Role Title: Head of Communications (12‑Month Maternity Cover)

Salary: £65,000 per annum

Location: Manchester, UK. Hybrid working model with a minimum of 2 days per week in the Manchester office. 

About British Cycling

British Cycling exists to bring the joy of cycling to everyone.

We have embarked on an exciting new journey, with a modernised commercial and events offering grounded in social impact and storytelling, harnessing the spotlight and inspiration of our athlete’s performance on the world stage, and our growing portfolio of major events.

We are working towards our three key priorities outlined in our strategy; to support and grow the sport to make cycling more inclusive and accessible, to lead on the world stage by winning and winning well, and to drive social impact by tackling inequalities through providing opportunities.

Head of Communications

The role holder leads British Cycling’s organisation‑wide communications strategy, shaping how our story is told with impact, integrity and strategic alignment. The role combines proactive storytelling, reputation management and strategic counsel to support British Cycling’s ambition to lead on the world stage, support and grow the sport, and to drive social impact.

The role covers the full breadth of British Cycling’s activity - from elite performance and major events through to grassroots participation and community programmes. It also oversees communications strategy and delivery of the Tour de France and the Tour de France Femme Grand Departs 2027.

You will be responsible for strengthening the reputation of British Cycling and the Great Britain Cycling Team, ensuring clear and consistent messaging which successfully engages members, stakeholders, partners and the wider public.

The role encompasses the British Cycling Group Structure which includes:

• British Cycling Federation, a non-for-profit Federation, governed by the Board
• British Cycling Ventures, a commercial entity established to drive sustained revenue growth and unlock external investment
• British Cycling Foundation, a charitable organisation governed by its own Board of Trustees

About you

• You are an experienced communications leader with a strong track record of shaping narratives, building reputation and delivering impactful, multi‑channel communications in a fast‑paced environment.
• You bring strategic clarity, sound judgement and a calm, confident approach to both opportunity and challenge.
• You excel at seeing the bigger picture while staying close to the detail - able to manage multiple priorities, anticipate risks, spot stories and translate complex information into compelling, accessible messages.
• You’re confident providing trusted counsel to senior leaders, navigating sensitive issues with discretion and integrity, and you thrive in environments where no two days are the same.
• You understand how to engage diverse audiences - from national and regional media and commercial partners to members, stakeholders and internal teams, and you bring experience from a busy press office or high‑performing communications function.
• Collaborative, organised and highly adaptable, you lead with empathy and purpose, empowering your team to deliver brilliant work.
• Above all, you’re motivated by the opportunity to help tell the story of British Cycling and the Great Britain Cycling Team at an incredibly exciting time for the organisation.

What will you be doing?

• Oversee a coordinated calendar of communications campaigns aligned to British Cycling’s strategic priorities.
• Work closely with marketing, content, social and design teams to deliver high‑impact, multi‑channel communications for new products, programmes and organisational milestones.
• Lead all PR and media activity to positively influence brand, public perceptions and build trust in British Cycling and the Great Britain Cycling Team.
• Maintain strong relationships with national, regional and industry media, securing proactive coverage across endemic and non‑endemic outlets.
• Act as senior media lead for reactive opportunities, issues and reputational matters.
• Serve as a trusted adviser to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on emerging issues and reputational risks.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response, ensuring clear messaging and effective internal coordination.
• Keep ELT, the Board and key stakeholders informed of media opportunities, risks and successes.
• Oversee communications planning and delivery for major British Cycling events including the Lloyds Tour of Britain Men’s and Women’s races, National Championships and the UCI Cyclocross World Cup.
• Provide strategic oversight of communications for the 2027 Tour de France and Tour de France Femme Grand Departs.
• Support the announcement and activation of commercial partnerships in collaboration with marketing and commercial teams.
• Manage and inspire the Communications team, ensuring clarity of direction, high performance and professional development.
• Oversee the communications budget to ensure effective, efficient delivery.
• Champion consistent messaging across all channels and touchpoints.
• Prepare and support senior staff with media training, briefings and practice sessions.

What are the perks?

• Competitive Salary
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Generous Holidays (25 days + bank holidays)
• Holiday purchase scheme
• Life Assurance
• Pension

How to apply

Send us your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and why you feel you meet the criteria via the apply button below.

Applications close: Sunday 19th April 2026