Deputy Director for Communications, Borders & Trade
Deputy Director for Communications, Borders & Trade
- Belfast
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Leeds
- Liverpool
- London
- Manchester
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Nottingham
- Portsmouth
- Flexible working
- Full-time
- Closing on: Nov 24 2025
- £81,000
Strategic Communications Leadership
The successful applicant will need to demonstrate relevant experience and effective delivery of the following essential criteria:
Alongside your salary of £81,000, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £23,465 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Selection process details
This campaign is being managed by HMRC's Executive Resourcing team. All a pplications should be submitted via Civil Service Jobs no later than 23:55 on Monday 24th November 2025 and must include:
For all campaign queries including assistance with your application or if you need to discuss a reasonable adjustment, please contact Robert Gavin, Talent Acquisition Partner at scs.resourcing@hmrc.gov.uk
Shortlist
The panel will assess the evidence provided in your CV and statement. Candidates whose applications best meet the essential criteria will be selected for interview.
HMRC is a Disability Confident leader and guarantees to interview candidates applying under the Disability Confidence Scheme who successfully meet the minimum selection criteria outlined in the person specification
Interview
You will attend a panel interview for a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence. This will include a 5-minute verbal presentation (further information will be issued in advance).
Interviews are expected to take place via Microsoft Teams.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The assignment duration also supports your career through building your depth of expertise.
As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.
Security
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly with the department concerned. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints/
Attachments
SCS1 - Deputy Director for Communications Borders Trade - Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1025kB)
- Own and lead the overall communications strategy and delivery for the Borders and Trade (B&T) portfolio, balancing customs-focused operational priorities with longer-term strategy.
- Provide proactive strategic communications counsel and advice to Ministers, HMRC Permanent Secretaries, the Director General, Director of Communications, and other senior leaders to support business objectives and protect/enhance HMRC's reputation.
- Act as a senior enterprise leader across HMRC, the Communications profession, and the Government Communications Service, setting direction and driving performance.
- Lead cross-Government working on border issues, navigating the complexities of a major operational department and balancing HMRC interests with those of other government departments (OGDs).
- Deputise for the Director of Communications as required.
- Provide enterprise leadership of a multi-disciplinary communications business partnering function, spanning operational, strategic, internal, change communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and campaign delivery.
- Set stretching goals and targets for the B&T communications team, ensuring all communications to customers, stakeholders, and colleagues are impactful and of the highest quality, leveraging effective insight and evaluation.
- Drive one or more strands of the HMRC Communications Functional Strategy.
- Lead communications around key B&T deliverables, including:
- Supporting the border industry (traders/hauliers) to comply with changes like the Windsor Framework, Import Control System 2 (ICS2), Automated Export System (AES), and Trade and Security Systems (TSS).
- Supporting the TSS contract procurement process and managing associated reputational risk.
- Providing support and reputational risk management during Major Incidents affecting the UK border.
- Supporting the move to Regime Ownership, driving internal campaigns, and building a positive culture among B&T colleagues.
- Assess communications risks within the Customs regime and ensure robust communications plans are in place to respond to issues and mitigate reputational risk.
- Be a highly visible, inspirational, and credible member of the Communications Senior Leadership Team.
- Lead and manage a high-performing communications team, including direct line management and responsibility over a wider team. Initially your focus will be on supporting the B&T Director and business area.
- In time you will be expected to take on wider responsibilities across the HMRC Communications directorate, and as a senior leader within the Government Communications Service.
The successful applicant will need to demonstrate relevant experience and effective delivery of the following essential criteria:
- Expert Strategic Communications Leader: Extensive experience in developing and implementing successful evidence-led communication strategies across a range of disciplines (strategic, internal, change, media, campaigns, stakeholder engagement) to achieve quantifiable objectives.
- Trusted Senior Advisor: Proven track record as a trusted communications advisor to Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, and other senior decision-makers, with experience of supporting senior leadership visibility and engagement in a complex, fast-paced operational environment. Highly politically astute with excellent judgement.
- Enterprise Leadership and Influence: Highly effective enterprise leader, able to navigate the complexities of a major government department and lead cross-departmental working to create joined-up strategies. Confident and talented in communicating and influencing across all levels.
- High-Performing Team Management: Proven track record in leading and managing a high-performing, multi-disciplinary communications team in a fast-paced environment subject to intense scrutiny, driving continuous improvement and focused on delivery.
- Insight-Driven Delivery: Extensive experience directing insight-driven communications, including low-cost/no-cost behaviour change campaigns, with a strong ability to analyse data and translate insights into actionable, outcome-focused strategies.
- Resilience and Adaptability (SCS Leadership Behaviours): Demonstrated resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances whilst remaining calm, reassuring to others, and maintaining focus on delivery; passionate about improving employee and customer experience.
Alongside your salary of £81,000, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £23,465 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Selection process details
This campaign is being managed by HMRC's Executive Resourcing team. All a pplications should be submitted via Civil Service Jobs no later than 23:55 on Monday 24th November 2025 and must include:
- A CV detailing your career history, key responsibilities and achievements accounting for any employment gaps within the last two years.
- A Statement of Suitability (no longer than 2 pages) demonstrating how your experience meets the essential criteria.
For all campaign queries including assistance with your application or if you need to discuss a reasonable adjustment, please contact Robert Gavin, Talent Acquisition Partner at scs.resourcing@hmrc.gov.uk
Shortlist
The panel will assess the evidence provided in your CV and statement. Candidates whose applications best meet the essential criteria will be selected for interview.
HMRC is a Disability Confident leader and guarantees to interview candidates applying under the Disability Confidence Scheme who successfully meet the minimum selection criteria outlined in the person specification
Interview
You will attend a panel interview for a more in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence. This will include a 5-minute verbal presentation (further information will be issued in advance).
Interviews are expected to take place via Microsoft Teams.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This role has a minimum assignment duration of 3 years. An assignment duration is the period of time a Senior Civil Servant is expected to remain in the same post to enable them to deliver on the agreed key business outcomes. The assignment duration also supports your career through building your depth of expertise.
As part of accepting this role you will be agreeing to the expected assignment duration set out above. This will not result in a contractual change to your terms and conditions. Please note this is an expectation only, it is not something which is written into your terms and conditions or indeed which the employing organisation or you are bound by. It will depend on your personal circumstances at a particular time and business needs, for example, would not preclude any absence like family friendly leave. It is nonetheless an important expectation, which is why we ask you to confirm you agree to the assignment duration set out above.
Security
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window) .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window) .
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Robert Gavin
- Email : scs.resourcing@hmrc.gov.uk
- Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk
Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel a department has breached the requirement of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly with the department concerned. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their web pages: http://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/civil-service-recruitment/complaints/
Attachments
SCS1 - Deputy Director for Communications Borders Trade - Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1025kB)
