The Head of Communications, UK & Ireland will build and lead the communications strategy across internal, external, digital, and reputation communications. A core component of the role will be strengthening and expanding our brand presence—particularly in new and emerging markets, sectors, and client groups as the company diversifies its offerings across the UK and Ireland.
This is a highly strategic and hands-on leadership role that requires exceptional stakeholder management, proven storytelling ability, and experience operating in a fast-moving, evolving industry.
Working with Circet
Circet Ireland & UK have built an ever-growing portfolio of specialist services. We are leading providers to the Telecommunications, Transport Infrastructure and Power Sectors in Ireland and the UK. We are driven to be innovative and proactive in delivering solutions that meet our client’s expectations while not losing sight of their changing requirements. With over 4500 employees across Ireland & UK we continue to bring people together to make this happen.
Responsibilities of Head of Communications:
1. Communications Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute a clear, integrated communications strategy for the UK & Ireland aligned to business objectives.
- Establish and evolve a first-time communications function for the region, building structure, governance, processes, and KPIs.
- Partner with senior leadership teams to provide strategic and operational support on communications, change, and reputational matters.
- Work closely with stakeholders to create cross-functional alignment between global communications, marketing, HR, operations, and regulatory teams.
- Strengthen and evolve the company brand to support expansion into new and emerging markets/clients.
2. External Communications & Media Relations
- Build and protect the corporate reputation through proactive media engagement and strong relationships.
- Develop and deliver campaigns to strengthen brand perception in existing and emerging markets, thought leadership, and corporate announcements.
- Manage external Marketing/PR agencies (where relevant) and ensure efficient, high-impact storytelling.
- Develop targeted campaigns and roadshows that grow awareness and credibility in new growth areas and with evolving client bases.
3. Internal Communications
- Partner with key stakeholders to define and execute the internal communications strategy to drive engagement, enhance leadership visibility, and foster cultural alignment.
- Oversee all internal communication channels (such as intranet, video, internal social platforms, newsletters, and town halls).
- Collaborate with HR, ESG, HSEQT, Transport, and operational leaders to support transformation programs, organizational changes, and major initiatives.
4. Crisis, Issues, and Reputation Management
- Lead communications strategy for crisis and incident scenarios, collaborating closely with legal, regulatory, and operational teams.
- Maintain organizational readiness through scenario planning, development of messaging frameworks, and leadership training.
- Ensure rapid, clear, and coordinated communication responses to employees, media, and stakeholders.
5. Digital & Social Communications
- Oversee corporate social media presence and digital storytelling for the UK & Ireland.
- Develop content strategies that enhance reputation, support recruitment, and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
- Ensure governance, consistency, and brand alignment across all digital channels.
6. Stakeholder & Community Engagement
- Collaborate with external bodies and sustainability teams to strengthen community, industry, and stakeholder relationships.
- Support community programs, partnerships, and local initiatives that align with the company’s purpose and ESG priorities.
7. Leadership, Budget Management & Team Development
- Lead, inspire, and grow a high-performance communications strategy.
- Manage the UK & Ireland communications budget, agency spend, and resource planning.
- Build a culture of excellence, measurement, and continuous improvement.
Knowledge & Skills Requirements:
Essential
- Demonstrable experience in communications and/or marketing, with proven leadership in large, complex organizations.
- Proven track record in telecommunications, technology, utilities, or other regulated or infrastructure-driven sectors.
- Experience in building or transforming a communications function.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to advise C-suite leaders.
- Background in internal communications, organizational change, and culture-building initiatives.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working across both UK and Irish markets.
- Background in digital and social communications, including analytics and content strategy.
- Cross-functional leadership experience in matrixed, multi-market organizations.
- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to execution.
- Highly collaborative and diplomatic, with strong relationship-building skills.
- Calm under pressure with excellent judgment and problem-solving abilities.
- Purpose-driven, commercially aware, and customer-focused.
Why work in Circet?
- Be part of a company that encourages involvement, diversity and inclusion
- Be part of a company that nurtures excellence and develops leaders
- Be part of a company that encourages personal development and career progression through our further education programme, mentoring programme and pathway programme
- Be part of a company that is dedicated to making a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility
- You will get a competitive salary and a benefits package which includes 25 days annual leave per annum, life assurance, access to Employee Assistance Programmes and access to career developmental opportunities
Circet IRE & UK is an inclusive organisation and welcomes all applications. Our mission is to create a workforce that consists of individuals with talent, skills and potential across all areas of our business. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.