SVP of Communications

About the role: 

We’re looking for a world-class SVP of Communications to lead and elevate Zilch’s global narrative as we enter the next phase of hyper-growth. This is a defining leadership role responsible for shaping Zilch’s reputation, driving strategic influence across media, government, and industry, and serving as a senior external spokesperson for the company. The ideal candidate is a strategic communications executive who has run an in-house function, ideally with blended agency experience, and thrives at the intersection of government, media, and regulated industries. They will operate comfortably in fast-moving and highly regulated environments (fintech experience a strong plus). This role partners closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Zilch’s executive team and has direct impact on our global communications strategy across London, Poland, and beyond.

Strategic Leadership & Narrative Building

Define and lead the development and execution of Zilch’s global communications strategy across external, internal, policy, and corporate comms. Hold ultimate accountability for the performance and resource allocation of the Communications division, driving sustainable value through strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting, and informed operational decision-making.

Act as a senior ambassador and external spokesperson for Zilch across media, government, partners, and industry forums. Shape Zilch’s long-term narrative and reputation at the intersection of fintech, regulation, and consumer outcomes. Define and drive the Communications roadmap, ensuring clear communication of objectives, realistic goal-setting, timely delivery, and agile adaptation as priorities evolve.

Media, Government, and Stakeholder Influence

• Leverage a deep personal network across media, policymakers, regulators, and industry stakeholders to drive influence and ensure Zilch’s voice is front and centre. 
• Navigate complex communications landscapes where government, regulation, and media converge.
• Manage high-stakes media relations, issue management, and crisis communications with speed, clarity, and authority.

Operational Leadership

• Build, lead, and scale a high-performing in-house communications function by hiring, coaching, and developing top-tier talent; demonstrating strong resource management; making data-driven hiring recommendations; and ensuring the efficient, productive deployment of team capabilities.
• Oversee agency relationships, ensuring world-class execution and value.
• Ensure communications are aligned with business goals, product launches, partnerships, regulatory milestones, and commercial strategy.

Cross-Functional Execution

• Partner with senior stakeholders (Marketing, Compliance, Product, Legal, Finance, Leadership) to drive integrated campaigns, announcements, and policy initiatives.
• Coordinate communications around financial models, KPIs, and performance, generating clear management reports.
• Identify and drive efficiencies, improvements, and structural enhancements across communication workflows and processes.

Governance, Risk & Reputation

• Lead communications strategy across regulated environments, anticipating issues and shaping proactive narrative management.
• Guide crisis response, reputation management, and sensitive regulatory communications.
• Develop and maintain annual communication growth plans aligned to business targets.

What we're looking for

• Has successfully led an in-house communications function, maintaining an excellent reputation and demonstrating professionalism with all internal and external stakeholders; agency experience is valuable but not essential.
• Brings significant, progressive, and demonstrable experience in communications, PR, public affairs, or media, ideally including roles in both government and media settings
• Demonstrates exceptional people leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing teams; adept at conducting structured 1:1s, managing workload allocation strategically, providing constructive and timely feedback, and driving individual and team growth through targeted development conversations and ongoing support
• Operates with authority, confidence, and presence; able to influence at all levels, driving accountability in high-stakes environments.
• Has a deep contact network within their relevant sector(s).
• Has experience in regulated industries (ideally fintech or tech, but other regulated sectors welcome).
• Has proven experience as a senior spokesperson or leader managing high-stakes external communications.
• Excels in fast-paced, high-growth environments and is comfortable with ambiguity.
• Has a proven ability to adapt to changing priorities, shifting stakeholder needs, and evolving strategic direction.
• Is an exceptional writer and verbal communicator, able to present complex strategies and insights clearly, driving executive-level decision-making while working collaboratively across teams and stakeholders.
• Brings rigorous organisation, strategic thinking, and flawless execution, leading cross-functional alignment on mission-critical initiatives.
• Demonstrates strong stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership, building collaboration capability and enabling teams to co-create innovative, enterprise-wide solutions.
• Is adaptable, solutions-focused, and able to work autonomously at pace.