External Communications Manager

Reporting to the Head of AI Creative & External Communications you will play a pivotal role in shaping how Smiths Detection is seen heard and understood across global markets.

As Communications Manager you will lead media relations thought leadership social media strategy agency management and reputation-building initiatives that strengthen our brand and support our business objectives. Working at the intersection of communications digital engagement and emerging AI-powered discovery channels you will help ensure Smiths Detection remains visible relevant and influential within the global security industry.

This is a strategic yet hands-on role ideal for an experienced communications professional who combines strong storytelling and media expertise with a data-driven mindset and a passion for innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver external communications strategies aligned with business and brand objectives.
• Build compelling narratives and thought leadership programmes that enhance Smiths Detections reputation and market position.
• Drive proactive media engagement and cultivate strong relationships with journalists commentators and industry influencers.
• Translate complex technical regulatory and security-related topics into clear and engaging communications.
• Manage and optimise relationships with external PR and communications agencies.
• Support executive visibility through media engagement and external positioning opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with internal communications content marketing and creative teams to deliver integrated campaigns.

AI Search & Digital Visibility

• Drive visibility across traditional search engines and emerging AI-powered search environments.
• Apply SEO GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) and AEO (Answer Engine Optimisation) principles to communications and content strategies.
• Monitor and improve how Smiths Detection is represented across search engines and AI platforms.
• Use data and insights to strengthen brand authority discoverability and audience engagement.

Social Media

• Develop and deliver social media strategies across LinkedIn YouTube and Instagram.
• Own and manage the corporate social media content calendar.
• Partner with creative and content teams to develop engaging video-led campaigns.
• Oversee social listening governance and reputation management processes.
• Analyse channel performance and continuously optimise content effectiveness and audience growth.

Measurement & Agency Performance

• Establish KPIs and performance frameworks across communications activities.
• Monitor media coverage sentiment share of voice visibility and engagement metrics.
• Hold external agencies and partners accountable for performance and delivery.
• Present actionable insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

About You

You are an experienced communications professional with the credibility confidence and commercial awareness to operate at both strategic and operational levels.

Youll bring

• Experience within Corporate Communications External Communications Public Relations Corporate Affairs or a similar discipline.
• Proven success developing and delivering B2B communications and thought leadership programmes.
• Strong media relations experience and a track record of increasing brand visibility and reputation.
• Exceptional writing editing and storytelling skills.
• Experience supporting senior leaders and executive communications.
• Strong agency management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Experience measuring communications effectiveness through analytics and performance data.
• Knowledge of SEO and an understanding of how AI-driven search and discovery are reshaping communications and brand visibility.
• A proactive innovative and commercially minded approach to communications.
• Experience within a complex regulated technology engineering manufacturing infrastructure defence or security-related environment would be advantageous.

Why Join Us

This is an exciting opportunity to join Smiths Detection during a period of significant transformation and growth. You will have the opportunity to influence global communications strategy work closely with senior leaders and help shape the external reputation of a business that plays a critical role in making the world a safer place.

Apply today and help shape the future voice of Smiths Detection.

Additional Information :

We offer

Join us and well help build your career with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business both locally and globally. Youll experience an inclusive environment with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. Youll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin economic status disability age or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics where we celebrate support and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation including but not limited to interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our careers website.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time