Head of Transformation Communications and Design

I am recruiting for an experienced and strategic Head of Transformation Communications and Design to lead a major transformation programme for the Department for Business and Trade on an interim contract for 6-12 months.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver strategic communications during a period of significant change.
SC clearance is required for this role.
Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for all Transformation communications across the Department, ensuring that communications activities align with Departmental priorities.
• Advise and collaborate with the Executive Committee and Senior Leadership Team, ensuring effective, consistent, and impactful messaging that supports organisational objectives and enhances reputation.
• Design and deliver integrated communications strategies that reach diverse internal and external audiences, drive cultural change, and support complex transformation initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary communications team, fostering a culture of high performance, continuous professional development, and innovation.
• Champion best practice in stakeholder engagement, proactively managing relationships with senior stakeholders, cross-government partners, and external organisations (if required)
• Oversee the planning and delivery of high-profile staff engagement initiatives, such as department-wide briefings, town halls, and digital communications campaigns, ensuring two-way dialogue and feedback mechanisms are embedded.
• Set and assure communications standards, governance, and evaluation frameworks across the department, consistently measuring impact and driving continuous improvement.
• Work closely with DBT's internal comms team to ensure alignment of messaging, branding and content.
• Drive the development and innovation of the department's brand, digital channels, and engagement approaches, ensuring communications are inclusive, accessible, and audience focused.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Must have valid SC clearance
• A proven track record of leading on transformation communications, particularly during periods of change or restructuring
• Experience working in a complex or matrixed organisation - with at least some professional experience of working in government
• Strong stakeholder management skills and experience of working effectively with senior leaders, up to and including SCS3s
• A thinker and a doer - with a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on delivery capabilities
• Experience running staff meetings, creative campaigns, and managing internal comms channels - evidence of measuring the success and impact of campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong project management experience

Desirable Skills

• Knowledge of change management methodologies
• Experience working within a government transformation programme
• Digital communications expertise and video editing skills

What you need to do now
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