Head of Communications - London, United Kingdom - Skanska

Skanska

Verified Company

London, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

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Description

General information:

City/town:

London
Job field:
Business Support and IT
External closing date:
Friday, September 8, 2023
Type of contract:
Permanent
ID:
3096
Description and requirements:

This is a role for an experienced head of communications to form and lead a small communications function for the Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture (SCSJV) which is carrying out the main works project for HS2.

You will be accountable for delivering proactive and reactive communications, with a particular focus on internal, but with involvement in external communications through media relations and public affairs.

You will work under the direction of the SCSJV programme director, the joint venture companies' communications directors and our client, HS2 Ltd.

As well as delivering the communications activities necessary to support the main works project, you will be responsible for protecting and enhancing the reputations of each of the joint venture parent companies and will need to work within those organisations' protocols for media relations, issues management and public affairs, in particular.

A major element of the role is to deliver internal communications to bring the team of more than 800 staff and up to 10,000 members of our supply chain together.

You will have prior experience of working in a transportation or construction/engineering major project environment.

In addition, you will be comfortable working in a fast-paced matrix environment, be highly personable and able to form strong relationships with multiple stakeholders at all levels.

You will be comfortable taking a hands-on approach, with experience in handling issues and crises in conjunction with a range of internal stakeholders.

Flexible working:
We welcome you to ask about the flexibility you need. This might be part-time, remote working, or compressed hours for example. Anyone who applies for a role can ask about flexibility at interview. In return, we will explore what is possible for the role.

Main Responsibilities

_ Internal communications_

Accountable for devising and directing the delivery of the annual SCSJV internal communications plan.
Lead responsibility and oversight of the delivery of inspiring leadership communication.
Accountable for ensuring the team provides strategic planning and messaging advice and devises creative communication campaigns that inform, motivate and change employee behaviours.
Accountable for ensuring internal comms campaigns are aligned with parent companies

**_

External communications_**- Significant involvement in external communications, public affairs and media relations, but working closely with the client (HS2) and the parent companies to ensure their interests are represented and their reputations are protected, and their own protocols are adhered to.

This includes involvement in developing a shared communications plan with our client's senior communications leaders to ensure the SCSJV's interests are accurately reflected in our client's communications.

Leading on high level media and stakeholder visits to joint venture sites and the management of film crews/documentary makers in liaison with our client.
Providing our client and parent companies with content for use in their own internal and external communications activities.
Ensuring parent companies are fully briefed and have oversight of all issues that could pose a reputational risk to them. This will include drafting lines to take, media responses and obtaining approvals from client and parent companies.

**_
Branding and collateral_**- Accountable for the SCSJV branding guidelines, ensuring they are reflected in all communications materials.

Accountable for ensuring the project team is supported in the creation of businesscritical communications collateral which includes the management of a small roster of suppliers.

_ Relationships_

Build relationships with key senior staff in HS2's Corporate Affairs, News, External Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing and Digital teams
Be the central point of seniorlevel contact for liaison between parent companies and the HS2 communications team, including the management of approvals.
Work closely with the Programme Interface Manager to ensure consistency of key messages and ensure team members take a joinedup approach to communications, community and stakeholder engagement.
Work closely with parent company communications teams.
Educated to degree level
Professional membership of CIPR and/or PRCA and must be committed to continuing professional development
Must have seniorlevel corporate communications/media relations/ public relations experience gained within the construction, engineering or transport sector
Must have experience working supplier side, delivering communications as led/directed by Government/public sector clients
Must have extensive experience of involvement in issues and crisis management an