At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications to boost company awareness and reputation.
- Company: Join a top pensions advisory firm in London, making an impact in the industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 12-month contract with flexible office days and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of media relations and corporate communications, shaping the company's voice.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in communications, with strong PR and leadership skills required.
- Other info: This is a maternity cover role with one direct report.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
A leading pensions business in London is looking for an interim Head of Communications. This is a mat cover role for 12 months. The role is to increase awareness of the company through strategic communications planning for key audiences: people clients, industry influencers, and investors. You will maintain and enhance company reputation aligning to our brand values, vision, and purpose.
Client Details: Pensions and benefits advisory business in London.
Description:
- Media Relations: Manage a PR agency team to drive media relations across the business. Manage and develop media spokespeople for Isio wide and subject matter experts - ensuring appropriate media messaging is developed with clear training. Identify PR opportunities and lead major media campaigns integrated with wider marketing communications strategy ensuring multi-media application. Work productively with internal stakeholders, clients, and partners. Nurture and influence relationships with prominent and relevant media contacts. Lead creative approach to media style, adopting tone and personality for Isio.
- Corporate Communications: Work with Senior Leadership to lead and develop authoritative, clear points of view across industry wider and subject relevant topics - including Company Results; ESG; D & I etc. Ownership of corporate communications - credentials, investor relations etc. Manage integration and acquisition programmes as appropriate. Put in place strategies for crisis communications, advise senior management on leadership communication issues and implement reputational process and plans.
- Internal Communications: Responsible for overseeing all internal communications efforts, gauging efficiency. Ensure a clear and consistent flow of information between leadership and wider audiences through relevant communication channels. Implement and manage communication process to ensure clear protocols in place enabling effective engagement metrics. Link internal and communication messaging closely to ensure story alignment on the external market approach.
Profile: Significant experience of leading strategic external and internal communications. Outstanding copywriting skills, attention to detail and an ability to deliver and edit high-quality and targeted content. Understanding of design and audience targeting for different audiences, conveying messages effectively across a range of communications channels. Excellent verbal and written communications and confidence to approach and be the main point of contact for high-profile clients and partners. Experience of managing small and matrix led (PR agency) teams. Ability to plan communications activity, prioritising projects in terms of strategic importance and available resources against communication budgets. Effective manager, confident leader and outstanding team player, able to work independently to drive results to deadline. Manager/Senior Manager with 10+ years communications experience within an agency, financial services or professional services regulated B2B/B2B2C environment. Considerable experience in PR, leading on major media and external communication campaigns underpinned by strategic objectives and resulting in high-profile, targeted coverage.
Job Offer: 12 month FTC. Reporting into the CMO. 2-3 days in the office in London. Mat cover position. Head of Communications role with 1 direct report.
Head of Communications - Mat Cover employer: Michael Page (UK)
Contact Detail:
Michael Page (UK) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications - Mat Cover
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the pensions and financial services sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences to meet potential contacts who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities within the company.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in communications, especially in the context of financial services. Being able to discuss current issues and innovations during interviews will demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your experience in managing PR campaigns and media relations. Have specific examples ready that highlight your success in enhancing brand reputation and engaging key audiences effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent communications strategies and campaigns. Understanding their approach will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how you can contribute to their goals during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications - Mat Cover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in communications, particularly in strategic planning and media relations. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage PR campaigns and lead teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, especially in enhancing company reputation and managing internal communications.
Showcase Your Copywriting Skills: Since outstanding copywriting is crucial for this role, consider including a writing sample or links to previous work that showcases your ability to create high-quality, targeted content.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasise your experience in leading teams and managing projects. Provide examples of how you've successfully driven results in previous roles, particularly in a B2B or financial services context.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page (UK)
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As the Head of Communications, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and implement strategic communication plans. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you've successfully increased awareness or improved a company's reputation through targeted communications.
✨Highlight Your Media Relations Experience
Given the importance of media relations in this role, make sure to share your experiences managing PR agencies and leading media campaigns. Discuss how you've nurtured relationships with media contacts and the impact it had on your previous organisations.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This position requires effective management of both internal and external communications teams. Be ready to talk about your leadership style, how you motivate your team, and any challenges you've faced while managing diverse teams or projects.
✨Prepare for Crisis Communication Scenarios
Crisis communication is a key aspect of this role. Think of examples where you've had to manage a crisis or sensitive situation, and be prepared to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will show your potential employer that you're capable of handling high-pressure situations.