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- Tasks: Join our dynamic team as a Communications Manager, coordinating impactful communication strategies.
- Company: HMRC is a leading government department focused on tax compliance and public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team making a real difference in public service communications.
- Qualifications: Experience in communications or journalism with strong writing and relationship management skills required.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and coaching in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
To learn more and apply, click through
to our full Job Application
Closes Wed 11:55pm 16th July 2025
About HMRC
HMRC has one of the largest and busiest communications teams in Government, and we are recognised as running one of the top communications operations in Whitehall.
Whether we’re promoting new policies, explaining our work to tackle tax avoidance and evasion, or publicising our customer-facing services, our external communications is HMRC’s reputational front-line.
About the Team
Customer Compliance Group (CCG) is larger than most government departments: it has 25,000 staff in locations across the country. It is at the heart of the transformation of HMRC and is responsible for delivering the department’s high-profile and reputation-critical compliance activities.
HMRC’s aim is for everyone to pay the right tax at the right time, no matter who they are. We support our customers to get their tax right and tackle those who set out to cheat or harm the system.
These are exciting times for the department, and we are now recruiting two roles to form a crucial part of the Compliance communications team.
About the Role
We’re looking for experienced, driven and creative communications professionals to join our friendly integrated team where you’ll get the chance to build your skills across all areas of our work. You will play a key role in the way we operate across the whole business area, coordinating communications plans and supporting HMRC Compliance Communications teams. These are hugely rewarding roles which will provide a fascinating challenge for the right candidates.
Job description
Communications Manager (2 vacancies):
- We work closely with the Minister’s office, DG and Perm Sec private offices, policy teams and special advisors to identify media risks and opportunities to promote the department’s work and manage reactive media enquiries. We also work with Industry-level stakeholders and organisations to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive approach to announcements.
- Our ideal candidates will have a strong record of achievement in a journalism adjacent role with excellent relationship management, planning and writing skills.
- They will be able to support business objectives to deliver operational communication to customers and influence the reputation of HMRC among internal and external audiences through effective communication.
- As a crucial link between compliance and external channels, they will ensure that business areas communications are properly planned, coordinated, delivered and aligned with the CCG and HMRC business plans.
- They will be delivering strategic advice and challenge to senior leaders, providing strategic overview and direction on external and internal communication issues.
- Setting high standards for all communications using creative and innovative communication techniques where appropriate.
- While they will primarily work on one subject area within CCG Comms, they may be required to work on other areas within CCG Comms.
Person specification
About You
Constantly working closely with senior leaders to influence and identify communications requirements by providing proactive strategic advice.
Provide counsel and constructively challenge directors and senior leaders on how communications can help support business objectives and protect/enhance reputation while communicating on contentious topics.
Collaborating with senior stakeholders and other business leads to develop and deliver integrated internal, external and employee engagement communications plans.
Support and deputise for Communications Business Partners, as appropriate.
They will also:
- Handle reactive news stories, respond to queries and breaking issues effectively and in a timely manner.
- Provide media advice and support to senior officials and stakeholders.
- Work with external stakeholders and arm’s length bodies to plan and maximise announcements and identify opportunities for joint working.
- Monitor and evaluate media work to ensure strategic objectives are being met and messages land in the media.
Essential Criteria:
- Recent detailed experience in communications, PR, journalism, or news.
- Been behind creative media plans, using the right channels for the target audience whilst possessing excellent written and oral communication abilities.
- Methodical and organised, with the ability to deliver at pace, under pressure whilst delivering against competing deadlines and on multiple projects.
- Demonstrate strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and advise senior colleagues.
- Experience of evaluating impact and effectiveness throughout the delivery of communication activity work.
Additional Information – Transitional Sites
For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations.
If your location preference is for one of the following sites, it’s important to note that these are not long-term sites for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.
These sites are:
- Waterview Park, Washington – moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle
- Benton Park View, Newcastle – moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle
- Centenary Court, Bradford – moving to 7 and 8 Wellington Place, Leeds
- Lynx House, Portsmouth – moving to No.1 The Goodsyard, Portsmouth
- Telford Plaza, Telford – moving to Parkside Court, Telford
- Trinity Bridge House, Manchester – moving to an alternative office in Manchester/ Salford
You will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.
Behaviours
We\’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Working Together
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £44,110, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £12,778 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.
We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.
- Pension – We make contributions to our colleagues’ Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.
- Family friendly policies.
- Personal support.
- Coaching and development.
How to Apply
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:
- A name-blind CV including your job history. Please provide your most recent and relevant experience on how you meet the Job Description and Person Specification. Please keep your details anonymous where possible. Please list any relevant qualifications also.
- A 750-word personal statement. Please provide in 750 words using the STAR method an example that incorporates all the Essential Criteria, providing impacts, outcomes and results. What you learned also would be beneficial.
Sift
You will need to pass the CV Assessment at sift in order for your Personal Statement to be scored and assessed. We will only take passing scores of both to interview, those who fail the CV will have their Personal Statement not assessed.
We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.
Interview
During the panel interview, you will be asked behaviour-based questions to explore in detail what you are capable of.
Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
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Communications Manager employer: HM Revenue & Customs
Contact Detail:
HM Revenue & Customs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Communications Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with HMRC's current communications strategies and recent campaigns. Understanding their approach will help you align your ideas with their objectives and demonstrate your proactive interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the communications field, especially those who have experience in government or public sector roles. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed communications in high-pressure situations. Highlighting your ability to handle reactive media enquiries will show that you're ready for the challenges of this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current events and issues related to tax compliance and public perception of HMRC. Being knowledgeable about these topics will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to the department's goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Communications Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the role of Communications Manager at HMRC. Read through the job description carefully and note the key responsibilities and essential criteria.
Craft a Name-Blind CV: Prepare a name-blind CV that highlights your relevant job history and experience. Focus on how your background aligns with the job description and person specification, ensuring to keep personal details anonymous where possible.
Use the STAR Method: When writing your 750-word personal statement, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your examples. This will help you clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria and showcase your achievements.
Proofread and Edit: After drafting your application, take the time to proofread and edit it. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at HM Revenue & Customs
✨Know Your Audience
Understand the HMRC's mission and values, especially how they relate to compliance and communication. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their reputation management.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since the interview will focus on behaviour-based questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills in communication, leadership, and strategic planning.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As a Communications Manager, creativity is key. Be ready to discuss innovative communication strategies you've implemented in the past. Highlight any successful media campaigns or unique approaches you've taken to engage stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Management Skills
Emphasise your ability to build and maintain relationships with senior leaders and external stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with various teams to achieve communication objectives and manage reputational risks.