SNC-Lavalin is one of the leading engineering and construction groups in the world and a major player in the ownership of infrastructure. Our work focuses largely across the transport, infrastructure, energy, aerospace and defence sectors where we’re involved in the delivery of major projects such as Hinkley Point, HS2 and Heathrow Airport expansion. As the digital world collides with our physical environment, we're also facing and embracing a wave of opportunity to use our skills in new ways to drive the digitalisation of infrastructure design, build, operation and asset management.
As Head of External Communications, UK & Europe, you will be responsible for planning and implementing strategic and integrated external communications activity, maximising PR, public affairs and digital communications to help drive the company’s ambitions in the UK & Europe region. The role will be responsible for ensuring the combined value of the SNC-Lavalin, Atkins, F+G and Acuity brands is fully leveraged across our external channels which are integrating following the joining of these companies in 2017. The role reports into the Vice President, Communications, UK & Europe, with line management responsibilities for a team of two PR & Digital Communications managers, a Creative & Brand lead, a Creative lead and a Communications officer.
You will act as counsel to members of the senior leadership team, alongside the Vice President of Communications, UK & Europe, on communications matters, particularly those of a complex or sensitive nature, and provide direction to team members as required. The role requires the ability to work with multiple internal stakeholders at a variety of levels across different industries including transportation, energy, defence, water and infrastructure.
You will work closely with the business, the UK & Europe communications team and wider global communications community to develop proactive PR campaigns, overseeing the amplification of UK&E PR content across our digital channels and ensuring a regular flow of content that is in line with our Group’s strategic communications priorities to the Corporate Digital Communications team. You will be required to plan for and manage reactive media relations and crisis communications as and when required, ensuring we continue to improve our response systems and processes. You will be responsible for managing the region’s public affairs programme, developing a cross-divisional approach and helping to maintain keen focus on our priorities for political engagement at the national, regional and local level.
This role requires someone who can be a strong leader, diplomatic yet decisive as well as someone who will take a hands-on approach to the delivery of tactical communications activity as appropriate to being part of a small team. You will ensure that UK & Europe communications are delivered in line with SNC-Lavalin policies, and reflect industry best practice.
The role would require regular travel to all Atkins offices.
Please note, the interview for this role will be held on the 6th and 7th September in London.
Qualifications
• Degree educated or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline would be preferred, but not essential
Essential Criteria
• Extensive experience working in a communications environment for a large organisation
• Excellent knowledge of how the media and political environment operate
• Proven capabilities to deliver campaigns / content / messaging across all communications disciplines with demonstrable examples of multichannel campaigns
• Ability to advise and influence senior management
• Proven track record of running a large and busy press office and dealing effectively with significant issues / crises
• Excellent writing skills and ability to convey complex topics in simple language to multiple audiences
• Proven ability in shaping and delivering digital content
• Knowledge and relevant experience of social media tools and channels as a way of engaging audiences
• Self-motivated and able to take ownership of projects
• High levels of initiative and confidence to come up with, share and deliver ideas
• Highly organised and able to work simultaneously on multiple projects
• Ability to manage and develop team members for the effective delivery of their responsibilities
• Team player with proven ability to build relationships inside and outside of the organisation
• Comfortable with high levels of ambiguity
• Resilient and able to lead others with energy and positivity during times of change
Desirable Criteria
• Knowledge of the infrastructure / engineering sector and/or working in a large organisation
• Existing media / political contacts
• Experience working in Westminster or devolved governments / in a previous public affairs agency role is preferred, but not essential
Responsibilities
• Lead the development and delivery of a UK & Europe strategic external communications programme which supports the business ambitions of the sectors that operate in the UK & Europe region, including efficient budget management for the communications function
• Work with the Vice President, Communications, UK & Europe, and leaders of other communications disciplines to develop, prioritise and agree public relations, public affairs and digital communications plans / activities across the UK & Europe region
• Fulfil the communications role in the UK & Europe Crisis Management Team for issues / crisis management, and provide sign-off on all reactive media responses
• Provide advice / counsel to the UK & Europe senior leadership team on communications-related matters, particularly those of a sensitive or complex nature
• Create high quality content for application across multiple channels as appropriate
• Help maximise the value of stakeholder memberships eg. CBI, ICE, ACE, London First, NIA
• Represent the UK & Europe regional communications team to SNC-Lavalin corporate communications and other regional communications teams
• Deliver content to give context to financial reporting, as required
• Ensure maintenance and adherence of activities to relevant SNC-Lavalin communications policies, including sign-off on all media, public affairs and digital materials
• Agency and supplier management, as appropriate
• Measure and evaluate effectiveness of communications activities against internal and external benchmarks
• Tactical delivery of public relations, public affairs and digital communications activity as required
• Line management and supporting the professional development of the public relations team
The Individual
The successful candidate will be determined, motivated, creative, a collaborative team player and willing to try new approaches to achieve results. The role will be well suited for someone who is driven to learn and develop, and wants the opportunity to stretch and broaden their skills. The candidate must have excellent verbal and written communications skills and be comfortable dealing with a diverse range of people.
The role would suit someone moving from agency to a senior role in-house or someone looking to progress their in-house communications career from a similar role.
Training
SNC-Lavalin develops individuals through a portfolio of training and development activities designed to help you make the best of your abilities and talents. These are reviewed with individuals through an annual appraisal process. We actively support staff in achieving corporate membership of relevant institutions.
Rewards and benefits:
Atkins offers a fantastic range of benefits, which you can tailor to suit your own health, wellbeing, financial and lifestyle choices.
All the information you need to know is available on our dedicated benefits portal; your reward, which is available to access 24/7 from any device:
http://www.yourrewardatkins.comSecurity Clearance:
This role may require security clearance and offers of employment will be dependent on obtaining the relevant level of clearance. If this is necessary it will be discussed with you at interview
If applying to this role please do not make reference to (in conversation) or include in your application or CV, details of any current or previously held security clearance 
