communicated, and you will work closely with the Head of the Integration Management Office (IMO) and their team to make sure communications are aligned with integration milestones and decisions.

This is a six-month contract role (which could possibly extend further), based in London. The expectation is that you will be in the office around two days per week, as in-person time with integration leaders and colleagues will be important to success.

Why this role matters

Integrations succeed when people understand why the two organisations are coming together, what it means for them and how they can contribute. Communications plays a central role in building that understanding, sustaining momentum and helping colleagues from both organisations feel part of one story.

In this role, you will help senior leaders bring the integration to life in a way that is clear, consistent and human and you will be a trusted voice.

Key responsibilities

Integration communications strategy & planning

• Lead internal communications for the integration required, taking existing plans forward and evolving them as the integration progresses.
• Proactively identify communications needs, risks and opportunities.
• Develop and maintain an integrated communications calendar aligned to integration milestones, leadership moments and business priorities.
• Work closely with the Head of the IMO and their team to stay ahead of decisions and workstream developments, and to translate them into clear communications for employees.
• Anticipate questions and concerns from employees and leaders, and prepare messaging, FAQs and guidance that build clarity and confidence.

Delivering a steady drumbeat of communications

• Create and deliver a consistent cadence of integration updates that reach colleagues, including announcements, leadership messages, newsletters and intranet content.
• Develop communications to support town halls, leadership meetings and other employee forums, including talking points, presentations and Q&A materials.
• Ensure messages are consistent, timely and tailored to the audiences they serve, recognising the different cultures, channels and needs of the two organisations.
• Work with the internal communicators to make the best use of both organisations’ channels.

Leadership advisory & stakeholder partnership

• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders and executives, providing clear, practical and candid counsel.
• As the Integration Communications Lead, you will build strong working relationships with a broad group of stakeholders, including integration workstream leads, HR, functional partners and communications colleagues in both organisations.
• Partner closely with the Head of Enterprise Communications and the Head of Internal Communications, while operating as a self-starter who moves work forward independently.
• Coordinate with other communications teams, including external communications and regional teams, to keep internal and external messaging aligned.

Measurement & continuous improvement

• Set communication objectives and success measures for the integration communications programme.
• As the Integration Communications Lead, you will use employee feedback, engagement data and input from leaders to refine messages, channels and cadence over time.
• Capture lessons learned and hand over clear documentation, plans and materials so that momentum continues beyond the contract period.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, business or a related field.
• At least 10 to 15 years of experience in internal, employee, executive or strategic communications, ideally in large, complex, matrixed organisations.
• As the Integration Communications Lead, you will have experience in M&A or integration communications strongly preferred.
• Proven experience advising and working comfortably with senior leaders and executives.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take ownership of existing plans and elevate them to deliver results with minimal direction.
• Strong writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to create content that resonates across a broad employee audience.
• As the Integration Communications Lead, you will have strong business acumen and the ability to connect communications to business outcomes.
• A collaborative style, with the ability to build trust and get work done through influence and partnership across multiple organisations.
• Curiosity and comfort using new technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to improve communications and ways of working.
• Ability to be in the London office approximately two days per week.

The ideal candidate

• Is a self-starter who spots what needs to be done and gets on with it.
• Builds trust quickly with leaders and colleagues in both organisations.
• Communicates clearly, especially when the topic is complex or sensitive.
• Brings sound judgment, calm and curiosity to ambiguous, fast-moving situations.
• Is comfortable offering candid, constructive advice to senior leaders.
• Enjoys bringing people together and telling stories that connect them.
• Balances strategic thinking with a willingness to roll up their sleeves.

If you're energised by helping two organisations come together, making complex change easier to understand and telling a story that colleagues believe in, this could be a great opportunity to make a real impact on the integration aspect.

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