Freelance Communication Expert

Lead Expert, Communication Department Transformation Blueprint

Client:
Confidential – Leading Belgian Insurance & Financial Services Group

Project:
Communication Department Transformation Blueprint

Location:
Brussels (Hybrid: on-site and remote)

Start Date:
Q1 2026

About the Project

A leading insurance and financial services group in Belgium is launching a strategic initiative to design the
Communication Department of the Future (2026 Blueprint)
.

The group's communication function — a centralized department of approximately 25 professionals — plays a critical role in brand positioning, stakeholder engagement, and business support across multiple brands.

The project aims to
transform the department from a task-driven to a results-driven organization
, integrating
AI, data, and new technologies
to enhance efficiency, creativity, and impact.

Role Overview

The organization is seeking an experienced
Lead Expert
to
conduct a comprehensive assessment and design the future blueprint
of its Communication Department.

The consultant will act as a
strategic advisor
, leading stakeholder interviews, analyzing structures and processes, and developing a pragmatic roadmap toward a modern, high-performing communication organization.

This role combines
organizational design
,
strategic communication insight
, and
change management expertise
, with a strong focus on measurable impact and digital transformation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Determine the Scope

• Align objectives and project scope with the communication leadership team.
• Map key stakeholders and establish an interview and engagement plan.
• Define the project's governance, communication, and reporting process.

2. Diagnose & Understand

• Conduct
  interviews and workshops
  with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Evaluate team structure, roles, skills, workflows, tools, and performance metrics.
• Benchmark the current organization against
  best-in-class communication functions
  in the Belgian and European markets.
• Produce a
  diagnostic report
  highlighting key strengths, pain points, and opportunities.

3. Design the Future

• Develop the
  Blueprint for the 2026 Communication Department
  , covering:
• Organizational design (structure, governance, reporting lines)
• Role definitions, responsibilities, and competency frameworks
• Process and workflow optimization
• Integration of AI, automation, and analytics tools
• Facilitate iteration and validation with the project sponsor and leadership team.

4. Plan the Change

• Build a
  phased implementation roadmap
  , detailing milestones, dependencies, and resource needs.
• Identify
  quick wins
  alongside long-term structural improvements.
• Recommend enablers for success: leadership alignment, training, tools, and change management actions.

5. Enable & Mobilize

• Design an
  internal communication and engagement plan
  to ensure buy-in across the team.
• Propose
  learning and development paths
  to strengthen future capabilities.
• Support leadership in preparing the execution phase planned for 2027.

Profile & Qualifications

Required Experience

• 10+ years of experience in
  strategic communication, marketing transformation, or organizational design
  .
• Proven expertise in
  structuring or redesigning communication or marketing departments
  .
• Strong understanding of
  AI, data analytics, and automation tools
  applied to communication.
• Demonstrated experience in
  stakeholder facilitation, assessments, and change management
  .
• Excellent analytical, conceptual, and communication skills.
• Fluency in
  English
  and
  French and/or Dutch
  .

Preferred Experience

• Background in the
  insurance or financial services sector
  (or other regulated industries).
• Knowledge of communication performance measurement and ROI frameworks.
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership and HR transformation teams.
• Certification or training in
  change management or organizational design
  (e.g., Prosci, Kotter, HEC Executive Education).

Deliverables

• Diagnostic Report (current-state assessment and benchmarking)
• Communication Department 2026 Blueprint (structure, roles, processes, technology)
• Implementation Roadmap (phased plan with milestones and resources)
• Change & Capability Recommendations
• Executive Presentation for leadership validation

Success Factors

• Strong sponsorship from senior leadership
• Transparent communication and involvement of the team
• Pragmatic and cost-conscious approach
• Delivery of early
  quick wins
  to demonstrate impact