Description
The team
New Managing Partner. Reinvigorated strategy. Refreshed go to market proposition.
There couldn't really be a better time to take up the reins of RPC's communications and marketing function. We are not after somebody who is content just to ride the wave of energy and positivity created by this dynamic environment, but to be the person responsible for making those waves.
An integral part of the Senior Leadership Team, this role will bring creativity and enthusiasm to the leadership of our Marketing Communications team, within our broader Brand, Clients & Markets Division.
You will be a role model for collaboration, committed to getting the most out of colleagues in Events, Creative, Digital, Internal and External Communications, and Campaigns, as well as working closely alongside our Bids & Proposals, Client Development, Client Listening, and CRM teams.
Communications and marketing are integral to the success of the firm strategy and buy-in from senior management is both resolute and ambitious. RPC is going through an exciting period of evolution, and we need somebody to get the message out there in a way that is focused, memorable, and relevant.
The role
Reporting to the Director of Brand, Clients & Markets, this role is responsible for managing a complementary Communications & Marketing function for the firm, including in Asia.
Ownership of the broad marcomms mix is implicit. But we don't simply want more of what came before. We want someone with a particular passion for, and strong track record of, PR, media relations, and external communication.
As well as that demonstrable background in PR, we need a team player with a rich understanding of the full suite of (relationship) marketing and communications tactics and how they are best developed, deployed and implemented for maximum commercial impact in a professional services environment.
An extensive contact book of relevant journalists would be a distinct advantage, ideally covering at least some of our core sectors of focus:
1. Consumer brands & retail
2. Financial services
3. Insurance
4. Professional practices
5. Technology, media & entertainment
Within this context, the main focus for the Head of Communications & Marketing is to:
6. Ensure the effective and efficient delivery of the full suite of marketing communications tactics in support of the firm's business goals, at a firmwide, sector and a practice area level
7. Lead and role model the implementation of strategic PR and media relations, mentoring and developing the team in tandem
8. Role model and effect a collaborative and integrated relationship between communications and marketing, and Business/Client Development
9. Ensure that communications and marketing tactics are dictated by expected commercial outcomes, implementing and measuring KPIs as appropriate
10. Consider all communications and marketing activity through the lens of the brand, and ensure that it supports our overarching proposition
Duties and responsibilities include but not are limited to:
11. PR and communications strategy
12. Crisis communications and reputation management
13. Internal communication strategy
14. Brand and marketing campaign strategy and management
15. Brand experience
16. Thought leadership and content marketing strategy and delivery
17. Digital marketing, including social media
18. Events, seminars and client entertainment
The Head of Communications & Marketing should consider all the above in the light of current market trends and look to adapt the portfolio of tactics to react to what will be the changing expectations of RPC's various audiences, as well as making best use of evolving technologies.
People management
In a communications and marketing team of 12, the role has direct responsibility for five team members and will have specific responsibility for providing strategic and operational direction to those reports, as well as career development and management of performance.
The role will have a strong focus on role modelling and driving collaboration with Business and Client Development colleagues to ensure the overall Brand, Clients & Markets team works together to deliver an effective and integrated suite of marketing tactics which are aligned to business goals.
The successful candidate will also be required to build strong and mutually beneficial relationships with Partners, and other Business Services colleagues, notably within Knowledge Management, People & Talent Development, and Creative Services
Knowledge, skills and experience
19. The successful candidate will have experience gained at a senior level within a business services M&BD function at a major professional services firm - preferably within the legal sector.
20. The role requires the ability to gain the respect and trust of Partners and Business Services colleagues at all levels of seniority and to lead a team of high performing people.
21. Able to draw on deep marketing knowledge built from a variety of experiences across different organisations
22. Rich experience of empathetic team leadership, driving performance excellence while nurturing our unique culture
23. Demonstrable experience delivering integrated solutions to support defined business objectives
24. Robust and determined with a hands-on commercial approach to anticipating and responding to business needs
25. Highly organised
26. Excellent project management skills
27. Solutions and delivery focussed
28. Commercial
29. Collaborative
30. Resilient
31. Able to see how individual activities fit into the bigger picture
32. Strong personal judgement
33. Excellent influencing skills at all levels
34. Proactive, self-motivated, self-starter
35. Professional, credible and impactful
36. Strong communicator
37. Strong presentation skills, both oral and written
38. Adaptable and flexible
39. A good understanding of the commercial drivers that govern law firms
40. A dedicated team player