Head of Communications US Programmes

Job Title: Head of Communications – US Programmes

Location: Warton or Samlesbury. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.

Salary: £73,900+ commensurate on skills and experience plus executive benefits package

What you’ll be doing:

• Act as plc global communications lead on all non-BAE Systems, Inc. involvement with the F-35 programme, including manufacturing and support


• Work closely with communications colleagues in BAE Systems, Inc. to ensure the plc’s role on the F-35 programme is well understood, internally and externally


• Work with Management Committee and communications colleagues to develop a communications and engagement strategy to drive performance of our USP and manufacturing teams


• Manage BAE Systems’ reputation on the F-35 programme through appropriate proactive storytelling across our channels and markets along with excellent issues management


• Work to ensure that the value and role of our Company’s position on F-35 is understood in the context of the UK’s overall sovereign combat air capability, sector long term programmes, and internationally


• Work closely with other Air Sector and plc functions including Government Relations and Business Development teams on stakeholder identification and engagement in support of specific key US commercial and campaign objectives


• Act as a coach and mentor to team members


• Drive significant programmes on behalf of the team, with an initial focus on the sector’s refreshed strategy, Destination 2035

Your skills and experiences:

• Proven Internal and External Communications background


• Ability to develop and articulate a clear communication strategy aligned with the organization’s goals


• Competent at leading tactical projects and delivering through various business and functional teams


• Proven experience in leading, mentoring, and developing a communications team, ensuring collaboration and high performance


• Exceptional writing skills to produce clear, concise, and error-free content for different channels (GCSE English grade B or higher)


• Confidence and ability to effectively communicate in front of diverse audiences, including employees and senior level stakeholders


• Ideally a degree (marketing, PR, communications etc)

Benefits:

You’ll receive benefits including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and a Company contributed Share Incentive Plan. You’ll also have access to additional benefits such as flexible working, an employee assistance programme, Cycle2work and employee discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.

The Communications Team:

The Head of Communications, who reports to the Director of Air Sector Internal Communications, is responsible for driving the planning and delivery of internal, external, and marketing communications to support our US Programmes Line of Business specifically on F-35, the world’s largest defence programme. The Head of Communications will work closely collaborating with the External Communications Team to support and coordinate external communications and marketing initiatives and will oversee the US Programmes internal communication strategy.

Why BAE Systems?

This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals. We also want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people, who are BAE Systems employees and have been in their current role for 12 months or longer.

Please be aware that many roles working for BAE Systems will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities you have held, and your place of birth may limit those roles you can perform for the organisation.

Closing Date: 7^th October

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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