Head of External Communications

First Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - GBP 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public transport company is looking for a Head of External Communications based in London. This senior role involves managing the national communications function, leading the PR strategy, and fostering strong media relationships. Ideal candidates should have proven leadership experience in communications, along with expertise in developing high-quality content across various channels. The position offers competitive salary and benefits including health support and flexible working.

Benefits

Competitive salary + bonus structure

Health support for employees and dependents

Discounted train travel and free bus pass

Cycle to work scheme

25 days' holiday + bank holidays

Pension scheme

Flexible working

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership in a large, complex organisation.
• Strong editorial judgement across media.
• Experience in managing geographically dispersed teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Group PR strategy across Bus and Rail.
• Develop a consistent content plan across various channels.
• Support leaders during crises and act as a spokesperson.

Skills

Leadership experience in communications

Media management

High-quality content development

Crisis management

Excellent communication skills

Collaborative working

Job description

Location: London, Paddington

Reports to: Director of Public Affairs and Public Relations

We are excited to be recruiting a Head of External Communications to join the Group Brand & Communications shared service. This senior role will lead the national communications function across FirstGroup and First Bus, shaping how the organisation is seen and as it continues its strategic repositioning.

This is a full-time, permanent role based in London, with regular travel across the UK.

Welcome to First Bus

Hello. First Bus is one of the country's largest bus operators – taking 1.6 million customers to their destinations every day. We're a forward-looking business at the forefront of bus technology, leading the way on contactless payments, mobile Apps and real time information. Our investment in state-of-the-art, new buses is just one part of our transition to a low-carbon future. It's an exciting time to be here.

About the role

As FirstGroup continues to evolve, a clear, credible and confident public narrative is critical. This key role will provide senior leadership for external communications, ensuring a consistent and high-quality approach across Group and Bus.

The role leads the Bus PR team and oversees national delivery, setting clear direction and priorities to support reputation and commercial objectives.

What You'll Do

Strategic Media Leadership: Lead the Group PR strategy across Bus and Rail, set priorities, and build strong national media relationships.

Content Leadership: Develop and deliver a quality, consistent content plan across digital, social and traditional channels.

Crisis & Reputation Management: Support senior leaders during crises, coordinate responses, and act as spokesperson when required.

Team Leadership: Manage and develop the First Bus PR team, fostering a performing, collaborative culture.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate as one team with Public Affairs, Marketing, and Internal Communications to align messaging and campaign planning. In additional you will build trusted media and agency relationships.

About you

We're looking for an experienced, delivery-focused communications leader with a strong campaigning mindset. You'll be comfortable operating in ambiguity, confident navigating complex corporate environments and engaging with very senior leadership and able to deliver at pace in a fast-moving organisation.

Highly collaborative by nature, you'll bring people with you—building alignment across teams, functions and geographies.

Skills & Experience

• Proven senior leadership experience in communications and media management within a large, complex organisation
• Strong editorial judgement with experience developing and delivering high-quality content across digital, social and traditional media
• Demonstrable expertise in message development, campaign planning and execution
• Confident, credible media spokesperson with experience handling reputation-critical issues
• Deep understanding of media operations, news cycles and influence channels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a collaborative and coaching mindset. Open to feedback and collaborative working across multiple disciplines
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive salary + bonus structure
• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers24hr, 365 days a year mental healthsupport
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platformwith many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months serviceas well as a free bus pass
• Cycle to work scheme
• 25 days' holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted First Group shares
• Flexible working

We put a big focus on physical and mental wellbeing at First Bus. We recognise that anyone can be affected by the stresses and strain of work, or life outside it. You'll find a range of health-promotion initiatives, and you will have 24/7 access to our confidential Employee Assistance Programme.

Please apply now. We look forward to receiving your application.

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.

Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process.