Head of Marketing & Communications

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About the Company and the Role

The Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC) and Zenzic are at the forefront of transforming the UK's automotive innovation landscape. We support the technologies, capabilities and collaborations needed to accelerate the transition to Net Zero, strengthen the UK's position in Connected & Automated Mobility (CAM), and drive long-term industrial competitiveness.

We are seeking a highly capable and inspiring Head of Marketing & Communications to lead our marketing and communications function and strengthen our strategic relationship with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). This is a pivotal leadership role within a mission-driven, non-for-profit organisation, not focused on commercial sales, but on shaping national impact, influencing stakeholders and driving meaningful change across the automotive and CAM ecosystem for both Government and industry

As Head of Marketing & Communications, you will provide clear, motivational leadership to a small high-performing team. You will oversee an integrated marketing and communications strategy that amplifies the value of our work, showcases our impact, enhances our reputation and supports the organisation's long-term ambitions.

A key aspect of the role is building and maintaining effective, accountable working relationships with DBT, ensuring our communications, external engagement and public profile are aligned with government expectations and sector priorities. You will act as a trusted partner to DBT, industry stakeholders and internal leaders, championing our mission and supporting the UK's strategic transition to Net Zero and future mobility.

This is not a traditional marketing role centred on driving sales. It is a strategic, influential leadership position that strengthens our mission, enhances our visibility, and helps accelerate change across the UK's automotive and CAM landscape.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the Marketing and Communications function, ensuring high-quality output that supports organisational priorities, business plans and demonstratable impact for both Government and industry
• Set the strategic direction for marketing and communications excellence, establishing consistent standards, behaviours and ways of working across the team
• Oversee the development and delivery of brand strategy, narrative, messaging and storytelling across all channels
• Lead brand identify management, ensuring clear, compelling and consistent messaging across digital, traditional and internal communications platforms
• Direct the organisation-wide content strategy, including the creation, commissioning and coordination of high-quality, engaging content and a well-organised content library
• Lead the full marketing and communications portfolio: events, brand, campaigns, digital marketing, PR, public affairs, reputation management, and internal communications
• Ensure all campaigns, communications and events are evidence-based, impactful and aligned with strategic priorities
• Amplify organisational visibility through high-quality external engagement, events and thought leadership
• Oversee management of the National Propulsion Showcase, ensuring it remains an up to date, impactful venue that reflects our mission, project outcomes and maximises value through exhibitions, VIP visits, meetings and demonstrations

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain effective, accountable working relationships with Government, industry partners, media and other external stakeholders to enhance visibility, influence and sector impact
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing insights on emerging trends, risks, and opportunities across marketing, brand, communications and public affairs
• Represent the organisation at key events, conferences, and public engagements as required

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Provides senior leadership across the matrix, ensuring teams are coordinated and aligned around marketing and communications objectives
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams and foster shared accountability for business outcomes

Governance & Performance

• Monitor, analyse, and communicate performance metrics, using data and insights to optimise strategies, shape decision-making, and meet internal and government reporting requirements
• Drive continuous improvement in marketing and communications systems, platforms, tools, processes, governance, and outcomes
• Fully manage the Marketing & Communications budget, resources, suppliers, and agencies to ensure cost-effective delivery, value for money, and measurable impact
• Ensure robust planning, forecasting, and financial discipline across all activities

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business, or a related field (Master's preferred)
• Extensive senior level experience leading marketing and communications functions with a strong track record of delivering measurable impact
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies across multiple channels
• Strong understanding of brand development, media relations, digital marketing, content strategy and performance measurement
• Experience working in complex stakeholder environments across internal and external audiences; experience in automotive, CAM or mission driven sectors preferred
• Proven ability to manage budgets, agency relationships and multi-supplier environments
• Demonstrated leadership experience building and managing high-performing teams in fast-paced, dynamic environments
• Excellent project management, organisational and prioritisation skills
• Strong relationship-building skills, influencing and cross-functional collaboration skills
• A proactive, collaborative leader who works effectively with peers and senior stakeholders to achieve shared goals

Why Join Us?

You'll be joining a supportive and dynamic senior leadership team where your contribution will make a meaningful difference to the UK's transition to Net Zero, future mobility and industrial competitiveness

We're committed to building and sustaining a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion across our workforce and in everything we do.

Additional Information

Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

We process your data for recruitment purposes only. Your information is stored securely through LinkedIn or within our fully compliant Applicant Tracking System and will not be shared externally. Your data will be retained only until the position is filled unless you request otherwise.