UPP, the leading infrastructure and services partner to UK universities, is seeking to appoint a Head of Marketing & Communications. UPP operates over 35,000 rooms across 15 long‑term university partnerships and is recognised for delivering sector‑leading, sustainable student accommodation supported by best‑in‑class services.
Reporting to the Chief Partnerships Officer, this senior and influential role leads the development and delivery of an integrated internal and external communications and marketing strategy that strengthens organisational alignment, enhances UPP’s brand position, supports partnership growth and underpins core performance.
The role drives UPP’s communications and marketing agenda, shaping a clear and credible brand while ensuring all activity delivers measurable impact. It owns internal communications and leadership events to embed strategy and strengthen culture across the team and at all levels of the organisation. Externally, it oversees media relations, reputation management and corporate narrative, working closely with the Director of Sector Engagement and UPP Foundation to ensure that UPP presents an insightful and consistent voice across the sector. Working closely with commercial and sector‑facing teams, the role supports business growth through compelling messaging, targeted B2C marketing and high‑quality content. It also leads the optimisation of digital channels and corporate reporting, ensuring strong user experience and continuous improvement across content and performance.
We are seeking an experienced and credible senior marketing and communications leader with a proven track record of delivering impactful programmes within a large, complex organisation. You will bring extensive experience across both internal and external communications, with the ability to shape long‑term strategies, manage reputation and deliver compelling programmes of events..
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the presence to engage senior leaders and a diverse range of stakeholders. You will be an effective leader capable of motivating, developing and guiding a multidisciplinary team spanning marketing, communications, digital, content and events.
This is a strategically significant role within a purpose‑driven organisation that operates with pace and ambition. It presents a rare opportunity to shape UPP’s narrative, influence organisational culture and contribute directly to reputation, engagement and business performance across a national portfolio. The candidate brochure can be viewed here UPP - Head of Communications and Marketing
UPP offers an attractive package including a performance bonus, private healthcare, pension and life assurance, 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to the UPP Rewards portal offering a wide range of retail, lifestyle and wellbeing benefits.
For a confidential discussion, please contact our retained advisor James Gregory at. Applications should consist of a CV and be sent to. All direct and third‑party applications will be forwarded to MRG.