Senior Communications Manager [Transpennine Route Upgrade]

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Act as Deputy Head of Communications, providing leadership continuity and operational oversight across stakeholder, customer, marketing, internal and external communications when required.
• 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.
• Create strong networks across Network Rail, the rail industry, government and delivery partners to align activity and maximise impact.
• Oversee high-quality content across digital, social and traditional channels, ensuring brand-compliance, complying visual identity and corporate policies.
• Use insight, evaluation and budget information to assess effectiveness, demonstrate value and make continuous improvements.
• Support communications governance, planning, resourcing and coordination across the programme.

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