Head of Communications

Circa £100,000 + £12,000 flex allowance + up to 40% bonus + benefits.

Role purpose: Are you a strategic communications leader with a passion for aviation? London Gatwick Airport is seeking a Head of Communications to lead our media, internal communications, and corporate digital communications. This pivotal role will shape and implement our communications strategy, manage our corporate website and social media, and produce engaging content. You will also be responsible for reporting, evaluation, and driving innovation within our Communications and External Affairs function. Directing the development and delivery of a communications strategy that encompasses media relations, digital, corporate social media and internal communications, supported by an annual plan and events programme.

Key Deliverables:

• Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy that includes media relations, digital, corporate social media, and internal communications.
• Ensure the strategy informs and engages employees across all functions, building trust, motivating great performance, and enabling them to be positive advocates for London Gatwick.
• Provide expert guidance and training to the Executive team and senior leaders on media, internal, and digital communications.
• Set the direction for the evolution of London Gatwick's corporate website and digital/social media strategy over the next 2-3 years.
• Develop the communications team to be consistently high-performing and recognized as a centre of expertise within London Gatwick and the wider Vinci network.
• Foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the team.
• As a core member of the on-call/incident response team, lead on and support the delivery of issues and crisis communications in line with agreed procedures.
• Establish strong relationships with relevant investor teams, and leverage available tools and resources.

Experience we are looking for:

• A formal qualification in communications or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, is essential.
• Demonstrated success in a strategic/internal communications and digital role within a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Experience as a trusted partner for senior executives is crucial.
• Experience in Large-Scale Change and Transformation Communications.
• Proven ability to direct and manage communications during significant organizational changes, including formal consultations.
• Strong Leadership Skills.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Extensive experience in crisis preparedness and management, including interactions with external bodies such as regulators.
• Proven strong Interpersonal and Influencing Skills.
• Exceptional ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internally and externally.

Personal attributes and qualities to be successful in this role:

• You are reliable and can be counted on to deliver on promises, earning the trust of colleagues and stakeholders.
• Take initiative and think outside the box to develop innovative solutions and strategies.
• You excel at managing multiple tasks and projects, breaking down complex issues into manageable parts.
• You are dedicated to achieving excellence and encourage others to strive for high performance.
• You remain composed and effective under pressure, managing tight deadlines with ease.
• You build strong relationships and partnerships across functions, listening and engaging effectively with others.
• High ethics and integrity and advocate for DEI.

What’s in it for you? We value our people and reward the knowledge and expertise you bring with a highly competitive package, enhanced by an annual bonus, share scheme, pension, and lifestyle insurance. Not to mention all the airside perks! At London Gatwick we’re also very well connected, just 30 minutes from central London and directly linked to over 100 towns and cities. Whether you prefer to travel by bicycle, electric car, or train, we aim to make your journey to work as convenient and cost-effective as possible. Whatever your interests and ambitions, wherever you want your journey to take you, London Gatwick could be the place where your career really does… well… take off.

Click Apply Now to begin your journey, your way with London Gatwick. Closing date for applications is 6th May. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made as part of the application process please contact us directly.