External Communications Manager

Salary - £63,129.83 - £84,173.11
Closing date - 19th October 2026


NATS is the UK’s leading air navigation service provider, handling over 2.4 million flights each year. We provide air traffic control services from two control centres and at airports around the UK. We also provide a wide range of commercial products and solutions internationally. Our people are at the heart of our purpose to advance aviation and keep the skies safe.

Context:

UKADS will drive the UK Airspace Modernisation Strategy through the redesign of airspace and completion of the regulatory change process for some of the busiest and most complex airspace in the world.

This multi-year, highly sensitive programme will face high-profile scrutiny. Effective communications, stakeholder engagement and consultation will therefore be mission critical to maintaining support, confidence and reputation and ultimately to successful programme delivery.

Purpose of the Role

Lead communications with external audiences to promote awareness and understanding of the NATS UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) and airspace modernisation projects, establishing clear linkages between programme objectives, communications activity, consultation and the benefits of modernising UK airspace. The role will focus on managing communications across a wide range of audiences and UK locations.

Accountabilities

• Working with the UKADS Senior Communications Manager, develop and deliver integrated communications strategies, campaigns and plans that support UKADS, airspace modernisation and NATS’ related strategic objectives.

• Own the implementation of communications plans across defined audiences, building awareness, understanding and support for UKADS, consultation and airspace modernisation priorities.

• Lead and evolve the narrative for UKADS and airspace modernisation, ensuring consistent, compelling messaging across internal and external audiences while protecting and enhancing NATS’ reputation.

• Provide strategic communications advice and counsel to programme teams and senior stakeholders, identifying communications opportunities and risks and helping to shape appropriate responses.

• Lead the development and delivery of communications work packages across the range of airspace modernisation projects

• Work closely with digital communications, media relations and wider communications colleagues to develop high-quality content and ensure activity is coordinated, aligned and delivers maximum impact.

• Identify and develop opportunities to demonstrate NATS’ thought leadership on airspace modernisation and the future of UK airspace, including preparing senior leaders for media, stakeholder and external engagement opportunities.

• Define and scope external agency support required for communications activity. Support procurement and appointment and manage delivery against agreed briefs, quality standards and value-for-money expectations.

• Build strong relationships across UKADS, airport teams and the wider business, embedding communications best practice within programme delivery and coaching/managing team members to maintain high standards and support their development.

Qualifications, professional knowledge and Skills:

• Significant practical experience in PR, communications and engagement, with an understanding of how to maximise impact in a corporate, regulated and complex environment.

• Sound judgement, awareness of reputational sensitivities that may impact NATS, and the ability to provide strategic advice and input.

• Ability to work at both strategic and tactical levels and tailor solutions to meet business needs.

• Self-starter with strong organisational skills to develop and manage multiple projects, stakeholders and changing agendas.

• Strong and mature ambassador for the company at senior levels, with diplomacy and business sense reaching beyond Communications.

• Excellent communication, writing and editorial skills.

• Excellent networking skills, establishing key contacts and using them effectively.

• Strong influencing skills, the ability to overcome resistance and a highly personable character.

• Familiar with social media and digital media tools, and how to use them to maximum reputational effect.

• Successful team leader with experience coaching, developing and managing communications professionals.

• An understanding of aviation, airspace modernisation, infrastructure delivery or regulated environments would be advantageous.

• Calm under pressure, collaborative and able to provide constructive challenge while maintaining delivery momentum.

Additional Vacancy Information:

We have adopted agile working to provide greater flexibility and increased choice over working arrangements.

If you share our passion to advance aviation and keep the skies safe – we would like to hear from you whatever your age, sex, race, faith, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, visible or invisible disability. Individuals that bring different perspectives, skills, life experiences and backgrounds help us be at the forefront of our industry.

We are proud to offer a fantastic total reward package to help you thrive both personally and professionally - for more information on what NATS can offer you please visit - Why NATS? - NATS

Please note: All staff at NATS are subject to UK Security Vetting and Clearance (SC) and must maintain valid clearance throughout employment. We are unable to progress applications where an applicant does not meet eligibility requirements for clearance. For further guidance click here Security Clearance - NATS