📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Internal Communications Manager
🔹 Company: Howden
🔹 Location: London, United Kingdom
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Fixed Term Contract (Fixed Term)
🔹 Category: Insurance
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-08
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Owning day-to-day employee communication and creating campaigns for new initiatives
- Launching Viva Engage and managing content across various internal communication channels
- Collaborating with various partners and team members in a matrixed organization
- Working with Group communications and engagement teams to support the cascade of group-led initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment. Familiarity with a diverse organization and internal communication platforms is preferred.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Work with Group communications and engagement teams to support the cascade of group-led initiatives, including topics on employee respect groups, diversity & inclusion, social impact initiatives, sponsorships, colleague recognition awards, as well as Group-led events, business updates and announcements.
✅ Work with the Retail communications teams to offer an internal service, including providing a calendar of activities from Group and Retail, and creating content that can be re-used or repurposed to reduce individual effort.
✅ Lead the production of a wide variety of content using different media, including news articles and formatted emails, SharePoint intranet pages, videos and ppt slide decks.
✅ Support the creation and publication of all Retail-wide email announcements and communication.
✅ Support the Head of Internal Communications & Engagement with monthly leader road trip arrangements, periodic town hall event logistics and production, and video production.
✅ Create and maintain a measurement dashboard for all communication channels and content to help us better understand what's creating the right levels of colleague engagement and action, and what needs improvement.
✅ Play a lead role in the launch of Viva Engage expected Autumn 2025, including colleague awareness, engagement, launch and embedding.
ASSUMPTION: The role may involve additional responsibilities as needed to support the team and organization's goals.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 2-5 years of experience in internal communications, with a focus on content creation, project management, and stakeholder engagement
Required Skills:
- Excellent communication and writing skills
- Strong project management skills
- Familiarity with internal communication platforms (e.g., SharePoint 365, Microsoft Teams, ON24, CRM applications)
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment
- Experience creating campaigns that help colleagues understand or engage in a topic or change
Preferred Skills:
- Experience introducing new communications channels and platforms to colleagues
- Familiarity with a diverse organization that operates on a 'matrix' structure or relies on 'comms partners'
- Prior experience in a communications role supporting a business going through change
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with less experience but strong core skills and a strong desire to learn and grow will also be considered.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: £35,000 - £45,000 per annum (pro-rata for the fixed-term contract)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package
- Flexible working hours and hybrid work arrangement
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
Working Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal salary structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Insurance. Howden is a collective of talented and passionate people around the world, pushing the boundaries of insurance.
Company Size: Medium (201-500 employees). Howden offers a collaborative and supportive work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
Founded: Howden was founded in 1994 and has since grown into a global organization with over 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.
Company Description:
- Howden is a collective of talented and passionate people around the world, pushing the boundaries of insurance.
- The company offers services across insurance and reinsurance, underwriting, risk consultancy, and employee benefits.
- Howden values diversity, supports each other in everyday moments and bigger challenges, and is determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond.
Company Specialties:
- Life & pensions
- Mortgages
- Commercial insurance
- Personal insurance
- Financial services
- Employee benefits
Company Website: Howden Ireland
ASSUMPTION: Howden's global presence and diverse range of services offer unique opportunities for employees to grow and develop their careers.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level. This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the internal communications function.
Reporting Structure: The Internal Communications Manager will report directly to the Head of Internal Communications & Engagement for the UK and Ireland (Retail).
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days in the London office per week).
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on additional responsibilities and projects as the role evolves
- Opportunities to work with various teams and stakeholders across the organization
- Possibility to progress into a more senior role within the internal communications function
ASSUMPTION: The fixed-term contract nature of this role may offer opportunities for extension or conversion to a permanent position based on performance and organizational needs.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (2 days in the London office per week).
Office Location(s): London - One Creechurch Place
Geographic Context:
- London is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and diverse range of attractions
- The office is located in the heart of the City of London, offering easy access to public transportation and various amenities
- The city is home to a thriving insurance industry, providing ample networking opportunities
Work Schedule: Full-time (37.5 hours per week), with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and relevant stakeholders
- Final round interview with the Head of Internal Communications & Engagement for the UK and Ireland (Retail)
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and writing samples
- Project management skills and experience
- Familiarity with internal communication platforms and tools
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment
- Cultural fit and alignment with Howden's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Provide examples of your communication skills, project management experience, and ability to create engaging content
- Demonstrate your understanding of Howden's values and how you can contribute to the company's success
ATS Keywords: Internal Communications, Content Creation, Project Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Change Management, Hybrid Work, London, Insurance Industry
ASSUMPTION: The application process may vary depending on the volume of applicants and the company's hiring needs.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SharePoint 365
- Microsoft Teams
- ON24
- CRM applications (e.g., Concep or Salesforce)
- Viva Engage
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred but not required. Training will be provided as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new
- We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges
- We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond
Work Style:
- Collaborative and supportive team environment
- Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Opportunities for growth and development
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated bravery in your previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you supported a colleague or team member in a challenging situation?
- How do you approach making a positive difference in your work and beyond?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Howden's values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's success.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Working with various stakeholders and teams across the organization
- Adapting to changes and new initiatives as they arise
- Balancing in-office and remote work responsibilities
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong project management skills, effective communication, and a willingness to adapt and learn.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other Internal Communications Manager positions but may have more focus on content creation and project management
- Howden's matrixed organization structure may require additional collaboration and stakeholder management skills compared to more traditional organizational structures
- This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the internal communications function and the broader organization
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles and Howden's organizational structure to better understand the unique aspects of this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Creating a comprehensive communication plan for a major organizational change or initiative
- Developing engaging content for various internal communication channels, such as news articles, videos, and presentations
- Launching a new internal communication platform or tool, such as Viva Engage
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role. The actual projects and initiatives may vary depending on the organization's needs and priorities.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the internal communications function?
- How does this role fit into the broader organizational structure and strategy?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Howden support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in a hybrid work arrangement, and how does the company support employees in overcoming these challenges?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and relevant questions demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you better understand the organization and its culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
- Prepare examples of your communication skills, project management experience, and ability to create engaging content
- Demonstrate your understanding of Howden's values and how you can contribute to the company's success
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
