Communications Associate

Job Description

Job Title: Communications Associate

Location: Warton, 3 days per week on site

Salary: Circa £44,907 (DOE)

Who we are:

Join BAE Systems and you’ll be part of something bigger. As a valued member of our global colleague network, you’ll bring your unique skills and perspectives to help pioneer progress and protect what matters most. You’ll be trusted to play your part in delivering the advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions of tomorrow, shaping a safer future, for all of us.

From the depths of the ocean, to the far reaches of space, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

Job Description:

Reporting to the Head of Communications, this role will support the delivery of external communications activity across the AIR sector, acting as a key contact for media engagement and storytelling activity. The role will focus on developing engaging content, supporting programme and business priorities, coordinating media activity and identifying opportunities to positively position the Air business across regional and wider media channels. The successful candidate will also support community investment communications and coordinate media training activity across the sector.

Core duties:

• Work collaboratively across the external communications team to identify, develop and deliver engaging stories that positively promote the business across multiple external channels, with a particular focus on UK regional activity
• Support the management of day-to-day media enquiries, press briefings and external communications activity, working closely with senior communications colleagues
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key regional media contacts to support proactive and reactive communications activity
• Coordinate the logistics and delivery of media training sessions for business spokespeople
• Maintain an up-to-date database of business spokespeople, including subject matter expert biographies, case studies and media training requirements
• Support communications activity relating to regional media, community investment initiatives and skills programmes, working closely with the Head of Internal Communications and Early Careers team to deliver engaging and effective communications campaigns

Essential Skills:

• A recognised PR, Journalism or equivalent professional qualification (e.g. CIPR, CIM), or demonstrable experience within a press office, journalism or communications role
• Experience supporting media relations activity, including generating positive media coverage and responding to media enquiries
• Understanding of core communications and media relations principles, including campaign and reputation management activity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at different levels
• Ability to manage competing priorities, work to deadlines and apply sound judgement when escalating issues or seeking support

The AIR Sector External Communications team:

The Air Sector External Communications team plays a key role in promoting and protecting the reputation of the business across regional, national and industry media channels. Working across multiple programmes and business areas, the team delivers communications activity that supports strategic priorities, programme milestones and wider stakeholder engagement. The team works closely with colleagues across the business to develop engaging stories, manage media activity and support initiatives linked to community investment, skills and regional engagement.

Why BAE Systems?

Here you’ll build a career with purpose and limitless possibilities. With lifelong learning and meaningful work, this is a place where you can grow your career with confidence and be empowered to be your best. You’ll be recognised for your contribution and enjoy rewards tailored to what’s most important to you and your family, support for your financial and personal wellbeing, as well as a balanced lifestyle. In an environment embracing sustainable ways of working and with a strong sense of shared purpose, our supportive culture is a place you can feel you belong and proud of the difference you make.

A place where everyone can thrive:

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We know that a diversity of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences strengthens our teams and is vital to the work we do.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Closing Date: 26th May 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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