Network Rail
Senior Communications Manager [Transpennine Route Upgrade]
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Transpennine Route Upgrade
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) is an £11 billion programme improving the railway for passengers and freight between York and Manchester via Leeds and Huddersfield. We're delivering faster, more reliable journeys, boosting connections between communities and driving economic growth across the North of England. More than 5,000 people are working across a 70-mile route, covering 23 stations, 285 bridges and viaducts and six miles of tunnels.
For more information visit www.theTRUpgrade.co.uk
This role offers the opportunity to shape the reputation of a nationally significant programme and influence how passengers, communities and partners experience its benefits. You will work with senior leaders across the rail industry and government, lead a high-profile external communications portfolio and gain broad experience across the full communications function. It is an excellent platform for an ambitious senior communications professional ready to operate as a deputy and build towards a future Head of Communications role.
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
About The Role
Role: Senior Communications Manager
Salary: £46,701 to £56,963 per annum
Location: York or Manchester, with travel across the Transpennine route
Contract Type: Full time, Permanent
Office Requirement: Hybrid. Minimum 3 days per week working from the office
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Interview Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a formal, face-to-face, competency-based interview during the week commencing 19 October.
This is a senior leadership role at the heart of TRU communications, a function that covers internal communications, external communications, marketing, public affairs and customer communications. 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.
Key Accountabilities
- 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.
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Your Experience And Skills
The ideal candidate will:
- 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
It Would Be Advantageous
- 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.
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