At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external communications strategy across media, social channels, and events for a key payments organisation.
- Company: Join Pay.UK, the backbone of UK retail payment systems.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, fitness subsidy, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Inclusive culture valuing diverse perspectives and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make complex payment systems clear and impactful for millions across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing external communications and translating complex information.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Join Pay.UK as our External Communications Manager and help make complex payments, policy and regulatory work clear for the people and organisations who rely on it. This is a leadership role for an experienced communications professional who wants broad channel ownership, a small team to guide, and work connected to services used across the UK every day.
You’ll shape external communications across press, PR, social media, events and e-communications for the organisation that operates Bacs, Faster Payments and the Image Clearing System. With 11 billion transactions worth over £10 trillion processed through the UK’s retail payment systems annually, this role offers a clear and meaningful context for high-quality, well-judged communications.
Accountabilities- Develop and deliver Pay.UK’s external communications strategy across media, social channels, events and digital communications.
- Translate policy, regulatory and technical activity into clear external messages, statements, briefings and campaign content for different audiences.
- Oversee press and PR efforts, including media relations, reactive statements, forward planning, and coordination with agencies.
- Oversee Pay.UK’s social media content and channel plans, ensuring communications are clear, accessible and aligned with organisational priorities.
- Plan communications for conferences, speeches, briefings and hosted events, including messaging, materials and media opportunities.
- Prepare senior leaders and spokespeople with key messages, Q&As, speeches and media briefing materials.
- Manage reputational and issues communications, including external responses and input to crisis planning where required.
- Work closely with Policy, Public Affairs, Stakeholder Engagement and Internal Communications to deliver joined-up plans and consistent messaging.
- Guide and support two team members, provide direction, maintain quality, and help them develop in their roles.
- Monitor media, social and engagement results and use insight to improve future communications activity.
- Experience managing external communications across press, PR, social media, events and digital channels.
- Experience translating complex policy, regulatory or technical information into clear, audience-appropriate external communications.
- Experience supporting senior leaders with strategic communications advice and preparing briefings, statements, speeches and Q&A materials.
- Experience handling reputational and issues communications within a regulated or otherwise complex organisational environment.
- Experience managing and developing team members, including providing direction, feedback and coaching.
At Pay.UK, our behaviours are central to who we are and how we operate. They bring our values to life, shape our culture, and guide how we make decisions, collaborate, and respond to challenges across the payments ecosystem. All interview processes will assess the following behaviours:
- Listen to Find Win-Wins - Empathy, Listening and Understanding
- Influence with Courage - Influence, Courage
- Go Horizontal First - Cross Boundary Collaboration
- Take Ownership - Self Development
- Opportunity Mindset - Initiative
- Simplify - Achievement Orientation
At Pay.UK, we value diversity and inclusivity. Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented groups may hesitate to apply unless they meet all the requirements listed. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of how closely their skills and experience match the requirements. We are committed to supporting accessibility needs and creating a welcoming environment for all employees.
Who we arePay.UK maintains and develops the UK retail payment systems and standards that are core to the economy being able to function on a day-to-day basis. From Bacs to Faster Payments and cheques – we act as the single operator for all UK retail payments. We put the needs of consumers and businesses at the heart of everything we do, working in the public interest to ensure that the systems the country relies on for its banking transactions are safe, open, innovative and resilient.
Our payment systems underpin the services that enable funds to be transferred between people and institutions. In 2024, the UK's retail payment systems processed 11 billion transactions worth over £10 trillion through Bacs Direct Credit, Direct Debit, Faster Payments, and cheques, and our Current Account Switch Service has facilitated over 9 million switches since its launch in 2013.
Every day, individuals and businesses use the services we provide to get their salaries, pay their bills and make online and mobile banking payments. Our vision for the future is to enable a vibrant economy, with Pay.UK delivering robust payment infrastructure and standards for the benefit of consumers and businesses nationwide.
30 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
Employee assistance programme
Cycle to Work Scheme
Season ticket loan
Annual fitness subsidy of up to £500 per annum
Working from home policy - minimum 40% in the office (e.g. 2 days in the office over a 5 day working week)
Some of our benefits are only available to colleagues after meeting the requirements of the probationary period.
External Communications Manager employer: Pay.UK
At Pay.UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As the External Communications Manager, you will not only lead a small, dedicated team but also play a pivotal role in shaping communications for services that impact millions across the UK. With generous benefits such as 30 days annual leave, a fitness subsidy, and a flexible working policy, we are committed to supporting your professional growth and well-being in a meaningful and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land External Communications Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 Pay.UK and understanding their values and mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in external communications and team leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on articulating how you can simplify complex information for diverse audiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Pay.UK team.
We think you need these skills to ace External Communications Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the External Communications Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing external communications and how you've translated complex information into clear messages. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, don’t forget to mention your experience in guiding and developing team members. Share specific examples of how you've supported others in their roles and contributed to a positive team environment. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and lead!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can make complex topics accessible, so show us you can do that right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining Pay.UK and being part of our mission!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pay.UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Pay.UK's mission and the specifics of their external communications strategy. Familiarise yourself with their services like Bacs and Faster Payments, and think about how you can translate complex information into clear messages for different audiences.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves guiding a small team, be ready to discuss your experience in managing and developing team members. Prepare examples of how you've provided direction and support in previous roles, and how you plan to foster an inclusive environment within your team.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle reputational issues and crisis communications. Think of specific situations where you've successfully navigated challenges in a regulated environment, and be ready to share your thought process and outcomes.
✨Align with Pay.UK Behaviours
Familiarise yourself with the behaviours that Pay.UK values, such as empathy, collaboration, and ownership. During the interview, demonstrate these qualities through your responses and interactions, showing that you not only understand their culture but also embody it.
