Fixed-term contract until the end of March 2027, with the opportunity for the role to become permanent

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About the organisation:

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Royal Mail delivers to all 32 million addresses across the UK, reaching every community in the country, and sits within International Distribution Services alongside GLS, its parcels business operating across 50 countries in Europe and North America. Rarely out of the headlines, Royal Mail is one of the most closely watched and talked-about companies in the UK media.

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The opportunity:

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This is a rare opportunity to lead external communications for one of the UK's most visible organisations, sitting within Royal Mail's Corporate Affairs team and reporting to the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. On a fixed-term basis, you will lead a team of five, with agency support, protecting and promoting the reputation of Royal Mail Group and IDS with national, regional and trade media.

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Main responsibilities:

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• Lead the development of excellent external communications activity and creative campaigns that support the Group's strategic, transformation, and financial objectives.
• Generate compelling, high-quality and accurate content across the financial calendar, including financial results.
• Develop high-impact consumer campaigns with the marketing and social media teams, maintaining a regular drumbeat of activity.
• Run communications for major corporate activity, including regulatory updates and industrial relations.
• Manage briefings, speaking points and Q&A material for senior internal business stakeholders.
• Ensure all communications content aligns with the Group's overarching narrative, standards and timescales.

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Key skills and experience required:

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• Senior communications experience in a large organisation, ideally consumer-facing, regulated and/or unionised.
• Strong media contacts and proven media relations experience, particularly in reputation and issues management.
• Proven excellence across all forms of communications content including financial calendar and financial results.
• Confident across a broad and evolving mix of communications channels, including AI, with the ability to deliver integrated plans.
• Impeccable judgement, excellent writing skills and a sound understanding of measurement and research principles.
• A proven leader, committed to developing a high-performing team, with willingness to contribute to a weekend on-call press office rota.

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To view full job description, please click here.

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How to apply:

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To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of your CV.

Application deadline: 4th September 2026

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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.

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