External Communications Lead

External Communications Lead

Full-Time 50000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
James Fisher and Sons

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead high-impact external communications and create compelling content for diverse audiences.
  • Company: Join James Fisher, a global leader in engineering services with a strong commitment to innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits, career growth opportunities, and a supportive, inclusive culture.
  • Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in safety and innovation while shaping the Group's narrative.
  • Qualifications: Experience in communications or journalism, with outstanding writing and stakeholder management skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.

We are excited to introduce a newly created opportunity for an External Communications Lead to shape and drive Group-wide external communications. This role will play a pivotal part in ensuring every activity is aligned to business priorities and the wider Marketing and Communications strategy.

Working closely with colleagues across the Marketing and Communications community, the role will bring an integrated approach to life, connecting external communications, marketing and internal channels to deliver clear, consistent and high-impact messaging. At Group level, the role will offer expert communications insight within a complex stakeholder landscape, creating compelling, high-quality content that sharpens the Group narrative, strengthens reputation, and elevates external presence. By championing clarity, alignment and influence, it plays a central role in positioning the organisation with authority and credibility across key audiences.

What you'll be doing?

  • Lead the creation of high-impact external communications content, including white papers, thought leadership pieces, case studies and corporate editorial, strengthening and elevating the Group narrative.
  • Translate complex technical expertise and operational insights into clear, compelling communications, working closely with divisional teams and subject matter experts across the business.
  • Develop content that brings the Group’s capabilities to life, supporting sector positioning and enhancing reputation with key external audiences.
  • Take ownership of the Group’s social media presence, including LinkedIn, using strategic content to build trust, amplify thought leadership and strengthen brand reputation.
  • Provide expert communications guidance to stakeholders across the Group, ensuring all external content is clear, consistent and aligned to business priorities.
  • Lead proactive external communications activity, driving the effective promotion and amplification of corporate content across the most relevant channels.

What we're looking for:

  • Experience in external communications, corporate communications, PR or journalism, ideally gained within a complex corporate or B2B environment.
  • Degree or equivalent qualification in communications, journalism, public relations or a related discipline, or demonstrable relevant professional experience.
  • Outstanding writing and communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical or operational topics into clear, engaging content.
  • Demonstrated experience in developing thought leadership and corporate content, including articles, white papers, case studies and long-form editorial.
  • Proven ability to work across multiple stakeholders in a matrix or multinational environment, building strong relationships and influencing effectively.
  • Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Experience managing corporate social media channels, particularly LinkedIn to enhance engagement and strengthen organisational reputation.
  • Background in energy, marine, engineering or industrial sectors would be advantageous.

Why join us?

  • Competitive benefits tailored to the division.
  • Opportunities for career growth and visibility across the organisation.
  • A supportive, inclusive culture that values your ideas and contributions.
  • Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability.

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments. We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets.

Our One James Fisher strategy unites our capabilities under a single vision, building a stronger, more cohesive business within the Blue Economy.

If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now!

At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.

External Communications Lead employer: James Fisher and Sons

At James Fisher and Sons, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive culture that values your contributions. With competitive benefits and ample opportunities for career growth, our team members can thrive in a dynamic environment that champions innovation and safety within the energy sector. Join us in Aberdeen or Knutsford, where your work will make a meaningful impact on global capabilities and the Blue Economy.

James Fisher and Sons

Contact Details:

James Fisher and Sons Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land External Communications Lead

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn and let them know you're on the hunt for an External Communications Lead role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Show off your expertise! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work, like white papers and thought leadership pieces. This will not only highlight your skills but also give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 3

Stay active on social media, especially LinkedIn. Share relevant content, engage with industry leaders, and join discussions. This will help you build your personal brand and demonstrate your knowledge in external communications.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at James Fisher and Sons.

We think you need these skills to ace External Communications Lead

External Communications
Corporate Communications
Public Relations
Journalism
Content Creation
Writing Skills
Stakeholder Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Writing Skills:As an External Communications Lead, your writing is key! Make sure your application showcases your ability to create clear and engaging content. Use examples from your past work to highlight how you've translated complex topics into compelling narratives.

Tailor Your Application:We want to see how you fit into our world! Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the job description. Mention your experience in external communications and how it relates to our business priorities.

Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through! We value authenticity, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for communications and the sectors we operate in. Share what excites you about the role and how you can contribute to our mission.

Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute! We receive a lot of applications, and sometimes they close early. Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can to avoid missing out on this fantastic opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons

Know Your Audience

Before the interview, research James Fisher and their recent projects or initiatives. Understanding their business priorities and how your role as an External Communications Lead fits into their strategy will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.

Showcase Your Writing Skills

Prepare samples of your previous work that highlight your ability to create compelling content. Whether it's white papers, case studies, or social media posts, be ready to discuss how you translated complex topics into engaging communications that resonate with diverse audiences.

Demonstrate Stakeholder Management

Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with multiple stakeholders in a matrix environment. Highlight your ability to build relationships and influence decisions, as this is crucial for the role and will show that you can navigate the complexities of their organisational structure.

Engage with Social Media Strategy

Since managing corporate social media channels is part of the job, come equipped with ideas on how to enhance their LinkedIn presence. Discuss strategies you've used in the past to amplify thought leadership and strengthen brand reputation, showcasing your proactive approach to external communications.