Communication Recruitment & Search Specialists
We’ve been the leaders in corporate affairs and internal communications recruitment since 1978. If you’re looking to grow your team, we’re the industry’s trusted partner.
VMA Group is the UK’s leading specialist in communications recruitment, providing executive search and interim solutions for corporate affairs and internal communications roles. Since 1978, we’ve helped organisations reduce time-to-hire to an average of just 5 weeks while ensuring long-term retention. If you’re looking to grow your team with proven experts, we’re the industry’s trusted partner for high-impact talent.
Key Points
- Industry-Leading Retention: 2 in 3 of our permanent placements stay with their employer for over 3 years.
- Rapid Deployment: Our extensive talent network allows us to move from initial brief to successful hire in an average of 5 weeks.
- Specialist Peer-to-Peer Insight: Our consultants are former communications practitioners who understand the technical nuances of your vacancy.
- Global Executive Reach: We leverage an international network to secure C-suite leaders, including Chief Communications Officers and Directors.
4.9*
Average Rating on Google
2 in 3
Placements Stay Beyond 3 Years
5
Weeks on Average from Brief to Hire
Our Expertise in Communications Recruitment
Communications recruitment is the process of identifying and placing professionals who manage an organisation’s reputation, internal culture, and stakeholder relationships. At VMA Group, our team consists of specialists with first-hand experience in the field, giving us an in-depth understanding of the skills and personalities required to excel.
We take time to get to know your organisation, its culture and the unique demands of the role, ensuring we tailor our approach to achieve the best outcome. Our focus is not just on placing a candidate, but on introducing someone who will thrive and make a lasting impact on your team’s success.
We support our clients by sourcing talent from across the entirety of the corporate affairs and communications function, including:
Previous Mandates Include…
Just some of the specialist areas we cover include:
- And More…
Internal Communications
Internal communications plays a critical role in shaping employee experience, engagement and alignment.
Hiring those who can craft clear, compelling messages and navigate change with confidence, is essential for building trust and culture from within.
Public Affairs
In an increasingly complex political and regulatory landscape, public affairs has never been more vital.
Bringing in the right specialists will help you to manage risk and build influence with key external stakeholders.
Investor Relations
Delivering shareholder value in a world of constant change is a significant challenge for business leaders.
When trust and authenticity is harder to achieve, creating and maintaining investor confidence is even more critical.
Public Relations
Strong public relations helps shape perception, protect reputation and build lasting brand value.
Whether it’s proactive media outreach or crisis management, having experienced PR professionals in place is a vital part of your external comms strategy.
An International Reach
SwitzerlandCommunications Lead
CanadaSenior Communications Advisor
SpainExternal Relations Director
FranceCommunications Programme Manager
South AfricaCommunications Specialist
Hong KongSenior Communications Manager
BelgiumDirector, EU Corporate Government Affairs
The NetherlandsPR Manager
United KingdomDirector of Internal Communications
What Makes Us Different?
Heritage & Reputation
We have been partnering with businesses to build highly successful communications and marketing teams for nearly 50 years. We’re a trusted partner with strong, established, and long-standing relationships with our industry network.
Industry Experts
Consisting of ex-communications and marketing professionals along with experienced search specialists, our team brings invaluable industry insight to every mandate. Their innate understanding of the role requirements means we provide you only with the talent that possesses the skills and experience to match your brief.
Regional Specialists
As well as our head office in London, we have specialist consultants based in Bristol and Manchester, focusing on recruitment and executive search support across the Southwest, Midlands and North, respectively. With local market knowledge and extensive talent networks across the regions, our team is the go to partner for support outside of the capital.
Added Insights
We conduct regular research and produce pioneering thought leadership and benchmarking reports for the communications and marketing professions. These reports are renowned in our industries and are an invaluable resource assisting in planning and decision-making.
International Remit
Our network extends far beyond the UK, allowing us to regularly support organisations with hiring across borders. Whether you’re looking to bring in overseas talent or hire internationally, our reach means we can quickly find the right people for your needs.
Community & Events
Ranging from mid to senior executive level, we have the largest database of communications and marketing professionals available to clients. We host regular events and roundtables for our networks, providing a valued space and opportunity for knowledge sharing and networking.
Communications Executive Search Solutions
Securing the right communications leader can transform your organisation and create lasting strategic impact. Through our tailored executive search approach, we connect you with leaders who can drive meaningful change.
Whether you’re seeking a Chief Communications Director, Head of Communications or Public Affairs Director, we leverage our international network to identify the talent best suited to your culture and strategic goals.
Communications Interim & Contract Solutions
Are you going through a period of change and need a specific set of skills to support your project? Or are you recruiting for a permanent position but need some additional support to bridge the gap while you find the right person?
When you’re faced with unexpected challenges or critical projects, our extensive network of interim communications experts are available to step in at short notice and bring immediate impact.
Our Communications Recruitment Specialists
Contact Our Communications Recruitment Team
Communications Recruitment & Executive Search: Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hire a communications professional?
The average time to hire a communications professional through VMA Group is 5 weeks from the initial brief to the signed contract. This speed is achieved through our pre-vetted talent pool and deep sector knowledge.
What are the benefits of using a specialist communications recruitment agency?
A specialist agency provides deeper technical assessment of candidates, access to passive talent who aren’t on job boards, and market-leading salary benchmarking data. Because our consultants have previously worked in comms, we can distinguish between tactical delivery and true strategic leadership.
Can you support with interim or contract communications roles?
Yes, we provide interim communications experts who can start at short notice to support change programmes, maternity cover, or specific project milestones. Our contractors bring immediate impact, often having decades of experience in high-pressure corporate environments.
What makes a "high-quality" senior communications professional?
High-quality senior professionals possess a blend of strategic judgement, stakeholder influence, and the ability to link communications activity directly to business outcomes. We look for a proven track record in reputation management and the emotional intelligence required to advise C-suite executives.