Head of Communications UK
Location: MaidenheadIt’s not about cars. It’s about people.
Our human-centric focus is what makes us different from all other car companies, and it’s at the heart of everything we create. If you want to join us in our mission to build and grow our teams with talented people who want to make a true difference.
What’s in it for you?We are one of the fastest growing premium car brands looking for an innovative and passionate Senior Communications Manager on a full-time basis to join our team based in the UK, at our Maidenhead offices.
What you’ll doWe’re looking for a Communications Specialist to lead the Communications Team at Volvo Cars UK. Since this is a crucial role in one of Volvo Cars’ largest markets, it’s essential that this person has an eye for identifying, developing, and communicating impactful stories by creating multi-channel strategies across internal and external communications, to deliver on the company’s communication priorities.
In this role, you will lead a team of Communication Specialists based in the UK, while being part of the larger central PR & Communications team of the company. Staying on top of news feeds, identifying risks and opportunities to find stories that protect and enhance the corporate reputation is essential.
Do you fit the profile?Below are the responsibilities in more detail:
- Be the communications advisor to the MD of Volvo Car UK and manage their full communication scope across internal, PR and social media channels
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists to identify and take advantage of coverage opportunities while helping mitigate negative coverage
- Take responsibility for enhancing and protecting the reputation of the company with internal and external audiences, as well as highlighting our purpose, vision and mission
- Anticipate potential communication challenges and proactively develop strategies to address them. Be prepared to handle crisis communications and provide guidance to the executive management team during challenging situations
- Work with Global/Europe comms teams to ensure appropriate and maximum-value attendance at global and regional media events
- Work with the UK leadership team to develop and execute executive visibility programs that incorporate speaking engagements, awards and social content to elevate the company's profile and influence within the industry
- Collaborate with HR to ensure employee communication initiatives support engagement, retention, and talent development while reinforcing the company's culture and values
- Develop strong cross-departmental relationships across the business to provide strategic guidance and insight
- Collaborate closely with marketing colleagues to identify and build cross-channel campaigns
- Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies through media monitoring and analysis continuously refining approaches for optimal impact. Ensure results are regularly shared with the leadership team
- Line management and development of team of two with accountability for output and deliverables of several external agencies
- Budget management of annual PR & Comms budget, ensuring resources are managed within cost requirements
InVolvo Cars’ Central PR and Comms Team, the pace is high and as part of our global communications team, we are in daily contact with media around the world as well as in our markets and regions, senior leaders of the company and other stakeholders. At the same time, we together line out and execute on long-term communication strategies. You will therefore need to work both efficiently and independently, but also as an integrated member of the PR and communications team.
Qualifications
- Relevant experience within media relations, PR, and internal communications
- Understand the complex interplay between business and policy, as well as matters concerning the financials of the company
- Experience in a Communications department as a spokesperson or PR manager is valuable, as well as experience in a company with a global presence
- You have good ability to build networks with internal and external stakeholders as well as being a great communicator both orally and in writing
How to learn more and applyPlease send your application via the link provided as we are unable to accept applications via email due to GDPR
For questions about the position please contact Talent Manager - Leigh Craddock at leigh.craddock@volvocars.com
Benefits & Life at Volvo Car UK:
- £80,000 - £90,000 per annum DOE and competitive salaries that are reviewed and benchmarked annually
- Discretionary, performance related bonus scheme that rewards you whilst you help us to achieve our goals
- Hybrid working in our agile, state of the art offices or from home when convenient for you and your family
- Everyday flexible working Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm depending on business needs
- 28 days holiday + bank holidays (4 fixed & 4 unfixed) + the opportunity to buy up to 5 additional days
- 15 days’ work from anywhere in the world policy
- 24 weeks enhanced and flexible parental leave for all employees regardless of gender up to a child’s 3rd birthday
- Matched pension contribution up to 5%
- Wellbeing benefits such as Health Cash Plan, Life Assurance, Private Medical Insurance with Vitality
- 2 paid volunteering / charity days per year
- Access to our preferential employee lease car scheme for you and your family
- Subsidised onsite restaurant plus free refreshments and snacks
- Onsite electrical charging for your Plug-In Hybrid Electric or Battery Electric vehicle
- A set salary sacrifice spend limit, refreshed every tax year for you to choose from multiple services and products to suit your lifestyle whilst saving on tax and NI within our extensive flexible benefits platform
- Discounted shopping site with 100s of brands and online retailers
Volvo Cars - Driving change togetherVolvo Cars’ continued success is the result of a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive working environment. Today, we are one of the most well-known and respected car brands, with over 40,000 employees across the globe. At Volvo Cars, your career is designed around your talents and aspirations so you can reach your full potential.
For the right person, an inspiring, and creative workplace awaits. Did you know that every Volvo Cars employee worldwide has the right to our Family Bond, our new all-gender, paid parental leave policy? You’ll also enjoy a culture and benefits package that’s made us one of the world’s most awarded and progressive employers.
By 2025, we aim to sell 1.2 million cars annually, 50% of which will be electric vehicles and sold directly to customers through digital channels. Join us on the journey of a lifetime as we create the driving and electrification technologies of tomorrow.