Unlocking Potential: A Review of the Principal Internal Communications Role at BT Business
For ambitious internal communications professionals seeking to make a significant impact within a leading UK enterprise, this Principal Internal Communications role at BT Business presents a compelling opportunity. Situated in London with a hybrid working model (3 days on-site), this position is at the heart of BT Business's current transformation journey, offering a chance to shape strategic narratives and drive employee advocacy.
The Opportunity: Why This Role Matters
BT Business stands as a cornerstone of the BT Group, dedicated to connecting over a million businesses and public sector organisations. This role is integral to a period of significant transformation, demanding a skilled communicator to articulate and embed change. The core mission revolves around crafting a compelling story that not only explains what needs to change but also demonstrates progress, fostering a community of advocates for both BT Business and the wider BT Group.
Key Advantages for Candidates:
- Strategic Impact: Directly influence the success of a major B2B transformation by bringing its operational plan, strategy, products, and services to life for employees.
- Executive Advisory: Provide high-level, strategic advice to the CEO and Business leadership team on critical internal communications matters.
- Brand Advocacy: Drive understanding and celebration of BT Business across the entire BT Group, cultivating a broad base of advocates for its B2B propositions.
- Team Leadership & Development: Inspire, support, and develop a talented internal communications team, honing your people leadership skills.
- Transformational Experience: Gain invaluable experience managing and driving internal communications through significant organisational and technological change.
- Customer-Centric Focus: Embed a genuine, customer-focused, and front-line perspective into all communications, avoiding corporate jargon.
Key Considerations for Your Career Path
This is a role for seasoned internal communications leaders, typically operating at a "Head of" or "Director" level. The successful candidate will report into the Director of Internal Communications for BT Group, with a dotted line to the Corporate Affairs Director for BT Business. Accountability to three key C-suite stakeholders underscores the strategic importance of this position.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Leading, coaching, and developing a team of up to 5 direct reports, fostering a high-performing environment.
- Translating BT Group's overarching strategy and BT Business's specific priorities into a clear and engaging internal communications strategy.
- Shaping the strategic narrative, tone of voice, visual approach, and campaigns to ensure authentic connection with employees.
- Building strong, collaborative relationships with a wide array of stakeholders across BT Business and the wider Group.
- Acting as a trusted advisor and positive influencer at all levels of the organisation.
- Spearheading the planning and delivery of diverse employee events, from leadership meetings to broadcasts and roadshows.
- Contributing actively to the wider Corporate Affairs and Internal Communications leadership teams, demonstrating a collaborative spirit.
- Championing a people-first experience and embodying BT's values.
Essential Skills and Experience:
- Demonstrable, in-depth experience in internal communications leadership within large organisations, including direct management of teams (5-10 individuals).
- Proven track record of managing complex internal change communications, particularly within digitally transforming environments.
- Experience in setting and rigorously executing internal communications strategies that support broader business transformation.
- Expertise in delivering high-impact internal communications, including large-scale events, leadership tours, and front-line engagement initiatives.
- Creative content development and internal influencing skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a matrixed environment.
- Exceptional interpersonal, writing, and autonomous working skills.
- A strong understanding of transformation, commercial acumen, and a passion for making strategic communications decisions.
Beyond the Role: A Glimpse at the Benefits and Culture
BT Business offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support its employees, including:
- A competitive on-target bonus of 15%.
- A substantial car allowance (£5500 annually, with cash option).
- Private healthcare for individuals and families.
- A robust BT Pension scheme with a 10% BT contribution.
- Life Assurance.
- Direct share scheme opportunities.
- Exclusive colleague discounts on BT broadband and EE mobile plans, including friends and family offers.
- Access to My Discounts for savings on everyday purchases.
- Discounted EE TV packages.
- Excellent support for working parents, including generous maternity, adoptive, and paternity leave pay.
- A starting annual leave entitlement of 25 days (plus bank holidays), increasing with service, with a buy holiday option.
- Volunteering days to contribute to the community.
- A new electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme.
BT's leadership standards emphasize:
- Looking In: Leading inclusively, building trust, and owning outcomes.
- Looking Out: Delivering for the customer and demonstrating commercial savvy.
- Looking to the Future: Fostering a growth mindset and building diverse, future-ready teams.
Furthermore, BT champions diversity and inclusion, actively encouraging applications from individuals who may not meet every single requirement but possess the passion and potential to excel. The organisation is committed to creating an inclusive and authentic workplace where everyone can thrive.
This Principal Internal Communications role at BT Business is more than just a job; it's a significant career step for a communications leader ready to drive transformation, shape employee engagement, and contribute to the success of a pivotal B2B powerhouse.