Head of Communications

A dynamic and ambitious PR and Communications professional is needed to join our Marketing, Communications and Business Development (MCBD) team as Head of Communications. Working as a key part of the MCBD team, the Head of Communications will work closely with the Management Board, Divisional Boards and fellow members of the MCBD leadership team to shape and advance the firm’s internal and external communications strategies.

The successful candidate will focus on elevating the Carter Jonas brand (a key priority in the firm’s Vision 2030 growth strategy). You will be supported in increasing the firm’s profile, reputation and market positioning by a small team of external specialist PR consultants with in-depth knowledge of our five key divisions (commercial, infrastructure, planning and development, rural, and residential) and selected growth areas.

Our 25 strong team provides national and local MCBD support to Carter Jonas - one of the most well-regarded names in the property business. The team is mainly based in the firm’s head office in London at the top of New Bond Street at One Chapel Place. We offer a highly competitive salary package which includes a fantastic benefits package including a variety of flexible benefits allowing you to choose those that suit your personal circumstances including purchasing additional leave, health cash plans, and a cycle to work scheme.

Main tasks:

• Strategic external communications - Collaborate with divisional heads and boards as well as fellow members of the MCBD leadership team to align external communications efforts with the firm’s strategic priorities. Drive a cohesive and impactful external communications strategy.
• Effective media and stakeholder relations - Develop the firm's media strategy and be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of this in line with divisional plans and the firmwide strategy. Manage relationships with key UK media contacts and industry influencers and craft press releases.
• Consultancy/supplier management - Act as the primary lead for managing our relationships with a range of external specialist PR consultants that support our work in raising the firm’s profile in chosen markets and sectors.
• Thought leadership - Work with our partners, and research and divisional marketing teams to identify key market trends and translate them into compelling and relevant insights, thought leadership and market commentary opportunities for the firm’s spokespeople.
• Internal communications - Deliver our internal communications strategy, including managing our internal news channel on our intranet and drafting regular internal company-wide communications
• Budgeting - Directly responsible for the internal and external communications budgets including budget planning, management and forecasting of all communications budget lines, while being cognisant of divisional and firm requirements.
• Process improvement and reporting - Analyse and review existing processes in communications, identifying gaps or efficiencies and implement improvements. Provide the Management Board and the Divisional Boards (on matters relevant to them) with regular updates on coverage achieved.

What will it take to be successful?

You will be a self-starter, with a wealth of PR & Communications experience ideally within a professional services firm or real estate consultancy. Whilst this role does not currently have line management responsibilities, you will have a strong track record in managing external communication consultancies and leading multiple complex projects to generate exceptional brand visibility. You will be able to develop excellent relationships with internal stakeholders and journalists across the business, trade and regional press. It is key that this individual can multitask and use the skill of storytelling to simplify messages and effectively communicate across diverse stakeholders. Finally, as a growing and ambitious team, the Head of Communications will be a team player, providing support across all levels within the team, when required.