Head of Communications
Joining Arup
Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world.
The Opportunity
The purpose of the Head of Communications role in the UKIMEA Marketing, Communications and Business Development (MCBD) team is to deliver the functional communications activities defined in the region’s annual marketing and communications plan as directed by the MCBD director in collaboration with the MCBD senior leadership team. The individual will also lead the delivery of region-wide communications activities which cross the boundaries of all portfolios and geographies as directed by the MCBD director and the region’s leadership.
The individual will be a member of the MCBD senior leadership team and will sit within the operations team of the function which is responsible for the delivery of all marketing, communications (internal and external), public affairs, client, business development and visual communications activities. The individual will work with MCBD business partners for the following portfolios/geographies to ensure communications activities are integrated into their marketing and communications plans:
• Energy, Water and Resources
• Property, Science and Industry
• Transport
• Cities, Planning, Design
• Climate Sustainability Services
• Advisory & Digital Services
• Technical Specialist Services
• Geographies
• Focus Markets
As Head of Communications you will act as the subject matter expert for external and internal communications and will be responsible for the line management and professional development of the c16 communications professionals within the MCBD operations team. You will effectively marshal the skills and experience of the team and ensure delivery, working collaboratively to ensure requirements are understood, realistic and resourced. On a day-to-day basis, you will work closely with the region leadership team/board and the portfolio/geography Business Partners, the MCBD operations team and other global and regional communications leads.
You will collaborate with the region’s MCBD director and heads of marketing, public affairs, clients, business development and visual communications to create one annual marketing and communications plan that can be delivered within the resource available in the operations team to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Under the direction of the UKIMEA MCBD director, you will act as subject matter expert, advising the region board and leadership team on internal and external communications matters. You will also work with the Global Marketing and Communications team and other regional MCBD colleagues to ensure alignment on media relations and internal communications matters.
The plan will respond to the region’s strategy and individual portfolio/geography business plans. Activity will be both planned and reactive and may include:
creation of new thought leadership-focused content;
web-based project stories and social media content;
securing industry speaking engagements for Arup experts and co-creating content for these events;
drafting and editing articles and opinion pieces for industry publications; and
identifying suitable awards and drafting and editing award entries
proactive and reactive media relations, including people profiling through interviews and opinion pieces
defending and promoting the firm’s reputation – issues management
promoting public affairs and public policy activities
internal communications and staff engagement activities
aligning the firm’s internal and external narrative
change communications.
Is this role right for you?
- Strong people leadership skills and experience of leading large teams in a highly demanding, fast-paced complex environment with matrix structures and high levels of ambiguity.
- Senior professional skills in external and internal communications, including the ability to resource and deliver a busy and wide ranging programme of proactive and reactive activities, on time, on budget and to a consistent high quality. The individual will need to be skilled in establishing and managing systems and processes to ensure effective, agile resourcing.
- Previous experience of leading a communications function in a large engineering, design, construction, utilities or services organisation, coupled with domain knowledge in the sectors and markets in which Arup’s UKIMEA region operates.
- A relevant professional qualification (CIPR) with strong demonstration of the successful tactical delivery of communications plans and/or strategies, including the creation of thought leadership-focused content and events.
- Personable and collaborative working style with good listening and interpersonal skills and a commitment to stakeholder management.
- Adaptable to changing requirements and comfortable with high levels of ambiguity.
- Confidence to engage with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders; excellent communication skills
- Experience of and a positive personal commitment to developing others’ knowledge and of acting as a member of a collaborative team that co-creates key deliverables.
The role will be office based at least 2-3 days per week plus flexible working.
What we offer you
At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.
Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.
We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts.
We also provide Private medical insurance, Life assurance, Accident insurance and Income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.
Different people, shared values
Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.
Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross-cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference. Discover more about life at Arup at https://www.arup.com/careers/your-life-at-arup/
We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible to all candidates. Please contact Sarah Graham at sarah-x.Graham@arup.com,to let us know if you need any assistance or reasonable adjustments throughout your application or interview process, and/or to perform the essential functions of the role. We will do everything we can to support you.
Our Application Process
To understand what to expect next, please visit https://www.arup.com/careers/recruitment-process/
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