Head of Communications & External Affairs

With our recent acquisition of the Co-operative Bank, it’s a really exciting time for colleagues and customers of the Society and the Bank. At this momentous time, we have a rare opportunity for a Head of Communications & External Affairs to join us on this journey.

Leading the development and delivery of the Communication Strategy for the Group, the person in post will cover internal and external communications and colleague engagement.

As a trusted advisor to executives and the Board of the Group both when positively developing the profile of the organisation and through crisis communications, the Head of Communications & External Affairs will also prepare and support colleagues to represent the Group externally in different contexts.

As well as protecting and enhancing the Group reputation, the role holder will also foster strong relationships with the press and engage with industry bodies, regulators and other third parties when external expertise is required.

Developing and leading delivery of a strategic corporate communications agenda, the person in post will also be responsible for shaping an internal communications strategy that brings to life the vision and ambition of the combined organisation.

Professionally qualified, you’ll bring a depth of strategic communications leadership and will be able to demonstrate a track record of developing and delivering plans for change and measuring the impact of these changes.

Experienced in financial services or within another regulated sector, you’ll have had extensive engagement with industry bodies and regulators. With a strong track record in PR and media, you’ll have an excellent network of external contacts and have the ability to shape PR and media strategies.

You’ll be adept in front of the camera as a spokesperson and be able to coach and support internal colleagues who need to represent to Group externally. You’ll also have a depth of experience of leading the delivery of more formal communications such as the AGM.

With experience of leading a team of communication professionals, you’ll also be able to lead activity across other internal functions providing structure, challenge, direction and advice as required.

As a mutual, we’ve always worked together to improve the lives of others. Now one of the largest Building Societies in the UK, over 3,000 of us share that goal, in our branches and Head Office. Our benefits go beyond basic pay, with a discretionary bonus scheme, a culture of reward and recognition and total support for our wellbeing.

We’re serious about equality, of race, age, faith, disability and sexual orientation, but also of personality and the way we think. By being yourself, you’ll make us stronger.

You can build so much more than a career. Come and make a difference in our Society, that’s been voted a ‘Great Place to Work’ by our teams.

Flexibility and why it matters

We understand the need for flexibility, so wherever possible, we’ll consider alternative working patterns. Have a chat with us before you apply to see what the possibilities are for this role. 

Proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer

We’re proud to offer an interview or assessment to every disabled applicant who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies. As part of the application process, disabled applicants can opt in for the Disability Confident Interview Scheme. If there are ever occasions where it is not practicable to interview all candidates that meet the essential criteria, such as when we receive a high number of applications, we commit to interviewing disabled candidates who best meet the minimum essential and desirable criteria.

If you would like to opt in to the scheme please contact our recruitment team when you apply via Get in touch - Coventry Building Society (coventrycareers.co.uk)