Head of Corporate Affairs

Head of Corporate Affairs

Full-Time 90000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Newcastle Building Society

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic communications and manage external stakeholder relationships to enhance the organisation's reputation.
  • Company: Join Newcastle Building Society, a trusted mutual with a commitment to community and inclusivity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, flexible working, and generous leave policies.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture that values creativity and diversity, with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Shape impactful narratives and drive meaningful change in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in corporate communications and crisis management at senior levels.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.

About the Role

The Head of Corporate Affairs will lead the Group’s strategic communications and external stakeholder management, with overall responsibility for protecting, enhancing and growing the reputation of the organisation and its market‑leading subsidiary, Newcastle Strategic Solutions.

You will set the direction for an integrated, insight‑led communications approach that builds credibility, strengthens relationships and brings the Group’s purpose and mutual value story to life. Acting as a trusted adviser, you will guide ExCo and the Board through complex, high‑profile and often fast‑moving issues, ensuring clarity of message and confidence in delivery.

This role plays a central part in crisis preparedness and response, owning corporate crisis communications and working closely with Risk colleagues to embed a best‑in‑class reputation and risk management framework. You will also lead public affairs as a core pillar of the function, building meaningful advocacy with political, regulatory and community stakeholders at both regional and national level.

With responsibility for media relations and an always‑on storytelling programme, you will position the Group as a credible thought leader, create opportunities for senior spokespeople, and ensure the press office operates with pace, quality and strong governance.

About You

You are an experienced senior communications leader, comfortable operating at ExCo and Board level and trusted for your judgement, calm authority and strategic insight. You bring a proven track record of shaping and delivering corporate communications strategies that support organisational change, growth and reputational ambition.

You will have significant experience of crisis and incident communications, with the confidence to lead under pressure and provide clear, considered advice when it matters most. Public affairs is a genuine strength — you understand political and regulatory environments and know how to build long‑term, credible stakeholder relationships that drive understanding and advocacy.

You are a compelling storyteller who can turn strategy into impactful narrative, using insight and data to inform decisions and demonstrate value. You will combine strong media expertise with a thoughtful, measured approach to external profile, knowing when to lead the conversation and when restraint is required.

As a leader, you are collaborative, inclusive and demanding in equal measure — developing capability, encouraging new thinking and building teams that are integrated, resilient and outcome‑focused. You will be comfortable managing complexity, challenging the status quo constructively, and delivering clarity in environments of heightened scrutiny and expectation.

About Us

Our purpose is clear: to offer accessible financial products, sound advice, and a brand experience that’s as trustworthy online as it is in person. You’ll be joining a team that values creativity, collaboration and real connection. Whether we’re supporting community causes, launching new campaigns, or refining our digital platforms, we’re united by a belief that purposeful content has the power to make mutual values feel meaningful to every audience.

As an inclusive employer and member owned mutual, we aim to reflect the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We believe everyone should feel valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are, we want colleagues to feel this is a place they belong. A place to be you.

What do you get in return?

  • Financial Corporate bonus scheme (on target 15%, up to a maximum 22.5%)
  • Pension scheme (up to 9% employer contribution)
  • Annual performance related pay reviews
  • Colleague mortgage scheme
  • Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
  • Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection
  • Access to our financial advisers
  • Access to a range of high street and online discounts
  • Work/Life Balance
  • A 35-hour weekly contract - We are happy to talk flexible working and welcome discussions
  • 30 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
  • The option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ holiday
  • Hybrid working (typically 3 days’ home based)
  • Above statutory family leave entitlement - 3 months full pay, 3 months half pay, regardless of gender or route to parenthood
  • Health and Wellbeing
  • Private medical insurance
  • Access to a health cash plan through a Medicash scheme
  • Access to an employee assistance programme
  • Free onsite gym at our Cobalt head office and access to discounted gyms
  • Two paid volunteering days each year
  • Cycle to work scheme

Recognising there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to recruitment, we’re committed to ensuring every candidate has the opportunity to showcase their full potential throughout the recruitment process. We strive to make our processes as accessible as possible, if there are any ways in which we can provide support or make adjustments, we would love to discuss this with you, you can contact your Recruiter for this vacancy at kate.wilkinson@newcastle.co.uk

Company: Newcastle Building Society

Head of Corporate Affairs employer: Newcastle Building Society

Newcastle Building Society is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including a corporate bonus scheme, flexible working arrangements, and generous leave policies. Our inclusive work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to our mission of providing accessible financial products and services. With opportunities for personal development and a commitment to community engagement, Newcastle Building Society is a place where you can thrive both professionally and personally.
Newcastle Building Society

Contact Detail:

Newcastle Building Society Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate Affairs

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend events, and engage on social media. 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 values. Understand their mission and how you can contribute to their goals. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share compelling examples of your past achievements that demonstrate your leadership and crisis management abilities. Make sure to highlight your strategic insights and how they’ve made an impact.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you on their radar.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate Affairs

Strategic Communications
Stakeholder Management
Crisis Communications
Public Affairs
Media Relations
Storytelling
Data-Driven Decision Making
Political and Regulatory Understanding
Relationship Building
Leadership
Collaboration
Resilience
Adaptability
Judgement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in corporate communications and stakeholder management. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and values!

Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: As a compelling storyteller, use your application to demonstrate how you've turned strategies into impactful narratives. Share specific examples that showcase your ability to engage and influence audiences.

Highlight Crisis Management Experience: Given the importance of crisis communications in this role, be sure to include any relevant experiences where you successfully managed high-pressure situations. We love to see how you’ve navigated challenges!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle Building Society

✨Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand their current projects and challenges, especially in corporate affairs. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Showcase Your Storytelling Skills

As a Head of Corporate Affairs, storytelling is key. Prepare examples of how you've turned complex strategies into compelling narratives. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used data and insights to inform your communications in past roles.

✨Prepare for Crisis Scenarios

Given the importance of crisis communications in this role, think of specific instances where you successfully managed a crisis. Be prepared to discuss your approach, the outcomes, and what you learned from those experiences.

✨Engage with Stakeholder Relationships

Highlight your experience in building relationships with political and regulatory stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you’ve navigated these environments and fostered advocacy in previous positions, as this will be crucial for the role.

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