Head of Internal Communications and Transformation
Chanel · London, United Kingdom
About the job
The Head of Internal Communications & Transformation, based in London, is a strategic communications partner to Global Corporate Functions leaders. The role helps Leaders translate business priorities, transformation ambitions and organisational change into clear and actionable communication strategies for their teams and the wider organisation - building understanding, trust and engagement around the company’s vision for the future and collective priorities. The role also leads the communication and engagement approach for the corporate community of more than 700 employees.
The role will report into Global Head of Internal Communications, with line management responsibility of two team members.
What impact you create at Chanel
Strategic Leadership Communications & Advisory
- Act as a strategic communications partner to Global Corporate Functions Leaders and management teams, helping them articulate and develop tailored internal communication strategies that support their vision, priorities and transformation agenda.
- Support the preparation and delivery of key leadership communication moments, including Town Halls/leadership meetings.
- Help leaders develop clear and compelling narratives, translating complex strategies and decisions into communications that employees can understand, connect with and act upon.
- Provide constructive counsel and challenge to senior stakeholders, identifying communication opportunities, risks and employee considerations early.
- Ensure Corporate Functions communications are aligned with the overarching company narrative, culture, strategic priorities and employee experience ambition.
Corporate Community Engagement & Employee Experience
- Define and lead a dedicated engagement approach for Corporate Functions teams across the organisation, ensuring cohesive and connected employee experience across locations.
- Lead the strategic design, planning and delivery of HQ-based employee engagement moments by partnering with relevant stakeholders to ensure workplace moments contribute to a positive, engaging and consistent employee experience.
- Create opportunities for two-way dialogue, ensuring employee perspectives and feedback help inform communication approaches and leadership thinking.
Transformation & Change Communications
- Lead the communications approach for significant transformation and organisational change, working closely with programme leaders and other partners from early planning through implementation.
- Translate transformation strategies, milestones and decisions into audience-led and engaging communications, helping employees understand what is changing, why it matters and what it means for them.
- Anticipate employee questions and communication risks, ensuring leaders are equipped to communicate confidently and consistently throughout periods of change.
Insight, Measurement & Continuous Improvement
- Define meaningful measures of communication and engagement effectiveness, using employee feedback, channel insight and engagement data to understand impact.
- Use insight to continuously improve communications, identify emerging needs and inform future strategy.
- Bring thought leadership and best practice into the organisation, identifying new approaches that can strengthen internal communications and employee engagement.
You are energised by
- Being close to business strategy and helping leaders turn ambition into communication that people can understand and connect with.
- Building trusted relationships with senior leaders and being comfortable offering thoughtful challenge and alternative perspectives.
- Strategic thinking, creative problem-solving and serving as a passionate advocate for a people-first culture.
- Learning and growing in a diverse, inclusive, dynamic and highly collaborative environment
- A culture of excellence, with attention to detail and a proactive approach to think strategically and continuously improve.
What you will bring
- Significant experience in internal communications, executive communications or change communications within a complex, international organization - preferably within luxury or creative industries.
- Proven ability to advise and influence senior leaders, challenge constructively and translate strategic priorities into effective communication strategies.
- Expertise in employee engagement practices, trends and relevant metrics.
- Strong stakeholder management, project leadership and people-management skills.
- Excellent strategic writing, storytelling and editorial skills, with the ability to make complex topics clear, relevant and engaging.
- Fluency in English required, fluency in French preferred; additional languages are a plus.
- Integrity and confidentiality aligned with Chanel’s values and reputation.
What Chanel can offer you
- The opportunity to operate at the heart of business strategy, transformation and employee experience, partnering senior leaders and helping shape how colleagues understand and connect with Chanel’s evolving priorities.
- The opportunity to deepen your expertise in executive counsel and transformation communications, working on complex organisational priorities where thoughtful communication can make a meaningful difference.
- An environment where you can combine strategic thinking, creativity and operational excellence, bringing new ideas and continually evolving how Chanel communicates and engages internally.
At Chanel, we are focused on creating an inclusive culture that nurtures personal growth, contributing to collective progress. We believe the uniqueness of each individual increases the diversity, complementarity and effectiveness of our teams. We strongly encourage your application, as we value the perspective, experience and potential you could bring to Chanel.