Senior Communications Manager - [Project Communications and Community Relations]

This critical post has been newly created following a team reorganisation. The role sits within the senior management team for communications and is responsible for setting the strategy and managing project communications and community relations within our Western Route.

With 2.5 million lineside neighbours and major projects taking place across our route, communicating clearly and effectively is essential. This role will champion new ways of working, challenge the status quo and trial new technologies to achieve our communications and business goals.

The successful candidate will develop and deliver consistent and effective communications strategies for key projects and engaging with our lineside neighbours, aligned with Network Rail’s national communications strategy and our route communications strategy so that a broad range of stakeholders including media, stakeholders and the public are effectively engaged., 1. Develop, drive and implement communications plans for key projects, working collaboratively with stakeholders to create content, campaigns and events, to support the delivery of business objectives and drive performance.

2. Establish and maintain strong and trusting relationships with key stakeholders, working collaboratively in order to support the identification, development and delivery their internal communications goals.

3. Lead communications activities which present reputational risk or opportunities for the business.

4. Establish an effective network of internal and external contacts and provide direction/influence to senior managers and external industry parties where appropriate.

5. Identify and supply content for internal communications channels and act as a conduit for material/information across communications teams.

6. Provide advice/guidance on communications activity undertaken by key personnel including directors, project managers and sponsors, delivering consistency with the national communications strategy and in accordance with Network Rail’s corporate policies.

7. Check all branding used complies with Network Rail’s policy on branding, visual identity and image.

8. Evaluate communications activities on the project, from effectiveness to budget spend, so that improvements can be identified during and after the project.

9. Create and lead a team including carrying out regular 121s, appraisals, objective setting and performance monitoring and onboarding contractors as appropriate.

10. Implement the major incident communications plan as required., Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzz words for us. We’re constantly striving to make sure we provide a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. We recognise that certain groups are under-represented within our team and we’re working closely with our regional diversity and inclusion networks to make sure we support these groups as best as we can.

· Educated to degree level or a professional communications qualification (eg IoIC, CIPR, PRCA) or demonstrable equivalent experience

· Substantial experience in corporate communications

· 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

Desirable

· Experience of directing and managing agency support

· Relevant professional qualifications

Evidence of continuing professional development

At Network Rail, we’re part of a large family serving millions of passengers and freight users throughout the UK every day. Our service impacts millions of people and we strive to become more efficient as we enhance, maintain, and operate our network.

Our passengers and freight users are at the heart of everything we do. We help connect people to their friends and families and get goods to their destination safely and efficiently. We’re an organisation where people matter. When you're part of our team, you matter to us, and you matter to millions. Watch our video to find out more!

The Wales & Western region includes more than 2,700 miles of railway and we serve communities and businesses of Wales, the Thames Valley, West of England, and the Southwest Peninsula.
Our ambition to be responsive to passengers and freight users drives us every day and we're empowered to do the right thing for those who use the rail network. We actively challenge unsafe practices and take responsibility for addressing risks, resolving issues, and protecting safety and wellbeing.

About our people and the recruitment process - We’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone!

· Privileged staff travel - Leisure travel discount of 75% on all leisure travel and includes family members.

· A subsidy of up to 75% on rail and underground season tickets if you travel to work on the train.

· GWR ticket alliance – Heavily discounted all day passes for you and up to 3 friends and family to use across the GWR network (20 passes per year)

· Benefits package including healthcare offers, a cycle to work scheme, discounted healthcare club membership, and a discounted offers and benefits including childcare, healthcare and online shopping site.

· A range of Pension schemes to choose from

· Effectively manage work-life balance with a 35hrs per week contract, hybrid working and enhanced family friendly support.

· 5 days paid volunteering leave.

· 2 weeks paid reserve leave for the Armed Forces community.