Head of Communications

We are looking for a Head of Communications to join our team based in our new Build super-site in Crawley West Sussex, on a fixed term contract. Our Avionics UK (AVS UK) department is a thriving Country Business Unit for the global Flight Avionics and Training Solutions business lines. The position of Head of Communications plays an integral, role in supporting the work of the AVS Country Business Unit through the production of compelling internal and external communications. As part of the senior leadership team, you will help manage a team of two focused on engaging employees, the external audience and customers in the work that Thales's Avionics Country Business Unit is doing while promoting the core Thales Values. This role is a 10/12 -month maternity cover placement to manage the AVS UK Communications team, setting the strategy and direction for communication plans and strategies which directly support business ambitions.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

Responsible for the strategy and overall delivery of the external and internal communications strategies and plans for the Avionics Country Business Unit.

Developing and directing an overall communications strategy for AVS UK and its key campaigns in-line with the Avionics Global Business Unit, UK and the Group communications strategy.

Ensuring that all tactical delivery plans are in-line with the communications strategy and that all content is delivered consistently and to a high standard across all platforms.

Working closely with the Global Business Unit, its respective Business Lines and UK colleagues to ensure all content is consistently delivered across all platforms.

Ensuring there is the optimal common structure and processes in place to deliver objectives.

Working closely with HR and UK Internal Communications teams to develop, support and implement the Domain's internal communication strategy - including employee engagement approaches, transformation and integration, team briefing, management briefing and other internal communication work.

Ensuring that all communications activities are carried out within the defined budget and within corporate communications policy and procedures.

Developing and coaching employees and assuring professional standards within the Communications function

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

A graduate qualification with extensive experience in communications roles, combining internal and external communications experience
The ability to think strategically and deliver operationally to time, cost and quality

The ability to coach and develop individual and team performance
Influencing skills with a wide range of stakeholders and able to operate at the highest levels within Thales

Attention to detail and ability to adapt management style

Experience of delivery in a complex, international, Matrix environment with multiple stakeholders

Experience of working at senior level, developing and implementing internal and external communications strategies and programmes to support business objectives

Experience and knowledge of employee engagement strategies and drivers in an environment where major business change is occurring.

Team and budget management experience with good team development skills

Confident, flexible, self starter, able to take initiative

Clear written and verbal communications skills

Post Graduate level or equivalent - Communications qualifications

With Thales employing 68,000 employees in 50 countries and 43% of all Thales UK roles being filled via internal movements our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields.

Thales UK touches all of our lives, every day. Our expertise in secure network communications, for example, safeguards as many as 3.7 billion BACS transactions, worth around £1 trillion, every year. We are a leader in onboard equipment for civil and military aircraft.

What we do

Thales UK: Aerospace

One of the world's only technology providers serving both the civilian and military markets, Thales UK is a key participant in an extensive range of major aircraft programmes. Guiding, protecting, equipping, tracking, controlling - Thales's technology is making fixed and rotary wing aircraft of all types safer and more efficient, all around the world.

Thales UK: Defence

Thales UK provides armed forces with crucial military technology, including sophisticated Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting Acquisition and Reconnaissance (C4ISTAR) systems. The aim: to provide a cohesive, rapid response capability to protect our service personnel and defend national interests.

Thales UK: Security

Thales is acknowledged as a world leader in the design and supply of mission critical systems for promoting the safety and security of people and places. From complex transport systems to powerful encryption technology, and from advanced telecoms solutions through to full flight simulators, Thales is helping make the world a safer, more secure place.

Thales UK: Transport

Transport networks around the world rely on technology and systems expertise from Thales for safety, reliability and optimised capacity. Our main markets in the UK are urban rail, mainline rail and roads, where our solutions include signalling (train control, axle counters, interlockings, train protection and warning systems, services), supervision and control, integrated communications, security and information management.

Thales UK Key Facts

Thales UK has earned 79 Queen's Awards for Technology and Export

Thales has invested more than £2bn in the UK within the last 10 years

Thales embodies many famous companies, including Racal, Shorts Missiles, Pilkington Optronics, Redifon MEL, Thomson Marconi Sonar, Thorn Missile Electronics, Avimo, Helio and others

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