The organisation

Grainger is the UK’s largest listed residential landlord and a FTSE 250 business. Established in 1912, their vision is to be the leading provider of high-quality build-to-rent homes throughout the UK.  They currently provide more than11,000 homes nationally in operation worth £3.4bn, with a £1.5bn pipeline of another5,000 build-to-rent homes.

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The UK private rented sector comprises 5.5 million households, and the composition of the market is changing significantly with the growth of the build-to-rent sector.  As market leader in this sector Grainger originates, invests in and operates its properties directly.  Keeping the management, marketing and lettings of their buildings in-house ensures the provision of great homes, great service and, ultimately a great rental experience.

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Grainger is committed to being a great employer, providing colleagues with high quality new office spaces and nurturing a collaborative and enjoyable working culture. They were recently recognised as a Top 100 employer by Best Companies. They have a comprehensive training and development programme and are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion right across the business, recently achieving the National Equality Standard, the UK’s leading ED&I benchmark.

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The opportunity

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As Head of Communications, you will protect and drive forward Grainger’s brand and reputation as the UK’s best landlord and the market leader in the Build-to-Rent sector, with both B2B andB2C audiences.

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Reporting to the Director of Corporate Affairs and working closely with the Executive team, you will lead all non-financial corporate communications, consumer PR, crisis communication and reputation management, internal communications, corporate website, corporate social media, and some customer communications.

You will be a proven high performer, with a track record of exceptional creativity, delivery and execution.  You will also demonstrate strong leadership skills and act as a key senior team member.

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Main responsibilities

·       Develop and deliver the PR strategy, leading all press office activity across national, consumer and trade         media to strengthen and promote Grainger’s reputation as the Build to Rent market leader

·       Develop and deliver a robust internal communication strategy to drive employee engagement with         company strategy, news, activity and key projects

·       Work with the Head of Marketing to co-manage the corporate website and social media presence, to         support Grainger’s corporate reputation and employer brand

·       Brief, appoint and manage PR agencies as required

·       Work closely with public affairs, investor relations and other colleagues from across the business to         support the delivery of effective stakeholder communications

·       Line management of the Communications Manager.

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Key skills and experience required

·       A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in PR and communications, with experience in the UK         property sector highly desirable

·       A good level of commercial awareness and knowledge of the UK property market

·       Strong relationships with the property media are desirable

·       A proactive, self-starter who demonstrates outstanding strategic thinking and planning skills

·       Able to build relationships at all levels within a business

·       Knowledgeable and aware of the political context for Grainger’s operations.

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How to apply

To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of your CV.  If you require any further information about the role, please email rachel.s@ellwoodatfield.com

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Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.