📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications Business Partner (18-month contract)
🔹 Company: Westland Insurance Group Ltd
🔹 Location: Surrey, BC, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Contract (18 months)
🔹 Category: Communications & Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Surrey, BC, Canada)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing effective communications strategies and processes
- Curating engaging content for internal and external communications channels
- Strengthening Westland's brand presence through compelling storytelling
- Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with company objectives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of creativity, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and have a proven track record in developing and executing successful communications strategies.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop creative tactical communication plans to support Westland’s strategy and initiatives for internal and external stakeholders
✅ Assess the effectiveness of the communications strategy and deliverables, and make recommendations for future improvements
✅ Curate creative, engaging, and high-impact content to deliver strong brand awareness
✅ Manage intranet content, corporate events, and support crisis management
✅ Proactively implement media relations efforts and prepare ad-hoc communication materials
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, creative content development, and day-to-day tactical execution. The ideal candidate will be comfortable balancing both long-term planning and immediate, reactive communication needs.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Degree in Communications, Journalism, PR, Marketing, or an equivalent blend of education and business-related experience
Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in Communications or Public Relations
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of developing and implementing strategic communications plans with demonstrated measurable success metrics
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including writing, editing, and proofreading skills
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with stakeholders
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the insurance industry
- Bilingual (English/French) skills
ASSUMPTION: While industry-specific experience is not a strict requirement, candidates with experience in the insurance or financial services sector may have a better understanding of the unique communications challenges and opportunities in this industry.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The expected hiring range for this role is CAD 60,000 to 75,000 per year, based on a 35-hour work week. Actual offered salary will depend on the successful candidate’s qualifications, experience, and market conditions for the role, and internal equity.
Benefits:
- Financial assistance for approved work-related training/development courses leading to certification
- Programs offering professional development, including seminars and conferences
- Flexible paid Values Days to celebrate days important to the employee
- Paid Volunteer Days for employees as part of Amplifying Communities, a program to support causes that matter most to employees and clients
Working Hours: 35 hours per week, with flexible scheduling for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the Greater Vancouver Area. The actual offered salary may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Westland Insurance is one of Canada's largest insurance brokers, offering a wide range of personal and commercial insurance products and services.
Company Size: Westland has over 3,000 employees and close to 300 locations coast-to-coast, making it a large organization with significant growth potential.
Founded: 1980, in Ladner, BC, as a single family-owned brokerage
Company Description:
- Westland has grown from humble beginnings to become one of the largest insurance brokerages in the country
- Focused on people, clients, and communities, with a commitment to giving back through various initiatives
- Offers a total rewards program that takes care of employees' financial, physical, and mental health
Company Specialties:
- Car Insurance
- Home Insurance
- Business Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Employee Benefits
Company Website: http://www.westlandinsurance.ca
ASSUMPTION: Westland's size and growth trajectory present opportunities for career advancement and professional development. The company's commitment to giving back and employee well-being contributes to a positive work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with potential for growth and advancement within the communications department or broader organization
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Communications
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work. The office is located in Surrey, BC
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the communications department
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives, contributing to Westland's overall success
- Access to professional development programs and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic and tactical communications experience, providing an excellent foundation for future career growth in the communications field.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, professional office space with collaborative work areas and amenities
Office Location(s): 9850 King George Blvd, 1500, Surrey, BC V3T 0P9, CA
Geographic Context:
- Surrey is a large city located in the Greater Vancouver Area, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
- The office is conveniently located near public transportation and major highways
- The region experiences a mild, oceanic climate with moderate rainfall throughout the year
Work Schedule: Flexible, with a mix of on-site and remote work. Core hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
- Background check and reference verification (if applicable)
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to craft compelling narratives
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with Westland's values
- Portfolio or examples of previous work (if applicable)
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide specific examples of your communication skills and achievements in previous positions
- Demonstrate your understanding of Westland's business and the insurance industry
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, showing your interest in the role and the company
ATS Keywords: Communications strategy, content creation, stakeholder engagement, media relations, crisis management, brand awareness, strategic planning, oral communication, written communication, editing, proofreading, organizational skills
ASSUMPTION: Westland's application process is designed to assess candidates' communication skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. Tailoring your application materials and preparing for behavioral interview questions will help you demonstrate your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is not a strict requirement but may be beneficial for candidates with relevant experience.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Respect
- Excellence
- Accountability
- Collaboration
Work Style:
- Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and deadlines
- Self-motivated and able to work independently or in a team environment
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with multiple priorities?
- Are you comfortable working with diverse stakeholders and managing multiple projects simultaneously?
- Do you share Westland's commitment to integrity, respect, excellence, accountability, and collaboration?
ASSUMPTION: Westland values candidates who are adaptable, self-motivated, and committed to their company values. Demonstrating these qualities and providing specific examples of how you embody them will strengthen your application.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Adapting to changes in strategy or priorities, requiring flexibility and quick thinking
- Balancing the needs and expectations of various stakeholders, including internal teams and external partners
- Working in a hybrid environment, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent in a communications role and can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and effective communication.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Communications Business Partner vs. Communications Manager: A Business Partner role may involve more strategic planning and collaboration with senior leadership, while a Manager role may focus more on day-to-day tactical execution and team management
- Insurance industry-specific context: Understanding the unique communications challenges and opportunities in the insurance industry will be beneficial for success in this role
- Career path comparison: This role offers a unique blend of strategic and tactical communications experience, providing an excellent foundation for future career growth in the communications field
ASSUMPTION: Comparing this role to similar positions in the industry will help candidates understand the unique aspects of this opportunity and how it aligns with their career goals.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy for a major company initiative
- Managing a corporate event, including logistics, speaker coordination, and media outreach
- Creating engaging content for Westland's intranet, social media channels, and other communications platforms
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide a sense of the types of responsibilities and deliverables associated with this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and how it translates to these project examples.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the top priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does this role fit into the broader communications department and company objectives?
- What are the most significant communications challenges facing Westland, and how can this role address them?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the communications department or broader organization?
- How does Westland support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, well-researched questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and provides valuable insights into the position and the organization's culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your communication skills and achievements in previous positions
- Demonstrate your understanding of Westland's business and the insurance industry
- Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, showing your interest in the role and the company
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
