Senior Communications Business Partner

If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

AWE is recruiting for a Senior Communications Business Partner to join the team.

Location: Located in Reading, with free on-site parking.

Package:  Starting from £61,460 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Working Pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight, with  every other Friday as a non-working day . This role is eligible for hybrid working, meaning employees typically spend  three days on site in a long week and two days on site in a short week . We support flexible working where possible, including part-time and varied working hours, so please let us know if you would like us to consider an alternative working arrangement when you apply.

Ready to play your part?

At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part

This role is a strategic Partnering role that reports to the Head of Communications Business Partnering, act as a trusted communications advisor to a specific business area, function, or programme, helping to shape and deliver communications that support AWE’s strategy and priorities.

The role is required to develop and deliver integrated communications plans that engage internal and external stakeholders, support change, and reflect the company’s purpose and goals, and works closely with the Head of Communications Business Partnering and colleagues across Brand and Content, External Communications, and Comms Services to ensure joined-up, high-quality delivery.

Duties in the role include:

- Strategic Partnership: Act as the primary communications advisor to assigned Business Unit(s)/function/programme.
- Understand the assigned Business Unit(s)/function/programme goals, translating them into effective communication strategies and plans aligned with business objectives.
- End-to-End Delivery: Lead the planning, development, execution, and evaluation of communications activities, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery.
- Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with the External Comms, Comms Services team and Editorial Centre of Excellence to deliver consistent and integrated campaigns and content.
- Change Communications: Provide expert guidance and delivery support for change and transformation initiatives.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Transfer to /support other business areas during periods of high demand or organisational change, ensuring continuity and responsiveness.
- Using the approach agreed across the function, monitor and measure the effectiveness of communication initiatives.
- Crisis Communications: Participate in the 24/7 crisis comms rota as required.
- Lead, motivate, and develop a high performing team by fostering a culture of trust, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Set clear objectives and expectations, providing regular feedback and coaching to support individual and team growth.

To be successful in this role, ideally you should demonstrate the following:

- Ensure all communications comply with relevant legal, regulatory and corporate standards.
- Maintain confidentiality and data protection standards in all communications.
- Adhere to internal governance processes for approvals and sign-offs.
- Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
- Proven experience in a communications business partnering or strategic communications role.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning and delivery of communications.
- Experience of working with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
- Strong background in change communications and employee engagement.
- Expertise in engaging with senior leaders and BUs to understand their needs and provide appropriate advice.
- Proficiency in managing and delivering communication strategies for transformation initiatives.
- Expertise in advising stakeholders on communication plans and aligning them with organisational goals.
- Skilled in identifying and escalating resource needs to ensure successful project delivery.
- Ability to craft compelling messages and narratives that engage diverse audiences across multiple channels.
- Solution-oriented while remaining flexible and open to adjusting plans in response to changing business needs or new information.
- Expertise in change communications, including planning and delivery in complex environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Collaborative mindset with experience working in matrixed or cross-functional teams.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- Strategic thinking with attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital communication platforms.

Some reasons we think you’ll love it here:

AWE has wide range of benefits to suit you. These include:

- 9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
- Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
- Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
- Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
- Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
- Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
- Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
- Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

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Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

- We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
- You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
- We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
- Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.