Head of Communications North & East Route

Provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of a communications strategy for the North & East route that is consistent and compliant with Network Rail’s overall corporate communications strategy., 1. Develop and deliver a communications strategy for the route that is consistent and compliant with Network Rail’s corporate communications strategy.

2. Set the objectives, strategies, policies and guidelines to be used in the route communications strategy.

3. Manage the delivery of the contact and communities strategy that is consistent and compliant with Network Rail’s overall corporate communications strategy; coordinating resources for its route based delivery, delivering excellent customer service and prompt problem resolution.

4. Build effective internal and external working relationships with key stakeholders and funders to support Network Rail’s interests.

5. Create and deliver a consistent and co-ordinated communications strategy for the route.

6. Manage the contact and communities team to actively represent the public throughout the organisation delivering continuous improvement by highlighting and addressing any events or trends.

7. Liaise with the Communications function to provide authorisation for the route communications strategy and annually-produced communications plans including all external communications by the route management team.

8. Accountable for reviewing and monitoring the implementation of the route specific communications activities on a regular basis, against defined deliverables and budgets.

9. Manage all potential local issues arising from the implementation of the communications strategy so that the relevant Communications teams are aware of such issues.

10. Manage all branding use, including the development of co-branding, so it is consistent and complies with Network Rail’s corporate policy on branding, identity and image.

11. Implement the major incident communications plan as required.

• Substantial experience in public/corporate affairs

• 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 proven leadership and team management skills

• Evidence of good planning and financial skills, with the ability to deliver projects/campaigns and activities on time and within budget

• Experience of directing and managing agency support

• A proven understanding of all relevant political calendars and legislative assemblies

• A detailed knowledge of developing comprehensive multi-disciplinary communications strategies and the delivery of those strategies

Desirable

• Educated to degree level

• Relevant professional qualifications

• Evidence of continuing professional development

• Journalistic experience

• A proven track record of interpreting business and cultural messages in internal / change communications programmes

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