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External Communications Manager – Enterprise

Employer
BT
Location
London, BT HQ
Salary
c £40 - 60K + bonus and benefits
Closing date
16 Jun 2019

Our purpose is to use the power of communications to make a better world. For each other, for our customers, for society and our communities. We need you to help us do this.

Why this role matters

You will be responsible for leading all external communications activity – on both a proactive and reactive basis – for BT’s Enterprise unit, working closely with the Corporate Affairs Director for Enterprise and the Head of External Communications, Enterprise

On a day-to-day basis you will be accountable for developing and executing external communications strategy plans which align with and support the business objectives of Enterprise and engage a wide range of external stakeholders, including media, industry analysts, events/conference organisers, trade/industry associations, business lobby groups, communications providers and other partners and influencers.

You will be responsible for elevating awareness of the Enterprise strategy and its products and services amongst its many and diverse customer segments via these key influencers – further enhancing the reputation of the BT brand across the UK. These key opinion formers will be targeted via a wide range of channels, including press releases, social media, online content/blogs, briefings, events etc.

What you'll be doing

Work closely with the Enterprise Corporate Affairs Director and the Head of External Communications, Enterprise to translate the Enterprise business strategy and objectives into proactive and engaging external communications programmes which engage a number of key external stakeholder groups and which utilise the most effective communications channels.

Develop strategic communications plans in support of a number of complex business objectives and/or change programmes which often need to be managed simultaneously.

Become a trusted advisor to the business by providing strategic PR and media relations counsel and coaching to senior executives, with the flexibility to deal with a variety of stakeholders and projects, and cope with ambiguity.

Demonstrate enhanced stakeholder management skills – being able to work confidently and effectively with challenging stakeholders at all levels and in a range of scenarios (e.g. high pressure, short deadlines, complex situations) providing constructive challenge where required.

Become immersed in the print, online and social media landscape and news agenda in order to proactively identify potential news opportunities for Enterprise and create a steady drumbeat of positive stories for the business which map back to the business and strategy objectives

To understand the diverse Enterprise product portfolio and the varied customer segments and to be able to articulate the benefits of the portfolio to the target audiences in a credible, relevant and compelling way.

Develop/oversee all written creative content for Enterprise (using agency support as and when required) including news releases, by-lined articles, blogs, features, case studies, ensuring that the copy is clear, engaging, and of the highest standard with little or no editing required.

Effectively exploit a range of communications channels to convey Enterprise’s key messages and objectives – including news releases, social media, industry events, online content etc.

Ensure a steady drumbeat of positive news around Enterprise throughout the year, working closely with colleagues in marketing, sales, product/propositions to ensure that external communications activity supports and helps to achieve their aims and objectives.

Respond rapidly and effectively to opinion formers – often in very short timescales - including acting as a BT spokesperson when handling media enquiries relating to Enterprise.

Build positive working and trusted relationships with the key journalists and publications covering  Enterprise related stories.

Provide coaching and media training to senior executives, including the staffing of interviews, managing media events etc.

Identify and manage crisis and issues management situations impacting Enterprise with the potential to harm BT’s reputation; proactively engage with the relevant teams; escalate issues when required and produce swift and effective responses and cascade as appropriate, in line with the Group Corporate Affairs Crisis Communications process.

The skills and experience you need

  • Approximately 10 years’ experience in a senior PR/media relations role, ideally in the telecommunications/technology sector
  • Experience of planning and executing high-impact strategic PR programmes
  • Typically, degree and post graduate qualification in a related subject (e.g. science, engineering, business / marketing / PR/communications)
  • Excellent media contacts in the telecoms and B2B technology market
  • Superb written and spoken communications skills
  • Track record of engagement and influence via social media
  • Excellent stakeholder relationship management skills
  • Persuasive communicator, with great presentation skills
  • Agency and budget management experience preferred
  • Excellent programme management skills with the capability to juggle a range of large projects and consistently deliver results
  • Ability to operate within a complex matrix environment and a culture of sharing and exploiting best practice
  • Strong decision making abilities
  • Ability to take a holistic view without compromising detail
  • Ability to make decisions and respond rapidly under crisis situations and in line with business needs

We value different perspectives, skills and experiences. We’re creating an inclusive working culture where people from all backgrounds can succeed. That’s why we welcome applications from all parts of the community.

You can also apply for this role via the BT careers portal:

https://bt.taleo.net/careersection/external/jobdetail.ftl?job=110646&tz=GMT%2B01%3A00

 

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