At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications for a high-profile entertainment group and manage global media relations.
- Company: Join LW Entertainment, a leader in musical theatre and innovative entertainment solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and the chance to work with industry legends.
- Other info: Unique maternity cover role with opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the arts while collaborating with top talent and stakeholders worldwide.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in high-pressure communications and strong strategic planning skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Communications team works across the LW Group, overseeing all external communications activity for LW Entertainment, LW Theatres (including LW Tickets and other entities), and Lord Lloyd Webber’s private office.
This role encompasses managing proactive and reactive media activity on a global scale — from strategic campaigns and press relations to crisis communications, reputation management and stakeholder engagement. LW Theatres and LW Entertainment are commercial businesses, while Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation is a registered charity. All communications activity is conducted in close collaboration with the Lloyd Webber private office. Although the organisations are separate entities, it is imperative that communications are aligned and closely coordinated, given the high-profile nature of the stakeholders, brands, venues and businesses involved.
This is a unique opportunity to provide maternity cover on a fixed-term contract. While advertised as a full-time fixed-term role, part-time options may be considered for the right candidate, working in tandem with existing internal and external support, subject to experience and availability.
The Group Communications Director reports directly to the Chief Executive Officers of LW Entertainment and LW Theatres, working closely with the Lloyd Webber family and the Boards of both organisations.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES – GROUP LEVEL- Lead strategic communications planning and oversight across the LW Group
- Provide strong reactive and proactive communications support for Lord Lloyd Webber, particularly around personal interests and priority creative projects
- Work closely with global partners to plan, oversee and support all external communications activity across the Group, including high-profile international productions involving leading directors, producers and talent
- Develop and manage a strategic communications calendar to plan and execute campaigns and identify key tentpole moments globally
- Collaborate with internal teams to drive and shape proactive communications, aligned with owned and paid media channels
- Manage media relations (B2B and B2C), including enquiries, interviews, crisis communications and cross-Group reputation management
- Lead business- or Group-level crisis response, supported by external partners as required
- Provide counsel and strategic advice to Boards and leadership teams
- Draft, edit and approve key materials across all organisations
- Support internal communications activity as required
- Evaluate and track the impact of PR activity across the Group
- Lead corporate communications activity, including collaboration on owned channel messaging
- Oversee communications around global franchise plans for all core brands managed by LW Entertainment
- Act as part of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to business management and oversight, particularly issues management (internal and external)
- Manage global communications partners and agencies on a retained and project basis
- Collaborate closely with partners worldwide, coordinating communications activity across major markets and industries including live entertainment, music, publishing, film & TV, and consumer products
- Lead communications activity for key and priority projects to strengthen reputation and brand positioning
- Lead business-wide communications activity to support the articulation and delivery of the five-year business strategy
- Collaborate closely with theatrical producing partners to ensure the smooth running of resident shows, concerts and events across six iconic West End theatres, including announcements, launches and closures
- Provide communications support to ensure smooth theatre operations, including complex customer service matters, stakeholder management and operational issues
- Support core business units (e.g. partnerships and marketing teams) to align communications with commercial priorities
- Provide SLT and executive-level support in developing and launching new business initiatives aligned to the five-year strategy
- Support international consultancy work
- Collaborate with partners to support LW Tickets activity within and beyond LW Theatres venues
- Provide communications support to drive new business and commercial objectives
- Lead issues management and crisis communications related to high-profile on-sales or technical challenges
- Extensive experience working with senior stakeholders in high-profile, high-pressure communications environments
- Strong strategic planning capability across multiple organisations and global partners
- Calm and clear under pressure, with sound judgement across complex issues
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong press and media contacts within entertainment, arts or leisure industries
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Significant crisis management experience at a senior level
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Positive, proactive attitude with a collaborative approach
- Strong team player comfortable coordinating across multiple stakeholders
- Commitment to excellence
- Ability to work effectively at all levels of the organisation, including strong upward management
- Understanding of broader marketing requirements, including global franchise strategies for leading entertainment brands
- Experience in both agency and in-house PR roles
- Experience across both commercial and charitable organisations
- Understanding of and experience in global media markets
Group Communications Director (Maternity Cover) - in City of Westminster employer: LW Entertainment Ltd.
LW Entertainment and LW Theatres offer a dynamic and creative work environment, where employees are encouraged to thrive in their roles while contributing to the vibrant world of musical theatre. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development and collaboration with high-profile stakeholders, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of entertainment. Located in the heart of London's West End, employees enjoy the unique advantage of being part of a prestigious cultural hub, surrounded by iconic venues and a passionate community dedicated to the arts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Communications Director (Maternity Cover) - in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in crisis communications and stakeholder engagement, which are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the Group Communications Director role. Highlight your strategic planning skills and how you can manage proactive and reactive media activity effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Communications Director (Maternity Cover) - in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Communications Director role. Highlight your experience in strategic communications, crisis management, and working with high-profile stakeholders. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in communications and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Media Connections:Since media relations are key for this position, don’t forget to mention your press and media contacts within the entertainment or arts industries. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running with established relationships!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at LW Entertainment Ltd.
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research LW Entertainment and LW Theatres thoroughly. Understand their brands, recent projects, and key stakeholders. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Crisis Management Skills
Given the high-pressure nature of this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with crisis communications. Share specific examples where you've successfully managed a crisis, highlighting your calmness under pressure and strategic thinking.
✨Prepare for Strategic Planning Questions
Expect questions about your strategic planning capabilities. Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing a communications calendar or managing proactive and reactive media activity. Use examples from your past roles to illustrate your thought process.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Management Scenarios
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively managed relationships in previous positions. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to align multiple interests and how you navigated those challenges.
