Senior Communications Manager [Transpennine Route Upgrade]

Responsibilities

• Role: Senior Communications Manager
• Reporting to the Head of Communications, you will lead external communications and act as Deputy Head of Communications, helping to drive strong performance and consistent delivery across functions
• You will lead media relations, community engagement and reputation management, while providing operational oversight across stakeholder engagement, customer communications, marketing and internal communications when required
• By applying standards and leadership continuity the function needs, you will enable the Head of Communications to focus on strategy, senior counsel and the programme's most significant reputational opportunities and risks
• You will work closely with project communications managers and senior leaders across Network Rail, train operators, government and delivery partners, making sure communications is a strategic enabler of programme delivery, rather than simply a support service
• Develop, lead and evaluate integrated communications strategies and plans that support TRU's objectives and improve performance
• Lead proactive and reactive external communications, including media relations, community engagement, major announcements, high-profile visits and reputational issues
• Set clear priorities, standards and objectives for the team, using regular one-to-ones, appraisals, performance monitoring, coaching and development to build capability and accountability
• Build strong, trusted relationships with senior leaders and partners, providing clear communications advice, challenge and direction
• Identify and manage communications risks and opportunities, including implementation of the major incident communications plan when required

Requirements

• Educated to degree level or a professional communications qualification (eg IoIC, CIPR, PRCA) or demonstrable equivalent career experience
• Substantial experience in corporate communications or significant comparable media experience
• High standards of written and spoken communication
• The experience and personal credibility to work effectively with senior managers
• Strong influencing skills
• Proven ability to grasp, understand and promote complex and sensitive issues in a persuasive and sensible way
• Ability to develop and maintain a wide network of stakeholder contacts
• Evidence of good planning and financial skills, with the ability to deliver projects and activities on time and within budget

Preferred

• Experience of leading external communications in rail, transport, infrastructure, construction or another complex, high-profile environment
• Experience of crisis and incident communications, public affairs or working with government and political stakeholders
• Experience of directing and managing agency support
• Relevant professional qualifications and evidence of continuing professional development
• Experience of working in a matrix environment involving multiple organisations

Benefits

• 28-day annual leave with the option to buy and sell days
• Choice of pension schemes
• 75% discretionary discount of leisure travel for you and your family
• Private Healthcare
• 5 days paid volunteer or carers leave
• Up to 75% subsidised Rail and Underground travel
• Gym Pass -access to gyms across UK
• My Benefits platform- giving national and local retail discount