Aligned to Urban Utilities’ corporate strategy and core operations, the People and External Relations group is a key enabling function to drive performance and achievement of the organisation’s critical outcomes through the delivery of effective engagement, partnerships and relationships with our people and key external stakeholders.

Reporting to the Executive Leader, People & External Relations, the Head of Brand and Communications, along with their team, are responsible for leading activities to protect and enhance the Urban Utilities brand and reputation as a reliable, trusted and progressive provider of water and wastewater services who delivers real value for our people, customers, communities, shareholders and other stakeholders, through the effective leadership and management of Urban Utilities’ internal and external communications channels and related brand, marketing and communication activities.

This pivotal, highly visible role within Urban Utilities’ Senior Leadership Team has ultimate accountability for the effective delivery of all aspects of the organisation’s brand and communications program. Aligned to the achievement of Urban Utilities’ purpose, strategic objectives and values, the Head of Brand and Communications is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic direction and program of work across the Brand and Communications portfolio.

Along with a team of dedicated communications, media and marketing professionals and specialists, you will partnering with Leaders at each level of the organisation to design, develop, deliver, implement and continuously evolve strategies, programs, innovations and other solutions that enable customer-centric, service-minded and value-focussed ways of working, drive performance, foster continuous improvement and, ultimately, serve to enhance Urban Utilities’ brand and reputation.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development and implementation of Urban Utilities'Brand, Marketing and Communications Strategy and program, incorporating brand, marketing, external and internal communications, digital and media.

• Lead, develop and enable the Brand & Communications team across the functions of Brand & Marketing, Corporate Communications, and Media Relations.

• Partner with Executive and Senior Leaders to build effective working relationshipsand to develop and implement the strategic program to deliver real value across the Brand and Communications portfolio;

• Lead the development, implementation and delivery of brand, marketing and communications campaigns;

• Lead crisis management communication activities and strategies to effectively manage and mitigate associated risks; and

• Lead and oversee all corporate communications and the development and production of all corporate publications and reports.

Please note, this position may also require on-call duties outside of standard working hours due to the critical nature of the role.

About you:

If you’re passionate about what you do and ready to join an organisation that has a genuine impact on the communities we serve, we’d love to hear from you.Ideally you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Business, Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Media, Journalismand/or other relevant discipline/s.

• Senior leadership experience leading a brand, marketing and/orcommunicationdivision within the water or utilities sector, public sector or other critical services.

• Proven experience in strategic planning, organisational leadershipand risk management.

• Proven experienceinfluencingsenior stakeholders and building effective working relationships.

• Expertise in project and change management, with the ability to understand and navigate complex regulatory and legislative environments, including in a political context.

• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams.

At Urban Utilities, we celebrate diversity. We genuinely believe that bringing together diversity of thoughts, perspectives and expressions is key and crucial to our success as a business. You might find you meet some, but not all, of the job requirements for this role. We’d still encourage you to apply as we we’re looking for the right human being for this role - it’s about so much more than ticking all the boxes!

Why Urban Utilities?

At Urban Utilities, the work we do is about so much more than the bottom line. We're a leading provider of world-class drinking water and wastewater services to the vibrant communities of Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Somerset, and Scenic Rim. As we continue to grow, we're committed to planning ahead and shaping a sustainable future around water for generations to come!

We know the chance to thrive, and progress comes hand in hand with the support to balance work with life. So, you’ll access an increasingly diverse range of benefits and initiatives that’ll help you bring the best you. Urban Utilities is an endorsed employer for all women. See our range of benefits and policies directly at WORK180 and a sample of the benefits we offer our team below:

• 18 weeks of paid parental leave, 15 days personal leave including two proactive wellbeing days, and an additional day of leave each year to connect with friends and family 

• Generous Salary Packaging options, including novated leases

• Corporate discounts across Health insurance, technology and more

• Flexibility at UU depends on the type of work you do but could include options such as, 9-day fortnights and flexible days. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you!

At the core of our work lies genuine CARE: for our team, our customers, communities, and the environment. From the flush of a toilet to major infrastructure projects and residential developments, we're dedicated to being there every step of the way. HQ is in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, but you'll find us all over SEQ - working in cool places like the SAS Laboratory in Darra, field-based depots in Eagle Farm, Acacia Ridge, Bundamba, and wastewater treatment plants dotted across the region.

How to apply

Visit our website to learn more about us at www.urbanutilities.com.au and click on “Apply” to complete your application. Please note, applicants will be required to undergo pre-employment & background checks as part of the recruitment process for this role. This may include a medical, which includes Drug and Alcohol testing.

This job ad reflects the high-level role Urban Utilities plays in the community, emphasising the strategic and impactful nature of the position while inviting diverse applicants. Let us know if you need any further adjustments or additional details by contacting our friendly Talent Team at careers@urbanutilities.com.au