Director - Head of Global Leadership Communications

Job description

About KPMG International:

Together with more than 276,000 colleagues across 138 countries, KPMG people turn ambitious ideas into practical solutions for clients of all sizes. A role with KPMG International offers the opportunity to work at the centre of a global organisation and make an impact on a worldwide scale.

KPMG International helps shape the strategy and protect the reputation of the global KPMG network of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We support member firms, drive positive change and help deliver value to clients, people and communities around the world.

About Global Corporate Affairs:

The world is experiencing significant social, economic and technological change. As stakeholder expectations evolve, KPMG recognises that success is measured by more than financial performance alone. Our purpose, Inspire Confidence. Empower Change., reflects our commitment to our people, clients, communities and the future of professional services.

Global Corporate Affairs plays a central role in helping to shape, promote and protect KPMG’s reputation. We engage with the individuals and organisations that influence how KPMG is perceived, ensuring we build trust, strengthen relationships and support our growth ambitions.

Bringing together expertise across communications, public affairs and ESG, the Global Corporate Affairs function works closely with colleagues across the KPMG network to transform how we engage with stakeholders and deliver meaningful impact.

About the team:

Global Communications is made up of three specialist teams:

• Strategic Communications, including:

• Global Reputation Campaigns and Programmes
• Media Relations & Issues Management
• Social Media

• Internal Communications
• Leadership Communications

This role sits within the Leadership Communications team, supporting KPMG’s most senior leaders and helping to drive engagement with key audiences across the global organisation.

Role summary:

The Head of Global Leadership Communications provides strategic communications support to the Global Chairman & CEO and leads the Leadership Communications team, which also supports the Global Chief Operating Officer and other senior leaders.

The role is responsible for developing and delivering an effective leadership communications strategy that brings KPMG’s Collective Strategy to life, strengthens employee engagement and supports organisational priorities. Working closely with the Global Chairman & CEO, CEO Office and COO, the successful candidate will ensure communications are aligned, impactful and delivered to the highest standards.

Reporting to the Head of Global Communications and working as part of the Global Communications Leadership Team, this role requires exceptional communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills, as well as strong commercial awareness and sound judgement.

This is a high-profile position involving regular interaction with members of the Global Management Team and other senior stakeholders across the KPMG network.

What you’ll be accountable for:

Leadership Communications Strategy and Delivery

• Develop and deliver integrated leadership communications strategies, plans and programmes for the Global Chairman & CEO, COO and CAO across internal and external channels, including messaging, speeches, town halls, leadership events, partner conferences and reporting, to strengthen KPMG’s reputation and support its trust and growth ambitions.
• Advise senior leaders and manage their internal and external profiles, ensuring messaging is consistent, aligned and strengthens KPMG’s organisational narrative and reputation.
• Oversee the effective delivery of a diverse portfolio of global communications programmes for internal and external audiences, using robust content planning, editorial and project-management processes.
• Develop and implement communications measurement and reporting aligned to the Global Corporate Affairs strategy.
• Identify opportunities to leverage successful regional and member firm initiatives globally.
• Contribute to the Global Communications Leadership Team and support cross-functional priorities and initiatives.
• Maintain trusted relationships with senior leaders, including the Global Chairman & CEO, COO, CAO, Global Head of Corporate Affairs and Head of Global Communications.
• Build strong relationships across business areas, regions and member firms to support consistent messaging and the adoption and implementation of global communications programmes.

Team Leadership and Resource Management

• Provide strategic counsel to the wider communications function and act as a recognised expert in leadership communications.
• Lead, coach and develop the Leadership Communications team, managing performance against agreed objectives and KPIs while fostering an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing culture that attracts, retains and develops talent.
• Manage team resources and communications budgets, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and create value.
• Support wider Corporate Affairs priorities and commitments.

Skills, experience and knowledge you’ll need:

• Significant communications experience in a senior leadership role, with a focus on development and implementation of strategic internal communications strategies for professional services firms.
• Experience developing and delivering high-profile strategic communications programmes, integrated campaigns, executive profiling and stakeholder engagement initiatives within professional services or similarly complex organisations.
• Superior writing, speechwriting and communication skills, with the ability to understand business priorities and translate them into compelling, actionable content.
• Extensive experience working with senior executives, partners and board-level stakeholders in a matrix environment, with the confidence and influencing skills to advise and challenge senior leaders when appropriate.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to build inclusive, collaborative and high-performing teams.
• Experience developing compelling value propositions and translating organisational priorities into clear, impactful communications.
• Experience managing relationships with external organisations, including industry bodies, academic institutions, media organisations and strategic suppliers.

• Strong commercial awareness and a deep understanding of the professional services sector.
• Outstanding project management skills, with the ability to deliver effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple priorities.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, SharePoint and Teams.
• Willingness to travel and work flexibly when required.