Corporate Communications Business Partner

As a key member of the Group Communications and Marketing function, this national role is responsible for executing the corporate communications strategy to support the delivery of Wates’ business strategy and objectives. The role focuses on supporting the company’s central functions, covering areas such as sustainability, health, safety and wellbeing, innovation, and quality. Additionally, this role will lead internal communications efforts that foster employee engagement and inclusion and deliver HR-related communications. While this role is primarily internally focused, it will also support external campaigns that position the company as a purpose-led, thought-leader in selected topics.

Main accountabilities

Internal communications

• Lead employee engagement initiatives, including Group-wide virtual and in-person events, leadership briefings, and campaigns related to inclusion, diversity, health, safety, and sustainability.
• Deliver HR communications, including messaging for workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and pay reviews.
• Support the communication of significant legislative changes (e.g., the Building Safety Act and the Procurement Act).
• Create and implement tools, templates, and channels to streamline internal communications processes within the Group’s business units, such as leadership updates, information cascades, and online briefings.
• Develop communications to support change management programmes across the Group.

External communications

• Collaborate with the Media and External Affairs team to deliver campaigns that position Wates as a purpose-driven organisation and thought leader in key areas.
• Support the planning and execution of social media initiatives and help to ensure external-facing content is compelling, accurate, and up to date.
• Contribute to the organisation of external events and ensure alignment with the company’s purpose and strategy.

Relationship management

• Forge strong relationships with senior stakeholders, providing strategic advice to align communications with their objectives.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across the Communications and Marketing function, supporting embedded teams in the business divisions.
• Ensure all outputs adhere to company branding, policies, and procedures.
• Manage additional responsibilities within the communications and marketing function as assigned by leadership.

Communicating

• Effectively communicate complex ideas through clear and concise messaging, tailored for a variety of audiences, including senior leaders, employees, and external stakeholders.
• Build credibility and work collaboratively with critical support functions including HR; quality and supply chain; health, safety and wellbeing; legal and sustainability.

Required knowledge, qualifications, and skills

• Exceptional written communications skills able to convey complex ideas in a clear, engaging manner.
• Demonstrable experience working in an in-house communications function (preferably in a related industry) or external communications/PR agency.
• Knowledge of internal communications best practices, employee engagement, change management, and leadership communication strategies.
• Strong project management skills.
• Skilled at managing communications channels, tactics, and tools to engage diverse audience groups.
• Proficient in the fundamentals of graphic design, video production, social media, brand management, and event management.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to implement hands-on initiatives while managing competing demands effectively.
• Creative problem-solver, flexible and adaptable, particularly when managing organisational change.
• Able to build strong stakeholder relationships with solid interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

• Degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, or a related writing-based discipline (preferred).

Given the critical nature of relationship management in this role, the successful candidate will spend a minimum of three days per week working from a Wates office or project site to foster collaboration with key stakeholders. This role offers an excellent opportunity for a dynamic communications professional to drive impactful internal and external engagement strategies aligned with the company’s purpose and strategic objectives.

WHAT WE OFFER 

• Competitive salary & bonus  
• Flexible working - this role will be based in the Leatherhead office two days a week.
• Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)  
• Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more…  
• Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.
• Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 8 weeks fully paid paternity. 

Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. 

To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting