Communications Lead

Enabling happier, healthier people so our nation can thrive.

Are you a skilled communicator who thrives on creating clear, engaging, and impactful messaging? Do you want to use your expertise to make a real difference in people's lives? We are seeking a Communications Lead to shape and drive UniMed's communications strategy and help shape how we connect with our members, stakeholders, and the wider community. This role can be based from our Christchurch or Wellington office.

About UniMed - Mō Mātou

As New Zealand's third largest health insurer, UniMed has been looking after Kiwi workers for over 45 years. Today, more than 140,000 members benefit from our workplace health insurance and wellbeing services.

Guided by our values – Aspire, Care, Trust – our purpose is clear: to help working New Zealanders and their whānau enjoy lifelong, good health. We're a values-led organisation that creates a workplace where our people thrive, professionally and personally.

About the Role - Mō te Tūranga Mahi

This is a leadership role responsible for protecting and enhancing UniMed's reputation, while leading a talented communications team to deliver impactful outcomes.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing and Products Officer, you'll be responsible for providing direction for all communications across the organisation. You'll lead both internal and external communications, including corporate communications, media relations, crisis management, internal engagement, sponsorships, and thought leadership. This role will suit someone who can balance strategic vision with hands-on delivery, and who thrives in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment.

You'll lead a small, high-performing team and work closely with colleagues across Marketing, Digital, and Brand to deliver impactful strategies that bring our purpose and values to life.

In this role, you will:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan aligned with business objectives and values and delivering to the organisation's business plan.
• Actively and positively lead, coach, and develop a high-performing communications team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Provide trusted advice to the Executive Leadership Team on media, communications, and reputation management.
• Oversee corporate communications, media relations, crisis communications, sponsorships, and events.
• Partner across the business to deliver integrated communications solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media, regulators, community partners, and industry stakeholders.
• Drive employee engagement by overseeing effective internal communications that keep staff informed and inspired.

About You - Mōu

You are an experienced communications leader, calm under pressure, you know how to turn complexity into clear, compelling messages that resonate and drive engagement and results.

You'll also bring:

• 10+ years' experience in senior communications roles, including corporate communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and grow high-performing teams.
• Experience in crisis and issues management with a confident, measured approach.
• A strong understanding of New Zealand's media and regulatory environment.
• Relevant tertiary qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to connect with diverse audiences

Why Join UniMed - Ngā Hua Ki UniMed

At UniMed, we're committed to supporting our employees to thrive, and delivering on our goal of being the happiest, healthiest workplace in Aotearoa. Our employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health insurance from day one
• Flexible working, including support towards your home office set up
• An extra day off per year for wellbeing / Hauroa
• Central city office locations in Christchurch and Wellington
• Access to a range of wellbeing initiatives

Sound like your kind of role? - Ko koe pea tēnei?

If you're ready to take the next step in your career, apply now with your CV and cover letter

Applications will close Monday 27th October 2025.

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