External Communications Lead in Manchester

About the job

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced external communications professional to lead the design and delivery of effective and creative external communications including PR and Media Relations.

The role holder will be confident interfacing at senior leadership level and working in an integrated, campaign-led way to deliver a successful plan of communications which increases brand visibility and awareness in the market.

Used to being hands-on, designing strategic communication plans, liaising with media, analysing stakeholder groups, creating content, measuring impact and coaching senior leaders and colleagues around the Group about the best way to communicate externally.

Building relationships is key to this role and applicants will be used to utilising interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence to work effectively with a range of stakeholders to deliver impactful communication.

Key Accountabilities

• Design and deliver effective external communications strategy in support of Group strategy
• Establish and build relationships with key stakeholders across business – including GLT, spokespeople and subject matter experts
• Use insights and an evidence-based approach to ensure the strategy and activity is optimum and ensure activity is measurable with agreed engagement measures and benchmarks.
• Oversee all forms of external media commentary including print, online and social to ensure in line with Group’s overall values and messages, exercising judgment in prioritising media opportunities and coordinating appropriately with stakeholders within the business when organising and preparing presentations, speeches, talking points, and other external media relations materials.
• Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships that ensure the positive and well managed coverage of the Group’s insights, research, commentary and company announcements, among other projects.
• Manage the Group’s network of external PR and media agencies ensuring coordination, collaboration and accountability.
• Own a focused content engagement programme working with content providers across the business area to create and develop new content around our priority areas
• Be central to the development, implementation, and integration of strategic communications plans that advance the Group’s brand identity among key stakeholder groups.
• Broaden awareness of initiatives and increase visibility of PR programmes and priorities within the organisation and to key stakeholders.

Functional and Technical Skills:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
• Previous of experience in external communications, preferably in cyber.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful communications strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong understanding of media relations and public relations best practices.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Effective interpersonal, management and communication skills
• Communicates challenges and influences a variety of stakeholders effectively
• Ability to present sound and well-reasoned arguments to convince others
• Ability to write and present clear and concise professional communications to range of audience at all levels
• Good technical knowledge to deliver appropriate communications materials – video, graphics etc…

Behaviours

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think critically and creatively to develop effective communication strategies.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Initiative: Proactive approach to identifying opportunities and taking action.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with a diverse team of colleagues.
• Attention to Detail : Meticulous attention to accuracy and quality in all work.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve challenges effectively.

So, what’s next?

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, then we would love to hear from you!

Click on apply to this job to send us your CV and cover letter and the relevant member of our global talent team will be in touch with you.

Alternatively send your details to .

About your application

We review every application received and will get in touch if your skills and experience match what we’re looking for.

If you don’t hear back from us within 10 days, please don’t be too disappointed – we may keep your CV on our database for any future vacancies and we would encourage you to keep an eye on our career opportunities as there may be other suitable roles.

If you do not want us to retain your details, please email All personal data is held in accordance with the NCC Group Privacy Policy (candidate-privacy-notice-261023.

pdf (nccgroupplc.

com)).

We are committed to diversity and flexibility in the workplace.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, please tell us at any stage.

Please note that this role involves mandatory pre-employment background checks due to the nature of the work NCC Group does.

To apply, you must be willing and able to undergo the vetting process.

This role being advertised will be subject to BS7858 screening as a mandatory requirement.