The European Spallation Source is one of the largest science and technology infrastructure projects being built today. The project includes the most powerful linear proton accelerator ever built, a five-tonne, helium-cooled tungsten target wheel, 15 state-of-the-art neutron instruments, a suite of laboratories, and a supercomputing data management and software development centre. In the context of its history and future as a scientific organisation, however, it is more than the sum of its parts. It is a brand-new Big Science organisation and we are building it from the ground up.
Come and build the future of Science with us!
About the role
As Head of the Communications Group, you will have responsibility for the strategic direction, execution, and management of ESS’s communications - both internally and externally. You will play a vital role in shaping and delivering the organisation's communications and engagement efforts. This is a strategic leadership position, where you will design and implement the ESS Communications & Engagement Strategy, establishing both short- and long-term priorities that align with the broader goals of ESS.
In this role, you will lead and manage a skilled communications team, ensuring they have the expertise, resources, and support needed to execute the strategy effectively. As the custodian of the ESS Brand Guidelines and Identity Manual, you will safeguard and enhance the organisation’s brand value by ensuring its consistent application across all activities.
A key aspect of this position is developing and managing ESS’s press and media strategy, cultivating relationships with relevant media and external partners to strengthen the organisation’s reputation and public profile. You will also spearhead initiatives aimed at fostering public engagement, ensuring they align with ESS’s mission and deliver meaningful impact.
Building and maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders at national, regional, and international levels is central to the role. Through these efforts, you will foster trust, collaboration, and ESS’s credibility within the scientific community and beyond. Internally, you will oversee the development of communication strategies that promote a positive workplace culture and enhance employee engagement, working closely with internal stakeholders on initiatives to strengthen cohesion and collaboration.
In addition, you will serve as the Communications Lead within ESS’s Crisis Management Team, maintaining and updating the Crisis Communication Plan to ensure ESS is prepared for any unforeseen events. You will also act as a trusted advisor to the Executive Board and other senior leaders, providing guidance on internal and external communication matters to further ESS’s mission and influence.
This is a unique opportunity to lead communications and engagement efforts at a world-leading research infrastructure, supporting ground-breaking scientific discovery and contributing to ESS’s position as a global leader in innovation and collaboration.
This is a full-time, permanent role based at the ESS Campus in Lund, Sweden.
About you:
As the ideal candidate for the role of Communications Group Leader, you bring a strong academic foundation with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a closely related field. With significant prior experience in a senior communications role, you have a proven track record in leading strategic internal and external communications, people management, stakeholder engagement, brand management, and crisis communication.
You are a seasoned communications leader with advanced management and leadership capabilities. Your expertise spans all aspects of strategic communications, project management, and the ability to lead high-profile initiatives. You thrive on building and developing high-performing teams, creating an environment where individuals grow while contributing to both the short- and long-term goals of the organisation.
Your exceptional communication skills enable you to effectively manage internal and external engagement while cultivating high-level relationships with key stakeholders. Adept at leveraging digital tools and platforms, you excel in managing and advancing digital communication strategies that align with our organisational objectives.
A natural problem solver, you are strategic and goal-oriented with the ability to navigate and thrive in an international, multidisciplinary environment. You are comfortable engaging with diverse interfaces across public and private sectors, fostering collaboration with science colleagues to ensure alignment between technical and corporate messaging.
In this role, corporate communications will be your primary focus, ensuring that ESS’s reputation and mission are effectively communicated to all audiences. Your leadership, expertise, and vision will be essential in advancing ESS’s communications to support its position as a global leader in research and innovation.
English is the working language at ESS, but the ability to work in Swedish would be an advantage for this role.
What can we offer?
Aside from the chance to work at truly unique big science project, you can also expect:

• An opportunity to contribute to the future discoveries within neutron science.
• A stunning, brand new workplace filled with innovative minds and brilliant people from across the globe.
• A challenging, innovative and stimulating work environment.
• Market competitive compensation that is individual and differentiated according to role, responsibilities, individual skills, abilities and achievements.
• 30 days of annual leave, as well as more than 10 days of public holiday and company days off or days with limited working hours.
• Monthly pension contributions on top of your salary.

If you see yourself in what we’re looking for, please provide your CV and motivation letter in English . Please be aware that we can only accept direct applications made via the ESS website.
Certain roles at ESS require health and safety checks and/or security clearance procedures, which will be performed as part of the recruitment process.
The last day for receiving application is Monday the 6th of January 2025 - so submit your application as soon as you can. Please quote the job reference number ESD-56159 in your application.
For more information regarding the ESS recruitment process, please contact Daniel Nordin Baker – Recruitment partner – at daniel.nordin@ess.eu
For trade union information, please contact Unionen representative Mikael Johansson on Mikael.Johansson@ess.eu or SACO/Swedish Association of Graduate Engineers representative Marc Kickulies at marc.kickulies@ess.eu
We look forward to receiving your application soon!

URL to this pagehttps://europeanspallationsource.se/careers/vacancies?rmpage=job&rmjob=1764&rmlang=UK