Deputy Director for Communications, Borders & Trade
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This range is provided by HM Revenue & Customs. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Recruiter - Executive Resourcing and Senior Civil Service @ HMRC
Core Purpose: Head of Communications for the Borders and Trade Group, supporting the Director General and c.1500 colleagues in facilitating the smooth flow of trade to underpin a strong economy.
Strategic Communications Leadership
* Own and lead the overall communications strategy and delivery for the Borders and Trade (B&T) portfolio, balancing customs‑focused operational priorities with longer‑term strategy.
* Provide proactive strategic communications counsel and advice to Ministers, HMRC Permanent Secretaries, the Director General, Director of Communications, and other senior leaders to support business objectives and protect/enhance HMRC’s reputation.
* Act as a senior enterprise leader across HMRC, the Communications profession, and the Government Communications Service, setting direction and driving performance.
* Lead cross‑Government working on border issues, navigating the complexities of a major operational department and balancing HMRC interests with those of other government departments (OGDs).
* Deputise for the Director of Communications as required.
Strategy and Delivery
* Provide enterprise leadership of a multi‑disciplinary communications business partnering function, spanning operational, strategic, internal, change communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and campaign delivery.
* Set stretching goals and targets for the B&T communications team, ensuring all communications to customers, stakeholders, and colleagues are impactful and of the highest quality, leveraging effective insight and evaluation.
* Drive one or more strands of the HMRC Communications Functional Strategy.
* Lead communications around key B&T deliverables, including:
* Supporting the border industry (traders/hauliers) to comply with changes like the Windsor Framework, Import Control System 2 (ICS2), Automated Export System (AES), and Trade and Security Systems (TSS).
* Supporting the TSS contract procurement process and managing associated reputational risk.
* Providing support and reputational risk management during Major Incidents affecting the UK border.
* Supporting the move to Regime Ownership, driving internal campaigns, and building a positive culture among B&T colleagues.
* Assess communications risks within the Customs regime and ensure robust communications plans are in place to respond to issues and mitigate reputational risk.
People Leadership and Management
* Be a highly visible, inspirational, and credible member of the Communications Senior Leadership Team.
* Lead and manage a high‑performing communications team, including direct line management and responsibility over a wider team. Initially your focus will be on supporting the B&T Director and business area.
* In time you will be expected to take on wider responsibilities across the HMRC Communications directorate, and as a senior leader within the Government Communications Service.
Person Specification:
* Expert Strategic Communications Leader: Extensive experience in developing and implementing successful evidence‑led communication strategies across a range of disciplines (strategic, internal, change, media, campaigns, stakeholder engagement) to achieve quantifiable objectives.
* Trusted Senior Advisor: Proven track record as a trusted communications advisor to Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and other senior decision‑makers, with experience of supporting senior leadership visibility and engagement in a complex, fast‑paced operational environment. Highly politically astute with excellent judgement.
* Enterprise Leadership and Influence: Highly effective enterprise leader, able to navigate the complexities of a major government department and lead cross‑departmental working to create joined‑up strategies. Confident and talented in communicating and influencing across all levels.
* High‑Performing Team Management: Proven track record in leading and managing a high‑performing, multi‑disciplinary communications team in a fast‑paced environment subject to intense scrutiny, driving continuous improvement and focused on delivery.
* Insight‑Driven Delivery: Extensive experience directing insight‑driven communications, including low‑cost/no‑cost behaviour change campaigns, with a strong ability to analyze data and translate insights into actionable, outcome‑focused strategies.
* Resilience and Adaptability (SCS Leadership Behaviours): Demonstrated resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances whilst remaining calm, reassuring to others, and maintaining focus on delivery; passionate about improving employee and customer experience.
Seniority level
* Director
Employment type
* Full‑time
Job function
* Other
Industries
* Government Administration
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