Digital Communications Manager

Location: Bristol or leeds (hybrid - one day per week in office)
Salary: £55,000 to £65,000
Call: 0117 321 0588
email: nick@REDLANDSEARCH.COM

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Digital Communications Manager to take the lead on a major digital transformation project for a leading professional services organisation.

At the heart of this opportunity is the launch of a completely new, revamped website, incorporating extensive social media capabilities and providing a significantly enhanced platform for communicating with clients, developing the brand and showcasing the organisation's expertise.

This is a newly created role offering the successful candidate considerable scope to shape the organisation's digital future. Combining project leadership, editorial direction and digital marketing expertise, the role will suit someone who enjoys building something new, taking ownership and making a tangible impact.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Senior Marketing & Communications Manager, the Digital Communications Manager will lead the development and launch of the organisation's new website, taking responsibility for its content strategy, digital functionality and ongoing evolution.

This is much more than a website management role. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to establish how the organisation communicates and engages with its audiences across an integrated digital platform, bringing together website content, social media, email marketing and other digital communications.

A key element will be taking an editorial lead across these channels. Acting as something of an Editor-in-Chief, the individual will proactively identify stories, news and opportunities to showcase the organisation's expertise, people and achievements. They will establish a clear content strategy and publishing calendar, ensuring the website and associated channels remain active, relevant and engaging.

The technical development of the website will be supported by external agency partners, allowing the Digital Communications Manager to concentrate on the overall vision, user experience, content, functionality and successful delivery of the project.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the project to develop and launch a completely new, revamped website, working closely with external agencies and internal stakeholders.

• Shape the website's content strategy, structure and functionality, ensuring it provides an engaging and effective experience for its audiences.

• Drive the integration of extensive social media capabilities, creating a connected digital platform that maximises engagement and reach.

• Take ownership of the organisation's website as a key publishing and communications channel, continually developing its content and performance.

• Act as Editor-in-Chief, proactively identifying stories, news and opportunities to showcase the organisation's expertise, people and achievements.

• Develop and manage an integrated editorial and content plan across the website, social media, email marketing and other digital channels.

• Own the organisation's email communications, including newsletters, web alerts and targeted campaigns.

• Lead the development and optimisation of social media channels, building engagement and extending the organisation's reach.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen the employer brand through digital content, particularly across social media and internal communications.

• Work with colleagues across the organisation to generate compelling content and communicate specialist knowledge to wider audiences.

• Use analytics, audience insights and performance data to continually improve the effectiveness of digital channels.

• Ensure SEO best practice is embedded within website content and digital communications.

• Manage external digital suppliers and agencies, ensuring successful delivery of technical projects and ongoing digital improvements.

• Lead and develop the digital marketing team, providing direction, support and guidance to colleagues.

The Ideal Candidate

The organisation is particularly interested in candidates who combine digital marketing expertise with strong editorial instincts and the ability to lead significant projects.

Candidates are likely to demonstrate:

• At least five years' experience in a digital marketing, digital communications or content leadership role, ideally within a professional services environment.

• Experience of leading or playing a significant role in a major website development or relaunch project.

• A background in journalism, publishing, editorial or content-led communications would be highly advantageous.

• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to identify interesting stories and turn complex subject matter into compelling content.

• Experience managing and developing websites as active publishing and communications channels.

• A track record of developing content strategies and managing editorial calendars across multiple digital platforms.

• Strong experience across social media, email marketing and digital communications.

• An understanding of SEO, digital analytics and audience engagement.

• The confidence to engage with senior stakeholders and subject matter experts to generate content and ideas.

• A proactive, organised and commercially minded approach, with the ability to take ownership and make things happen.