Senior External Communications Manager

IQ Talent Solutions are delighted to be working with one of our key clients a leader in the retail sector to support them with the recruitment of a Senior External Communications Manageron a 4-month contract paying up to £650 per day (inside of IR35).Our client is based in West London, but this role is likely to be fully remote for the duration.

You will be responsible for managing all aspects of External Communications including media and digital engagement, communications planning and issues/reputation management.
You will be skilled at bringing our clients strategy and vision to life across a multitude of external stakeholders. Mindset is essential here. You will be a modern communicator, across the key trends and know the power that comes from bringing great communicatorstogether.

You will be skilled at bringing our clients strategy and vision to life across a multitude of external stakeholders. Mindset is essential here. You will be a modern communicator, across the key trends and know the power that comes from bringing great communicatorstogether.

**What is expected of the Senior External Communications Manager? **
- Support the management of their External Communications programme. Raise their profile as the leader in technology retail, a company with purpose that has a positive impact on its colleagues, customers and other stakeholders.
- Work with all parts of the business including customer and channels team to promote the business through media, trade publications, conferences, awards, shining a light on the business and its corporate reputation.
- Responsible for supporting the development of the strategic communications plans, aligned with our overall vision and strategy. Covers all aspects of external communications for the UK&I for group matters including financial PR and reputation management.
- Build relationships and engage purposefully with agreed external stakeholder groups so they are inspired by how they’re creating value for colleagues, customers, society and the planet.
- Writing and editing communications materials
- Fiercely guard their reputation; identifying, anticipating and handling media issues
- Ensure external and internal comms are aligned
- Work closely with third-party agencies as required
- Ensure their social media strategy and activity remains relevant and aligned to the broader business’s needs
- Implement and maintain a robust measurement program, including media and social media measurements, generating monthly reports for the Executive Committee and Board.

**What we look for in a Senior External Communications Manager?**
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Effective organisational, time management skills to be able to prioritise and work towards deadlines
- Be self-assured in your decision-making and be adept at providing counsel to the senior leadership team
- Proven communications experience within a large organisation in a complex, fast moving sector experience desirable
- Expertise in developing external communications plans aligning internal, external and stakeholder communications against business strategy
- Track record of successfully managing communications during times of crisis and has experience of counselling executives in crisis situations.
- Outstanding media relations skills and relationships, with experience engaging journalists on a regular basis
- Skilled at using social media, digital content creation to advance business priorities and amplify the corporate narrative
- Proven ability to think ahead, engage proactively and take initiative
- Capable of achieving results in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, often on short deadlines
- Exceptional planning and orchestration skills. Attention to detail is critical.
- Successful track record of partnering and influencing business and exec level stakeholders

**What the Senior External Communications Manager will receive?**
- Up to £650 per day inside of IR35
- A huge retail brand to add to your portfolio
- Remote working