Rising Star: Naomi Jones

Posted in Candidates

Having co-authored a book on Crisis Management in 2005, progressed to Associate Director at one of the UK’s biggest Global PR and communications consultancies, FD, and recently bagged a Head of Communications role at a very impressive 28 years of age, it’s not surprising that we’ve chosen Naomi Jones to feature as our very first ‘rising star’.

Despite the stellar career path, it’s clear that she hasn’t got where she is today by stepping on people, Apprentice-style; rather, by combining obvious ambition and drive with a grounded value system, a passion for good communications practice and an almost disarming approachability. We asked her to describe her climb up the corporate ladder and offer advice to other comms professionals during the current economic climate.

Name: Naomi Jones

Position: Head of Communications

Company: SITA UK (recycling and waste management, www.sita.co.uk)

Number of Employees: 6,000

Can you summarise your career path to date?
I’ve worked extremely hard to get work experience in the industry. Following graduation form University, I started my career at Green Issues Communications specialising in building stakeholder relations, local public affairs and crisis management and was managing a four person team by 24 years of age. Whilst there, I co-wrote the book and communications tool, ‘Managing a Crisis: A Practical Guide’ (Palgrave Macmillan 2005). In 2006, I joined FD, first as Account Director and progressed to Associate Director where I was responsible for two of the company’s top five clients, Tesco and HSBC. I joined SITA two months ago.

Describe your role:
As Head of Communications, I manage a seven person team and am responsible for overseeing brand positioning, corporate PR, regional PR, internal comms and corporate collateral, for example. I attend management board meetings and report directly to Chief Executive.

What’s been your career highlight to date?
Most definitely starting my current role!

And greatest challenge?
Determining the right path for me

And ambition?
This is what I want to do.

What advice can you offer to other comms professionals who want to get ahead in the current climate?
Don’t give up. It is tough, but good people are always needed. Employers want to know more than ever that you are not just looking for any old role as times are tough but that you really want to join them as a company. Find a recruitment agency you trust, really form a relationship with them and prepare extremely fully for any roles that you’re put forward for.

Lastly, have a ‘can do’ attitude. It is so important.

How do you feel about what you have achieved so far in your career?
Proud. I am ambitious but I feel contented and being happy is important. I believe strongly that you need to be passionate about what you do over being ambitious. I am also happy that I got to where I am without sacrificing my principles. You can be strong, firm and a leader without treading on people. We have all experienced people like this and I am pleased I never went down this route.

What recent current affairs issue are you most interested in, and why?
What will happen to today’s generation of graduates. Yes, I think they will have it tougher than my generation did when we left university with the world at our feet. Long term, I hope this generation of graduates will benefit from having made informed decisions, working hard for what they have got and ultimately leading happier lives long term due to knowing what it is like to have to really work for something.

What challenges are you facing in your current position?
The usual challenges of maintaining communications for a large organisation – but the challenges are positive ones. I wake up feeling very lucky to have my position and excited about the opportunities in shaping a brand. I have had to work hard but I love my job and am grateful for it every day.

Do you have an unusual, impressive or inspirational career path? Are you able to offer sage career advice to other communications professionals? If so, we’d love to hear from you! To nominate a colleague or be featured as the next ‘rising star’ yourself, contact us at: theword@the-works.co.uk or tel. 020 7559 6690 and ask for Sarah Leembruggen.