PR and Corporate Communciations Lead

PR & Corporate Communications Lead | Hybrid, 3 days Reading - up to £92k + bonus

Our client, a leading UK infrastructure organisation, is entering a major phase of growth and transformation. With new markets opening up and a wave of innovation underway, they're looking for a Head of Corporate Affairs, PR & Communications to lead its external communications, reputation management, stakeholder engagement and corporate affairs agenda during a period of significant growth and transformation.

This is a high-profile leadership role for a communications professional who thrives in complex, highly visible environments and can confidently navigate media scrutiny, stakeholder expectations, regulatory challenges and reputational risk.

Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for developing and delivering a strategic communications programme that enhances corporate reputation, strengthens stakeholder relationships and supports the organisation's long-term objectives.

As the organisation's most senior communications specialist, you will own the corporate narrative and provide expert counsel on reputation, crisis management, media engagement and executive communications.

As PR Corporate and Communications Lead you will lead the development of proactive communications strategies while ensuring the business remains prepared to respond effectively to emerging issues, operational challenges and external scrutiny. The role demands sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to influence at the highest levels.

This senior leadership role is responsible for developing and delivering a comprehensive corporate affairs, communications and public relations strategy that enhances organisational reputation, strengthens stakeholder relationships and supports business objectives.

The successful candidate will lead media relations, agency management and proactive communications programmes while overseeing reputation management, crisis preparedness and responses to complex or high-profile issues. They'll drive engagement with communities, public sector organisations, industry bodies and strategic partners, while also providing strategic direction for internal communications and employee engagement. Acting as a trusted adviser to senior executives, they will shape leadership communications, support major corporate announcements and ensure consistent corporate messaging.

The role also carries responsibility for measuring communications effectiveness, providing insight into stakeholder sentiment and demonstrating the value of communications activity in supporting business performance, reputation and risk management.

The successful candidate will possess exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling messages for a range of audiences. They will be calm, credible and decisive under pressure, demonstrating strong political and commercial awareness alongside excellent judgement. A natural relationship builder, they will have a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, cultivate trusted partnerships and navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Strategic in their thinking and meticulous in their approach, they will be comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-profile settings where agility, resilience and attention to detail are essential.

• Significant senior-level experience within Corporate Affairs, Public Relations, Corporate Communications or related disciplines.
• Proven track record managing complex reputation and stakeholder challenges.
• Experience advising executive teams and senior leaders in high-pressure environments.
• Demonstrated success leading crisis and issues management programmes.
• Background within regulated, infrastructure, technology, utilities or similarly high-profile sectors would be advantageous.
• Public affairs and stakeholder management experience and understanding of community engagement and communications planning.
• Competitive salary + strong bonus structure
• 30 days' annual leave + BH
• Hybrid working (3 days in Reading Office, 2 days wfh)
• Cycle to Work scheme, Electric Car scheme, retail discounts

Spotlight Recruitment is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Our focus is to ensure we're inclusive every day, helping our clients to recruit and build organisations that reflect modern society and celebrate diversity in all its forms. We want our candidates to feel that they belong and can be their best, regardless of…