External Communications Business Partner, Port of Tyne

Position: External Communications Business Partner Location: Maritime House, South Shields Full Time, Permanent Salary: £40,000 – £45,000

Role Responsibilities

You’ll lead the development and delivery of external communications strategies that align with business priorities and drive measurable impact.

Strategic communications

• Partner with senior leaders to shape communication strategies that support commercial and organisational goals
• Translate business priorities into clear, targeted communication plans
• Identify opportunities to proactively position the organisation within the industry
• Provide expert advice on communication risks, issues, and best practice

Media, PR and reputation management

• Act as the primary contact for media enquiries, managing both proactive and reactive communications
• Build strong relationships with journalists, editors, and industry media
• Develop compelling stories that support strategic and commercial objectives
• Prepare spokespeople for media engagement, including briefings and messaging
• Monitor media and sector sentiment, providing insight and recommendations

Digital and external channels

• Oversee the organisation’s digital presence, ensuring it is aligned, engaging, and audience-focused
• Lead content planning through a structured editorial calendar
• Ensure high-quality, channel-appropriate content across web and social platforms
• Use data and insight to evaluate performance and continuously improve reach and engagement
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to deliver impactful content and campaigns

What success looks like

• Strong, consistent external messaging aligned to business priorities
• Increased positive media coverage and improved reputation metrics
• Engaging, high-performing digital channels with measurable growth
• Clear positioning as a credible and influential voice within the sector
• Trusted relationships with senior stakeholders and media

What we’re looking for

You’ll be a confident and credible communications professional with the ability to operate at both a strategic and hands‑on level.

• Proven experience in external communications, PR, or corporate communications
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Experience managing communications across multiple channels in a complex organisation
• Ability to simplify complex information for different audiences
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience handling sensitive issues or reputational risk
• A data-driven mindset, using insight to inform decisions and improve performance

About you

• Collaborative, proactive, and solutions-focused
• Confident working with senior leaders and stakeholders
• Calm under pressure, with sound judgement and professionalism
• Audience-focused, with a passion for clear and impactful communication
• Always looking for ways to improve and innovate.

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