We’re looking for an experienced Communications professional to lead our corporate communications team during a period of parental leave, to play a key role in building and protecting the reputation of the UK’s leading book publisher and our instantly recognisable cultural and creative brand.  

This opportunity is offered on a 12-month fixed term contract basis, covering a period of parental leave from late March 2024 and is based at our office in Embassy Gardens, London.  

About Penguin: 

We’re the UK’s largest publisher; made up of some 2,000 people and publishing over 1,500 books each year. Our doors are open to all kinds of talent. In a constantly evolving industry, we work hard to stretch the definition of the word publisher. Here, you’ll work with a breadth of talent who all play their part to make each of our books a success. Together, we make books for everyone because a book can change anyone. 

The role: 

Leading one of four teams within our central Brand department, the Communications Director leads our UK company communications strategy for our internal and external audiences, specifically: 

• Managing a team of four communications experts, to support the business on its communications requirements and ensure the timely, transparent and successful delivery of key news and updates internally and externally 

• Leading on our corporate and brand PR strategy and day-to-day activity: building and maintaining relationships with key journalist contacts across the publishing, media and culture desks; identifying PR opportunities in support of key news and moments from within the business to build brand awareness; and managing inbound press enquiries relating to the company 

• Providing an expert communications view as part of a collaborative team developing a campaign for Penguin’s 90th anniversary in 2025 

• Overseeing delivery by team of our internal communications strategy and key communications projects and activities by the team to drive employee engagement and facilitate visibility of leadership 

• Leading on delivery of our work to engage key external stakeholders for the business, including authors, agents and media 

• Providing expertise and counsel to stakeholders across the business, including at senior leadership level, to protect the company’s reputation and minimise risk, including around complex communications and issues management 

• Working in partnership with HR to positively shape colleague sentiment and internal culture through considered communications initiatives; and build our reputation as a leading creative employer by supporting ongoing employer brand activities and campaigns 

• Reporting into the UK Chief Brand Offer, this role is an active part of the leadership team for the Brand department; contributing to the strategic direction of the department and fostering its inclusive, high-performing culture 

• Taking part in several cross-company or cross-industry communications working groups; sharing expertise and/or providing advice and input on the communication of key issues 

• Ensuring smooth running of communications function and supporting the team’s development and pastoral care 

What you bring to the role: 

• Demonstrable experience in working at a senior level in a communications role, and developing and delivering an integrated internal and external communications strategy for a company of a similar scale or with a high-profile consumer brand 

• Excellent relationships with journalists in the media/cultural space  

• Experience in providing counsel to senior leaders, including at CEO level, and of working with multiple stakeholders on complex topics  

• Proven ability to manage comms around sensitive issues and crises 

• Excellent written skills, including script-writing, with the ability to translate complex and nuanced messages into clear and compelling communications 

• Experience in running a team and managing a budget 

• Ability to effectively manage workloads and competing priorities while maintaining high standards in terms of work and advice 

Application instructions: 

Please apply with your CV and a cover letter outlining why you believe you are the right candidate for this role and why Penguin is a brand that you would want to work for. The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 28th January.  

First interviews are planned for the week commencing 5th February 2024.  

What you can expect from us: 

Salary: £65,000 - £75,000 depending on how your skills and experience align to the role, plus bonus and benefits.   

Competitive benefits package:  

Our people are the heart of our business, and we work hard to support a culture of responsibility and recognition.  

Our benefits include: 

Financial – income protection, life assurance, childcare allowance 

Wellbeing - healthcare cash plan, critical illness cover, health checks 

Lifestyle – enhanced parental leave, tech scheme,  

For our full benefits list please visit: https://www.penguinrandomhousecareers.co.uk/what-we-offer/ 

Hybrid working:  

Brand colleagues work flexibly according to business need. We’ll be happy to discuss further at interview.      

The recruitment process:  

You can read about our recruitment process at https://www.penguinrandomhousecareers.co.uk/how-we-hire/ 

As a Disability Confident Committed organisation, we offer interviews to candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role, and opt-in on their application form. There may be times when the volume of applications means we cannot take all eligible candidates to interview. 

We encourage you to tell us about any reasonable adjustments you may need by emailing PRHCareersUK@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk. Remember, you only need to share what you are comfortable to for us to support your request. 

Please note, we are not able to accept agency CVs for this role. Any CVs sent speculatively will not be eligible for a fee. 

Company: Penguin Books Limited 

Country: United Kingdom 

State/Region: London 

City: London 

Postal Code: SW11 7BW 

Job ID: 267302