Group Head of Media Relations
Location: Wigmore Street, London + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Role ID: SF73288
Shape the national conversation around defence, security and trust
At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Group Head of Media Relations at Wigmore Street, near Central London, Greater London.
We are a global leader in defence, aerospace and engineering, supporting nations, communities and critical infrastructure through complex, high‑impact programmes. Our work is vital, visible and valued and how we communicate it matters. That’s where you come in.
Role
As Group Head of Media Relations, you will lead and elevate Babcock’s engagement with UK national and top‑tier business media. This is a senior, high‑profile leadership role with responsibility for shaping the narratives that reinforce our reputation as a trusted partner to government, industry and society. You will set the proactive and reactive media strategy, manage sensitive and complex stories, and act as a trusted adviser to the Executive Leadership Team. Operating in a regulated and fast‑moving environment, your work will influence public understanding, investor confidence and stakeholder trust helping to ensure that the importance of defence, aerospace and engineering is clearly understood. This role offers significant scope to operate at the highest level, develop strategic influence and contribute directly to the long‑term strength of a FTSE 100 organisation with a national mission.
Day‑to‑Day Responsibilities
Leading relationships with UK national, political and business media outlets
Shaping proactive and reactive media strategies aligned to business priorities
Advising the Executive Leadership Team on media risk, opportunity and narrative
Managing complex, sensitive or high‑pressure media situations with sound judgement
Driving high‑impact coverage that strengthens trust, credibility and reputation
This role is full time, 37.5 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with 2/3 days onsite and 2/3 days working from home.
Essential Experience
Extensive experience in UK national or business media relations at senior level
Proven success managing sensitive reputational issues and complex narratives
Strong news judgment, editorial instincts and exceptional writing skills
Understanding of financial markets, regulation and corporate governance
Ability to influence senior leaders and operate effectively under pressure
Qualifications
Degree in communications, journalism or a related field, or equivalent senior‑level experience
Professional membership such as CIPR or PRCA is desirable
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role. Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK.
What we offer
Generous holiday allowance
Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
Employee share scheme
Employee shopping savings portal
Payment of Professional Fees
Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑days special paid leave
Holiday Trading to buy or sell annual leave
Be Kind Day — one paid volunteering day each year
Flexible working to support work‑life balance
A dynamic, inclusive working environment
Disability Confident
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 08/05/2026
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