The Head of Communications leads internal (70%) and external (30%) communication for a key business area in this global organisation, ensuring the division is consistently positioned as a key part of the wider group. Acting as the central architect of the business line’s narrative and tone of voice, the role shapes clear, compelling messaging across markets and aligns it with the group’s overarching story.

A core focus lies in driving transformation communications , guiding organisational change, strengthening leadership impact, and ensuring clarity and confidence through trust-based collaboration with senior leaders. The role calls for a hands-on, execution-driven approach, translating strategy into tangible, high-quality outputs. It requires a seasoned communications leader who brings strong judgement, presence, resilience, and the ability to
inspire and guide teams with confidence and clarity. 

Job Description:

• Lead the communications team, both internally and externally, ensuring the organisation is positioned as forward looking and ambitious. 
• Extensive international leadership experience in larger matrix organisations.
• Contribute to strengthening the internal and external perception of the entire group as well as working in close collaboration across all communication teams on wide-ranging topics.
• Develop a coherent and targeted narrative for the business area, highlighting compelling proof points that support and reinforce the overarching group-level narrative.
• Act as the guardian of Publishing’s tone of voice and messaging consistency across markets
• Systematically execute and evolve the already successfully implemented governance and strategy processes, as well as the established communication formats.
• Develop and implement forward-looking transformation communications : Lead all communications related to business transformation , organisational change, and crisis communication, developing targeted messaging and engagement plans that bring people along, reduce uncertainty, and build confidence in the direction of the business.
• Regular trust-based exchange with local CEOs and senior leaders to ensure a shared understanding and aligned communication : Act as a trusted communications advisor and mediator to the teams, providing proactive counsel on messaging, positioning, reputation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Own the internal communications plan and its execution to ensure genuine connection, alignment, and engagement across all Publishing teams.

Experience Required:

• Extensive international leadership experience in larger matrix organisations
• A history of broad exposure to a variety of communications functions.
• Proven ability to use communication strategies, tools and techniques to support the achievement of business
  objectives, in alignment with overall business strategies.
• Exceptional expertise in corporate positioning and reputation management
• Hands-on mentality combined with profound business acumen and a deep, well-grounded understanding of the market and the industry
• Many years of exceptional, forward-looking transformation communication experience. Ideally, this includes proven experience in overseeing organisational wind-downs or reductions
• Highly developed ability to operate and communicate at top-leadership level

This is a permanent role with 2 – 3 days per week in the central London office and monthly European travel.