Senior Manager, Policy & Corporate Communications

We’re on a mission to back the UK’s small businesses like no one else. Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and we’re here to help them win. We’ve built a platform that uses clever data to get them the funding they need in minutes, not weeks. At Funding Circle, we have the restless energy of a fintech start-up with the stability of a public company. It’s a unique mix that gives Circlers the autonomy to take ownership and the scale to make an impact that truly counts. We’re a high-performing team that chooses to lift each other up. We challenge, we champion, and we have each other’s backs - because we know that when we stand together, we move faster and build better. The impact is real: Last year alone, the businesses on our platform generated £7.2bn for the UK economy. Come and join a mission that matters!

The role is based in London (Hybrid) | 3 days in the office | Competitive Salary + Benefits. You’ll make a real difference for our customers and your team from day one. We believe the fastest way to grow is by doing, so we give you the ownership to run with things and see real-time results.

Responsible for Funding Circle’s policy agenda and corporate communications (including supporting investor relations messaging). This role will report into the Chief of Staff. You will work closely with senior leadership, including the CEO and CFO, to align external communications (public relations, public affairs and investor relations) with business objectives, and to develop and execute communications strategies across our key stakeholders and audiences including media, government, equity investors, funding investors, regulators, customers, and employees (Circlers).

You will collaborate closely with teams across the business including marketing, product, technology, finance, legal, and people teams - always thinking proactively about the requirements and challenges of our customers.

What will you be doing:

• You will lead communications strategies from planning to implementation and set the communications narrative and messaging that advances our position as the UK’s leading SME finance platform, enabling small businesses to get the funding they need to win.
• Oversee public affairs activities and work with key stakeholders to develop and drive Funding Circle’s policy agenda, including key stakeholder management and maintaining relationships with wider industry bodies.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO, CFO and wider plc team on investor relations including delivering interim and year end financial results and delivering a corporate communications programme of engagement (events, media, etc).
• Manage the relationship with our corporate communications agency and work closely with our corporate brokers.
• Engage with media contacts, both proactively and reactively.
• Ensure delivery of day to day media relations including press office, planning, executive thought leadership support, events and launches.
• Managing proactive and reactive issues management to protect Funding Circle’s reputation among high-stakes audiences.

What we’re looking for:

• We value deep expertise, but a growth mindset and good energy are what really make our team click. We’re a group that chooses to lift each other up and think smart every day.
• Ability to communicate with clarity and precision, presenting complex information in an engaging format across our different key audiences.
• Interested in government policy and intellectually curious about how to create a better policy environment to support UK SMEs and UK fintechs.
• Passionate about SMEs and fintech and happy to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.
• Comfortable with both strategic thinking and execution - a self-starter.
• Confident in partnering at the most senior level, including the Executive Committee and the Board, and able to influence people at all levels of the organisation.
• Able to work effectively with others and adapt ways of working to achieve a common goal.
• You’re able to proactively identify ways to use Generative AI to streamline your daily tasks and improve your personal productivity.
• You're confident using approved AI tools safely and effectively to enhance your output and find a better way of working.

Skills we’d love to see:

• At least 7 to 10 years communications experience either in-house or agency, in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in managing government affairs and policy (Ideally) a network of contacts across policy and corporate media audiences.
• Excellent written, spoken and presentation skills.
• Experience of working in a listed company environment, ideally with PR or media experience in a financial services or technology environment.

We’re building a place where everyone truly feels they belong. Even if your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we'd still love to hear from you.

Why join us?

• We back you to build an incredible career.
• As a flexible-first employer, we use a "best of both" approach. We’ll see you in our London office to collaborate – with barista coffee and subsidised Just Eat lunches on us!
• Our Circler Proposition focuses on five areas:

• Flexibility: We provide a benefit allowance you can tailor to your own life and family.
• Health: This includes private medical and dental, health assessments, and access to a digital GP.
• Wealth: We offer life assurance, share schemes, and financial coaching.
• Development: You get a dedicated annual learning allowance to help you level up.
• Lifestyle: We have electric car and cycle-to-work schemes, plus season ticket loans.