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- Tasks: Lead strategic communications and engagement for a major UK Defence partnership.
- Company: Join a key player in facilities management supporting the UK Defence estate.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private medical cover, and a company car or allowance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while engaging with diverse stakeholders in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in communications or related field; senior-level experience required.
- Other info: Home-based role with national travel; flexibility and proactive mindset essential.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
Role: Head of Communications & Engagement Location: Home-based (Central England) – regular national travel required Contract: Full-time, Permanent Salary: Up to £80,000 + Company Car / Car Allowance Are you a strategic communicator ready to lead national engagement across a critical UK infrastructure contract? We\’re looking for a Head of Communications & Engagement to shape the voice, presence, and influence of a major facilities management partnership supporting the UK Defence estate. This is a high-profile, impactful role for someone who thrives on building trust, managing complex stakeholder networks, and delivering clear, consistent messaging in a fast-paced and regulated environment. The Role As Head of Communications & Engagement, you’ll lead the development and execution of a cohesive internal and external communications strategy aligned with major operational programmes, contract mobilisation, estate improvement, and transformation initiatives. Key responsibilities include: Leading media relations, stakeholder engagement, digital communications, and crisis response Developing content and messaging that enhances brand identity, public perception, and employee engagement Acting as a trusted advisor on reputational risk, media protocol, and customer-facing communication Representing the organisation at events and through thought leadership across the Defence and FM sectors Managing the governance of official publications, customer briefings, FOI responses, and digital contentYou’ll also oversee a high-performing communications team, ensuring strategic alignment, impactful campaigns, and professional development across the board. What You’ll Bring To excel in this role, you’ll need: A degree (or equivalent experience) in communications, marketing, or related field Proven senior-level experience in corporate communications—ideally in Defence, public sector, or regulated industries Confidence working with senior stakeholders, including government bodies, under formal protocols Strong skills in reputational risk management, crisis comms, and translating complex operational messages Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, along with digital fluency A collaborative, action-driven approach and a passion for engaging and inspiring internal and external audiencesThis is a national role requiring flexibility, occasional short-notice travel, and a proactive approach to managing evolving priorities. What We Offer 25 days annual leave 6% matched pension contribution Single private medical cover Life assurance (2x salary) Company car or car allowanceIf you\’re ready to lead transformative communications in a role where your impact will be felt across the Armed Forces community and beyond, we’d love to hear from you
Head of Communications & Engagement employer: Mainstay Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Mainstay Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications & Engagement
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the Defence and facilities management sectors. Attend relevant industry events, webinars, and conferences to connect with key stakeholders and decision-makers. Building these relationships can give you insights into the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in communications, especially within regulated industries like Defence. This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex stakeholder networks and crisis communications in your previous roles. Tailoring your experiences to align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description will showcase your suitability.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's current communications strategies and public perception. Being able to articulate how you would enhance their brand identity and employee engagement during the interview will set you apart as a proactive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications & Engagement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in communications, particularly in the Defence or public sector. Emphasise your strategic communication skills and any previous roles where you managed stakeholder engagement or crisis communications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, particularly your experience in developing communication strategies and managing reputational risks.
Showcase Your Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific examples of successful campaigns or projects you've led. Quantify your achievements where possible, such as increased engagement metrics or successful media relations outcomes.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread all documents. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your messaging is clear and professional. This reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a communications role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mainstay Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the organisation and its role within the Defence sector. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the position.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Scenarios
Given the importance of managing complex stakeholder networks, be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders. Highlight your strategies for building trust and delivering clear messaging in challenging situations.
✨Showcase Your Crisis Communication Skills
As crisis response is a key responsibility, prepare examples of how you've handled communication during a crisis. Discuss the steps you took, the outcomes, and what you learned from the experience to showcase your expertise in this area.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Since you'll be overseeing a communications team, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share how you inspire and develop your team, ensuring alignment with strategic goals while fostering a collaborative environment.
