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Head of External Communication

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  • Job
    Full-time
    Expert Level
  • Government & Politics
    Marketing
  • London

Requirements

  • Extensive experience of creating and delivering external communication strategies at a senior level within a financial services organisation, or other regulated environment
  • Experience across the full external comms skill set including media relations, financial communications, stakeholder management (up to an including C-Suite and Board), public affairs, political analysis, ESG, crisis communication, issues management, consumer PR, and storytelling
  • Comfortable engaging with all levels of an organisation as well as with a broad range of external stakeholders
  • Confidence in giving your opinion, challenging in a constructive and solutions focused manner, and taking on feedback to come to appropriate solutions and the best outcomes
  • Experience developing short, medium and long-term external communication plans, bringing creativity and fresh ideas, with confidence to constructively challenge the way things are done and proposing new initiatives
  • Effective time management skills, these are critical and you should be comfortable working at pace, juggling multiple deadlines and projects (in a role of this nature you will also need to respond to last-minute requests)
  • Strong understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of different communication mediums and channels, comfortable with written, visual and video
  • Strong ability to identify and highlight associated external communication risks, with experience in mitigation planning
  • Ideally good understanding and working knowledge of listing rules and investor relations
  • To understand the risks associated with your job and what that means for you, Metro Bank and all our stakeholders

Responsibilities

  • As the Head of External Communications, you will be accountable for Metro Bank’s media and public affairs, developing and implementing our integrated communications strategy and public affairs programme, aligned to our corporate and business objectives and priorities
  • You will tell the Metro Bank story to raise the brand profile, creating confidence, driving understanding and awareness, and importantly, protecting the bank’s reputation
  • Develop and oversee a proactive external communication plan linked to internal communication and marketing activity, to ensure joined up thinking across external channels which amplify our key messages
  • Promote the bank and its expertise – identifying potential stories, news hooks and opportunities for campaigns
  • Create programmes of activity and campaigns that help us reach our corporate, commercial and operational objectives
  • Anticipate, identify and prepare for issues that may have an impact on the bank
  • Proactively provide insight, analysis and counsel to the CEO, Chairman, Executive Committee and leaders across the business, as well as building lasting relationships bank wide, and be across all important topics and anticipate any challenges
  • Provide support to the Chief People Officer coordinating the ESG agenda, in particular social and sustainability content and actions
  • Influence and secure support from key decision-makers on issues of importance
  • Build and maintain Metro Bank’s relationships with ministers, MPs, peers and other senior figures
  • You will be the primary external spokesperson for Metro Bank when issues do arise and will lead on any external / media crisis communication activity
  • Manage, coach, develop and drive the external comms team, ensuring a robust external comms function that supports the business, but that also responds quickly and effectively to media enquiries and customer issues

FAQs

What is the primary responsibility of the Head of External Communications at Metro Bank?

The primary responsibility is to develop and implement Metro Bank's integrated communications strategy and public affairs programme, aligned with corporate and business objectives, and to manage media and public relations effectively.

What kind of experience is required for this role?

Extensive experience in creating and delivering external communication strategies at a senior level, particularly within a financial services organization or other regulated environment, is required.

What external communication skills are necessary for this position?

Skills across media relations, financial communications, stakeholder management (including C-Suite and Board), public affairs, political analysis, ESG, crisis communication, issues management, consumer PR, and storytelling are necessary.

Will I have the opportunity to manage a team in this role?

Yes, you will manage, coach, develop, and drive the external communications team to ensure a robust function that supports the business.

What qualifications are preferred for the Head of External Communications role?

Ideally, candidates should have a strong understanding of listing rules and investor relations, as well as experience in identifying and mitigating external communication risks.

Is there flexibility in working hours for this position?

Yes, there is a recognition that 'normal' office hours aren’t always doable, and while not every flexible working request can be accommodated, the organization is open to discussions.

What kind of support will I receive to succeed in this role?

You will receive training to ensure success in your role and many internal opportunities for career progression, as Metro Bank promotes from within.

How does Metro Bank ensure diversity and inclusion in their hiring process?

Metro Bank actively seeks a diverse range of candidates and recognizes that many may hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification, encouraging anyone excited about the role to apply.

What are the benefits offered to employees?

Employees receive a competitive salary, discretionary annual bonus, generous holiday allowance, attractive pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, and various colleague discounts.

What will be my role in crisis communication as the Head of External Communications?

You will be the primary external spokesperson for Metro Bank, leading any external/media crisis communication activity that arises.

News and views from the people-people bank.

Finance
Industry
1001-5000
Employees
2010
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Metro Bank is a company that operates in the banking and financial services industry, offering a range of banking products and services for individuals, businesses, and organisations. Their ultimate goal is to provide accessible and customer-focused banking experiences that cater to diverse financial needs. Metro Bank's purpose revolves around delivering convenient and innovative banking solutions, fostering strong customer relationships, and offering personalised services that empower clients to manage their finances effectively. Through their services, they aim to simplify banking processes, enhance financial well-being, and contribute to the financial success of their customers and communities.

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