External Communications Director

GKN Aerospace is seeking an External Communications Director to join the global Communications & External Affairs team, act as the company’s global spokesperson, and shape the external narrative.

In this role, you will work autonomously and own and lead media relationships, social media, corporate websites, and other external communications activities for GKN Aerospace. You will focus on managing and protecting the company’s reputation and sharing stories to increase brand awareness and support strategic priorities.

What You'll Do

• Lead the global media communications strategy to strengthen brand awareness, engage with journalists, and position the organization as a global technology leader and employer of choice.
• Coordinate external communications across the business, ensuring messaging is aligned with the global narrative and released in a way that maximises impact.
• Act as a central point of guidance and governance for external communications activity.
• Develop and deliver a global social media strategy that enhances employee engagement, protects the company’s reputation, and reinforces leadership in the aerospace and technology sectors.
• Provide crisis communications leadership, developing robust preparedness plans, training key stakeholders, and leading communications responses during incidents to safeguard the company’s reputation.
• Oversee the development and continuous improvement of the award-winning global corporate website, ensuring content remains current, engaging, and aligned with strategic messaging, working close with the Digital Communications Manager and external agency partners.
• Partner with the Executive Team to enhance leadership visibility and industry profiles, providing strategic counsel on messaging, media engagement, and the development of key narrative materials.
• Lead media and journalist engagement at major global events, including flagship industry events such as the Farnborough and Paris Air Shows.
• Define and track communications metrics to measure media and PR performance, using insights to drive continuous improvement and demonstrate impact.

What You'll Bring

• 10 years’ experience in communications within a complex global corporate business.
• Relevant professional qualification or training.
• Familiarity with publicly listed companies, preferably in a highly regulated and technical sector.
• Track record of leading media relationships and crisis communications.
• Experience working in an international environment, preferably at global scale.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills; diplomatic and able to act as business partner to executives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Dutch or Swedish.
• Proficient in using MS Office suite and social media.
• Ability to travel globally.

What We'll Offer

We offer an innovative and international environment in a high-tech organisation with a rich history in the field of aircraft construction. Our organization exudes a passion for technology and our employees are rightfully proud of what they develop and build.

In addition, we offer the following package:

• 8% holiday allowance.
• 30 paid holidays for full-time employment.
• An excellent pension scheme (PME) and travel allowance.
• Bonus scheme.

A pleasant and informal working environment, in which we work together to achieve the best result for our customers in a pleasant atmosphere. Next to a competitive remuneration package, you will have the opportunity to learn and grow within a truly international team.