Head of People Communications in London

Linklaters is a global law firm, providing legal services in 20 countries and through 30 offices. Linklaters is a people business. Being best in class in the eyes of our clients means that our people must be exceptional. We look not only for brilliant minds, but for people who will thrive in our environment: people who love working collaboratively and demonstrate the innovative, efficient, agile, entrepreneurial, and responsible mind-set we aim to bring to every interaction. Ours is an environment of outperformance. We achieve this not with targets and incentives, but by fostering a positive, supportive, fair, and open atmosphere. We respect and value difference but insist on inclusivity. We celebrate all aspects of diversity and challenge any form of bias. This is vital to our ability to work as one team, with a common goal.

The People Communications team is responsible for developing and delivering communications that drive Linklaters' people-focused, change and technology agenda internally and externally. The team champions the employer value proposition through high-quality, timely, and inclusive messaging and supports and develops the employer brand. It works closely with the Channel and Editorial team to develop and deliver engaging communications and with the Leadership Communications team to ensure the alignment and support of the Senior Partner and Firmwide Managing Partner with the people agenda.

The Head of People Communications develops and leads the firm's people communications strategy, bringing to life our employer brand internally and externally – ensuring that the colleague experience we sell externally is what is experienced internally. The role ensures that colleagues are informed, inspired, and engaged on firm values, business performance, wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, change programmes, and business transformation—including the adoption of new technologies—and that these topics are communicated coherently externally. As a trusted advisor to senior management and key stakeholders, you will shape communications strategy around these topics and ensure messaging is strategic, timely, and engaging.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver a global people communications strategy and plan, ensuring alignment with business objectives and people priorities.
• Act as a trusted partner to senior leaders, providing strategic guidance on messaging and storytelling related to the company's vision, values, and colleague experience. Coach leaders on communication techniques that build trust and credibility.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to articulate and communicate the firm's employer value proposition and work with Human Resources, Business Development, and Marketing to further enhance the employer brand.
• Lead initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, belonging, and understanding of company goals.
• Design and oversee campaigns to promote internal culture and the overall employee experience, including communications around key employee milestones such as performance cycles.
• Develop and execute clear and engaging change communications for organisational changes and transformation initiatives, translating complex topics into accessible messages.
• Lead communications on priority topics such as generative artificial intelligence and innovation, partnering with subject matter experts to build understanding and encourage adoption.
• Implement and maintain an effective governance framework for all people communications, including robust content planning and sign-off processes.
• Create and manage feedback mechanisms to measure the impact of communications and inform ongoing strategy.
• Champion best practice and drive continuous improvement in people communications, fostering a culture of transparency and engagement.

Your Experience

• Significant senior-level experience in communications, ideally within a global, complex, or professional services setting.
• Proven track record of developing and delivering communications for business transformation, change management, and people-focused initiatives.
• Deep understanding of employee engagement strategies and culture-building communications.
• Strong experience of developing and communicating employer value propositions and employer brands.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical, sensitive, or complex topics into accessible, engaging messages for diverse audiences.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and advising on organisation-wide communications, often in fast-moving or sensitive contexts.
• Strong background in campaign management, content development, and use of digital communications channels.
• Knowledge of new workplace technologies and a track-record of communicating these to a diverse audience group to drive adoption.
• Experience designing and implementing feedback and measurement systems for internal communications.
• Familiarity with communications governance, including policy and best practice development.
• Experience leading or mentoring a team and managing cross-functional projects.
• Knowledge of current trends in technology and digital transformation within communications.

Additional Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills tailored for clarity and impact.
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with commercial awareness.
• High emotional intelligence and cultural sensitivity; adept at working with diverse teams across regions.
• Proactive, solutions-focused approach to problem-solving and stakeholder management.
• Ability to manage sensitive information and handle confidential matters discreetly.
• Resilience and adaptability; comfortable working in fast-paced, changing environments.
• Advanced skills in digital communication tools, content management systems, and analytics.
• Ability to facilitate collaboration across different teams and functions.
• Effective project management, prioritisation, and organisational skills.
• Openness to continuous learning, innovation, and new technology adoption.

This list of duties and responsibilities above is not exhaustive. It is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this job. As such, the role may also include the undertaking of additional tasks as required.

Application Policy: Applications and CVs (direct or via agency) are only accepted online via the portal. Queries related to our roles must be directed to the relevant recruitment team and not the partners, practices or stakeholders for legal roles or for business team roles.