Head of Media Relations, HS2

We have partnered with HS2, the UK's flagship rail investment project, to help them find a new Head of Media Relations.

With £23 billion contracted into the supply chain and over 250 miles of new high-speed line being planned across the country, HS2 is Europe's largest infrastructure project.

The Head of Media Relations provides strategic leadership for the development and delivery of the media relations strategy, supporting the company to achieve its goals through effective engagement with journalists and media outlets.

The successful candidate needs to have extensive experience running a busy, complex press office in an issues-rich environment and be well-versed in both proactive and reactive comms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the media relations strategy which aims to reinforce and amplify positive perceptions and proactively drive momentum to strengthen reputation
• Lead a team of six
• Deliver horizon scanning and strategic advice, and provide media training to company spokespeople and executives
• Manage HS2's interaction with the media including issues management, crisis management, and provide accurate information to the media about the programme and its complexities
• Oversee the monitoring of daily press coverage
• Build relationships across the business with directorates and teams to help develop story ideas

Requirements

• Keen political awareness and understanding, and thorough knowledge of British media and press operations
• Experience of working at a senior level in the day to day running of a busy press office, proactive external media relations, issues management, and crisis communications
• Experience working in a contentious or complex environment
• Experience leading and managing a team
• Experience in leading the development, delivery, and measurement of media relations strategies and integrated communications campaigns

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with a copy of your CV via the form below. Please note, only relevant candidates will be considered.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.