Available to hire
Hello, I’m Jonathan Ford, a London-based communications leader with UK and Australian citizenship. I advise senior executives and boards, shaping transformation, brand reputation and positioning, media relations, employee engagement, and crisis communications across global matrixed organisations.
My career spans building full communications functions from the ground up, driving engagement across audiences from site workers to the C-suite, managing small teams and delivering campaigns at scale. I’m known for creative execution, global collaboration, and a proactive eye on emerging technologies, including AI and media trends that shape the UK and global communications landscape.
Experience Level
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Communications Manager at BDO Global
September 1, 2025 - October 13, 2025Developed and led communications strategy for a €300m global change and innovation programme across 160+ countries and 45,000 staff. Managed a team of up to 7 professionals. Partnered with senior leaders to shape messaging for email, executive speeches and presentations, and major webinar sessions. Developed programme brand and tone of voice, ensuring consistency across global channels. Produced high-impact content across digital, visual and video to drive adoption and engagement. Delivered insights and analytics and fed results back into campaign improvements.
Internal Communications Manager at Bird & Bird
October 1, 2023 - October 13, 2025Short-term maternity-cover assignment for the global internal communications function (3,000+ staff). Delivered firm-wide campaigns and partner/employee communications. Led global Viva Engage campaign to boost visibility and connection across offices. Managed and mentored two direct reports.
Communications Manager at ADCO Construction
February 1, 2023 - October 13, 2025Built the company’s first dedicated communications function for a AU$1bn business with 700 staff. Delivered two national brand refreshes and established a proactive PR function, achieving regular monthly press coverage. Managed media relations, social media, and brand storytelling—grew LinkedIn following from 18k to 64k. Designed and implemented a national internal communications strategy with measurable metrics and weekly executive engagement. Partnered with CEO and senior leaders to shape messaging around culture, ESG, IT, and organisational change. Delivered crisis communications including industry relations, site incidents, and sensitive stakeholder issues.
Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Consultant at Elton Consulting
September 1, 2018 - October 13, 2025Supported stakeholder engagement and communications for major infrastructure projects, including pre-development of the A$6b Western Sydney Airport. Produced accessible, community-focused messaging for diverse audiences. Represented projects at public forums and managed enquiry-heavy communications environments.
Writer & Editorial Roles at Freelance (Sydney & Melbourne, NSW/VIC, Australia)
January 1, 2020 - October 13, 2025Produced at least 300 articles for SBS Food, Concrete Playground, and Broadsheet Magazine, specialising in culture, lifestyle and human-interest storytelling under tight deadlines and high editorial standards.
Communications Manager at BDO Global
September 30, 2025 - October 13, 2025Developed and led communications strategy for a €300m global change and innovation programme across 160+ countries and 45,000 staff. Managed up to 7 full-time professionals. Partnered with senior leaders to shape messaging across emails, executive speeches and major webinar sessions. Developed programme brand and tone of voice to ensure consistency across global channels.
Internal Communications Manager (Maternity Cover) at Bird & Bird
October 31, 2023 - October 13, 2025Short-term contract covering the global internal communications function for 3,000+ staff. Delivered firm-wide campaigns, partner and employee communications, and a Viva Engage (employee) program. Coached two direct reports and maintained ongoing internal channels.
Communications Manager at ADCO Construction
February 28, 2023 - October 13, 2025Built the company’s first dedicated communications function for a AUD$1bn business with 700 staff. Delivered two national brand refreshes and established a proactive PR function, achieving regular monthly press coverage. Managed media relations, social media and brand storytelling; grew LinkedIn following from 18k to 64k. Designed and implemented a national internal communications strategy with measurable metrics. Partnered with the CEO and senior leaders to shape messaging around culture, ESG, IT, and organizational change. Delivered crisis communications including industry relations, site incidents, and sensitive stakeholder issues.
Communications Consultant at Elton Consulting
September 30, 2018 - October 13, 2025Supported stakeholder engagement and communications for major infrastructure projects, including pre-development of a $6b Western Sydney Airport. Produced accessible, community-focused messaging for diverse audiences. Represented projects at public forums and managed enquiry-heavy communications environments.
Writer & Editor (Freelance) at Sydney & Melbourne (Freelance)
December 31, 2020 - October 13, 2025Produced 300+ articles across SBS Food, Concrete Playground, and Broadsheet Magazine, specializing in culture, lifestyle and human-interest storytelling under tight deadlines with high editorial quality.
Hospitality Roles at Various
December 31, 2018 - October 13, 2025Team leadership, training, and customer service across multiple venues.
Education
Bachelor of Arts at Macquarie University, Sydney
January 11, 2030 - October 13, 2025Certificate III in Business Administration at TAFE, Melbourne
January 11, 2030 - October 13, 2025Bachelor of Arts (Media, Culture & Communication) at Macquarie University, Sydney
January 11, 2030 - October 13, 2025Certificate III in Business Administration at TAFE, Melbourne
January 11, 2030 - October 13, 2025Qualifications
IAP2 Engagement Training (Certificate)
January 1, 2018 - October 13, 2025Certificate II or III in Business Administration (Certificate listed: Certificate III in Business Administration)
January 11, 2030 - October 13, 2025IAP2 Engagement Training (Certificate)
January 1, 2018 - October 13, 2025Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Real Estate & Construction, Education
Experience Level
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