Head of Communications

Head of Communications London Permanent

At communication isnt just about words its about influence trust and impact. Were looking for a visionary Head of Communications to define how we connect. This is your opportunity to craft the conversation that defines the future of payments.

In this role youll provide strategic leadership to a skilled team building a creative and innovative communications function. Youll craft and deliver strategic short and long-term strategies that align with our vision and future goals.

Your objective To develop the capabilities that will define communications for years to come through inspirational leadership new ideas and a consistent focus on innovation.

Key Accountabilities:

• Develop own and deliver internal communication strategies and plans across all channels ensuring consistent and impactful messages to promote brand vision culture and values and to enhance colleague engagement

• Develop own and deliver the external communications and social media strategies including engaging with the media ensuring quality assurance and consistent messaging

• Responsible for and custodian of the brand and communications house styles ensuring a consistent and professional approach

• Responsible for specific marketing objectives including those driven by regulators

• Act as the strategic and professional advisor to Executive Management and Board for internal and external communications (including business continuity and crisis management media engagements and interviews and ensuring spokespeople are fully briefed and trained)

• Responsible for the timely and impactful delivery of the communications plan and initiatives ensuring in alignment with strategy culture and values

• Supervises the Communications team advancing capabilities through strategic recruitment staff development and planning for future roles to assure the organisation builds robust communications and marketing skills

• Responsible for assessing and reporting the efficacy of communications internally and across the Payments ecosystem through the development of effective assessment measures and improvement action plans

• Coordinate and manage external suppliers to ensure seamless and co-ordinated delivery of all communications to time quality and cost

• Manage the communications budget through effective commercial management of costs and external suppliers

• Participate in and support strategic projects and initiatives to enhance our strategic and transformation agenda.

Qualifications Skills and Experience:

• Degree/Masters in a relevant field or equivalent experience

• Senior leadership experience in communications marketing PR or branding (CIM/CIPR ideal).

• Solid experience in Financial Services along with a deep understanding of regulations

• Proficiency in risk management within complex ecosystems

• A strategic leader with a keen commercial acumen and practical approach

• Proficient in communication networking and developing relationships

• Innovative motivated and results-driven with adept structured and decision-making ability

• Effective in demanding environments team-oriented and focused on delivering top results.

At 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. Become part of our team and contribute to the creation of an inclusive work environment that values everyones unique input.

Who we are

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 2024 the UKs 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 delivering the best-in-class payment infrastructure and standards for the benefit of consumers and businesses nationwide.

Benefits & Additional Information

• 12% Non-contributory pension
• Discretionary annual bonus
• 30 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance life assurance income protection health cash plan dental insurance Bupa medicals etc
• 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 (eg. 2 days in the office over a 5 day working week)

Please note:

• Some of our benefits are only available to colleagues upon successful completion of the probationary period.

Required Experience:

Director