Network Rail
Communications Executive

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Who We Are
Transpennine Route Upgrade
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is a £10.7 billion Programme of activities that is improving the railway between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield.
Stretching across the North of England, this key 76-mile Transpennine railway serves 23 stations, crosses over and dips under 285 bridges and viaducts, passes through six miles of tunnels, and crosses over 11 level crossings.
Proposed improvements as will deliver a hard-working, reliable railway for passengers, allowing for trains with more seats, more services and faster journey times.
For more information visit www.theTRUpgrade.co.uk
Role: Communications Executive
Salary: Circa £28,500 per annum depending on experience
Location: Manchester or York
Contract Type: 12 months secondment opportunity with the potential to be extended
Office Requirement: Hybrid. Minimum 3 days per week working from the office
About The Role
Reporting to the Internal Communications Manager, the Communications Executive will support the wider TRU Communications Team in delivering visual and digital communications.
The role requires the ability to work at pace, manage multiple priorities, and produce on-brand communications. While we envisage the majority of time being spent creating collateral, the role will also support internal and external communications activities as needed, such as helping to set up and deliver in-person events, undertaking ad hoc administrative tasks, and assisting with report collation.
Some Of The Key Accountabilities Of This Role
- Support the delivery of communications programmes, working with colleagues and stakeholders across the route and wider business.
- Support the delivery of appropriate communication channels for the target audience.
- Build a good understanding of the business and its audiences to help inform communications support.
- Understand relevant corporate communications guidelines and brand policies with a view to contributing to a consistent tone, style and design across TRU communications.
- Work collaboratively with the team and broader Communications department to deliver joined-up internal and external communications, supporting corporate-led communications activity as required.
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We Need You To Have
- Experience in communications, either internal or external
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Good organisational and time management skills
It Would Be Advantageous
- Experience writing for channels, either internal or external
- Experience of working collaboratively to deliver
- Evidence of pursuing career development in communications
For information about the process please contact TRUResourcing@networkrail.co.uk.
What's In It For You
Here are a few of the benefits we offer
- 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
Our aim is to ensure your candidate experience is as positive as possible. If you require reasonable adjustments at any point, simply let us know and we'll do our best to assist you.


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We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our safety vision.
Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please contact TRUResourcing@networkrail.co.uk.
Your Experience And Skills
We are looking for a graphic designer first and foremost, who will create engaging assets across both print and digital channels, including posters, notices, newsletters, infographics, digital banners, videos and other materials. Working with colleagues in the Comms team and across the wider enterprise, you'll be a confident people person.
Key Qualities And Experience
- Good attention to detail.
- Proven graphic design experience within an in-house, marketing or agency environment, creating assets for both print and digital channels.
- Excellent working knowledge of digital design and content creation tools such as Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Premiere Pro, InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Canva, NewZapp and other similar platforms are also regularly used.
- Strong understanding of print production processes, artwork specifications and supplier liaison.
- An understanding of internal communications, stakeholder engagement and digital communication channels.
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