Head of Corporate Affairs in Newcastle upon Tyne

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.

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.

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.