Group Director of Communications

Circa £120,000 based on skills and experience

London

The Department for Transport (DfT) plays a pivotal role in promoting the growth of the UK economy by planning and delivering excellent transport infrastructure; enabling people, goods and services to be transported efficiently; and supporting investment and employment. Our aim is to put passengers and users at the heart of everything we do, to support jobs, enable business growth, and bring our country closer together. We also have an important role to play as the UK prepares to exit from the European Union in securing the best possible outcome for transport users and businesses in negotiations.

In order to build a stronger, fairer Britain we need a transport sector that works for all. We can achieve this by creating an inclusive organisation that is able to understand the needs of our customers, and deliver the high standard of services that they expect. We want to be known as one of the most inclusive employers in the Civil Service and the transport sector, and are proud of the progress we have made on diversity and inclusion. Our serious, sustained commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive culture means that we want to attract talented people from the widest pool possible. 

The Group Director of Communications will play a crucial role in promoting the Government's ambitious transport agenda. Reporting directly to the DfT's Permanent Secretary, they will be a key member of the senior leadership team and the Secretary of State's senior official communications adviser. They will set our communications strategy, lead a wide and complex communications portfolio, and influence stakeholders inside and outside of Government in support of departmental priorities and wider public service reform. They will also lead a high-performing team who are passionate about working together to deliver communications that make a real impact, and will drive innovation and improvements in professional standards in communications across the DfT Group. 

An inspirational and successful senior communications professional, you will bring a track record in developing and implementing compelling and creative communication strategies in a large and complex organisation. You will have experience of thinking and acting strategically and delivering practical and innovative communication responses to complex issues that attract significant media and public interest. You will have a proven ability to deliver under significant pressure, set a clear vision, and to lead, motivate and develop teams during times of transformational change. You will have a high degree of political sensitivity, a strongly collaborative approach, excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, and the professionalism to command confidence and respect at every level. 

This is one of the most interesting and rewarding communications roles in Government and a unique opportunity for an exceptional senior strategic communicator to make a real contribution to the delivery of the Government's strategy that benefits millions of people.

If you feel ready to be challenged, stretched and to contribute on the national stage then please see the full role description and application pack at www.veredus.co.uk quoting reference 930732.  For a confidential conversation, having read the pack, please call our advising consultants at Veredus: Nataliya Starik-Bludova on 0207 932 4265 or James Greengrass on 0207 932 4286.

Closing date:  5pm on Friday, 4th May 2018