Head of Marketing & Communications

Location Uxbridge / Hybrid
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Salary Up to £64,000
Benefits 33 days holiday plus bank holidays, generous pension scheme and a flexible/hybrid working pattern.

Closing date 16-03-2023

LHC is entering an exciting new phase of its journey, transitioning from Local Authority ownership to a new, CLG, Not-for-Profit model. As the Head of Marketing & Communications for the LHC Group, you will own the Group’s Brand, ensuring it aligns with the vision, mission and values of the organisation.

You will develop the strategy to help drive the business, creating awareness of the Group’s wide range of activities throughout GB. You will head up branding, strategy, lead generation, PR, external and internal communications. You will need to build strong, collaborative relationships throughout the business as the Group’s marketing and communication activities are delivered through both a central team and regional business units.

Working with the senior team, you will translate the business strategy into a comprehensive, actionable and measurable marketing strategy, growing the overall brand, increasing company reach, and supporting the commercial growth.



Specific responsibilities of the job
This senior role will oversee and be responsible for all aspects of the groups online and offline activity and the management of our inhouse marketing and design team. You will direct and prioritise all group marketing initiatives and strategies, reporting to the Group MD and Senior Management Team. You will work cross-functionally, particularly with the regional business units to develop our brands and drive business growth.

To be successful you will need to demonstrate your ability to:

• Act as a 'brand guardian' ensuring consistency across all internal, regional and external communications.
• Be the visible leader of the group’s marketing, media and PR activities, ensuring appropriate messaging is delivered at all times.
• Lead, line-manage and inspire the group marketing and communications team, setting monthly, quarterly and annual targets for growth and impact.
• Manage the group’s websites and digital online presence.
• Report on and analyse all aspects of marketing and communications activity and ensure effective evaluation mechanisms are in place to measure success.
• Keep up to date on best practice and trends within the Social Housing, Construction and Third Sectors that may impact or offer opportunities for the Group.
• Drive innovation in the digital marketing space, ensuring both group and regional activities maximise on opportunities across all media and stakeholder groups.
• Work closely with the Technical and Procurement teams to ensure high quality promotional documentation is produced in conjunction with product launch activities.
• Use your wide range of experience to support the development of strong, engaging content (case studies, proof of Social Value impact etc) for use in all marketing, PR and communications.
• Lead on creating and maintaining appropriate and consistent language and terminology across all media channels.
• Effective monitoring and review of all digital activity: Website, SEO and Social Media Campaigns.
• Work closely with the People and Culture team, to review and develop mechanisms for improved communications to employees and all associated stakeholders’ groups.
• Provide quarterly Marketing Reports for the Group MD and Senior Team.
• Develop highly targeted and personalised contact strategies for key customer groups.
• Manage and maximise our impact at national events and support the regional business units in their delivery of successful regional events.
• Support the regional teams through effective management of the Marketing Research Analyst to supply up-to-date sector data and intelligence on competitors, challenges and opportunities.
• Build sector networks nationally.
• Manage the marketing budget.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
Experience

• Demonstrable experience in marketing, PR and communications with experience gained in a dynamic marketing environment.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a management role.
• Experienced in internal and external corporate communications.
• Ability to think strategically and commercially.
• Strong understanding of social media in a professional setting and how to leverage social media/viral messaging as part of a PR strategy.
• Experienced in leading projects from start to finish.
• Able to lead and influence colleagues at all levels of the business in multidisciplinary teams.
• Experienced in managing internal stakeholders and external third-party partners
• A first-class communicator who is positive, hands on and able to get the best out of a team.
• Demonstrates the necessary drive and resilience to deliver excellence amidst tight timelines and changing circumstances.
• Articulate written, visual and verbal communicator, with excellent copy accuracy and proofreading skills.

Qualifications and Training

• Degree level qualified in Marketing, PR, Communication or Media (Desirable)
• MCIM or working towards (Desirable)
• Digital Marketing qualification (Desirable)
  

Aptitude and Abilities
Disciplined, process driven and able to work to tight deadlines.
Strategic thinker who supports innovation and is happy challenging the status quo.
Excellent verbal, written communication, presentation & interpersonal skills with high level of attention to detail.
High degree of gravitas, commanding respect from internal colleagues and external sector network.
Effective manager of resources including people.

Personal Qualities
Positive and supportive attitude.
Open, honest, respectful and approachable.
A model ambassador of our brand.


Principal aims of LHC
LHC provides specialist technical and procurement products and services that help contracting authorities (LHC Clients) and building contractors and suppliers (LHC Appointed Companies) to deliver publicly funded building projects on time and on budget, and in doing so deliver better buildings and homes that enhance local communities.

LHC engages with LHC Clients and LHC Appointed Companies through five Regional Business Units (RBUs), supported by a Group Procurement Team which develops and markets the LHC range of products and services.
A Group Services Team provides the platform of financial, IT & Change, HR and legal services for the whole LHC Group.