Overview
Head of Corporate Communications at Network Rail. Based in London, you will lead the Corporate Communications team and develop the external communications strategy.
Location
London, GB
Department
GC External Communications (358550) G4
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. We’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. We believe our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive workplace and ED&I commitments. We value flexibility and a healthy work-life balance, with Disability Confident Leader commitments. We provide accessibility support where needed.
Vacancy Details: Permanent, Full-time opportunity. Flexible working will be considered. This role is based in London Waterloo and requires a minimum 3 days a week in the office.
Salary
Band 1A: £86,730 - £103,907 per annum (dependent upon experience)
Brief Description
Reporting to the Director of External Communications & Engagement, you’ll be responsible for setting and delivering our corporate communications strategy, driving proactive public relations, leading the 24/7 press office, and coordinating operational communications during major events and incidents. You’ll drive the planning and delivery of operational communications that support Network Rail’s strategic objectives, integrating operational activity with corporate plans and enhancing crisis preparedness through training and planning. You’ll work closely with senior leaders to shape external messaging, develop executive engagement plans, and ensure our communications reflect the ambition and integrity of Britain’s railway.
About the Role (External)
The Corporate Communications team leads strategic communications across Network Rail, including media relations, public relations, and executive engagement. It ensures 24/7 crisis readiness, supports senior leadership with speechwriting and briefings, and promotes the organisation’s reputation through targeted PR strategies. The team aligns communications with business goals, sets clear targets, and manages budgets, while providing strategic guidance to regional and route teams to uphold high standards in stakeholder engagement and operational communications.
What does the average day look like?
Lead the development and delivery of the Corporate Communications strategy, aligned to business goals. Plan and execute proactive public relations campaigns, develop executive engagement strategies, provide speechwriting and briefings, and manage the national press office and on-call media response. Lead crisis communications planning and delivery, including cross-industry training and response coordination. Build and maintain relationships with media, external stakeholders, government and industry partners to deliver a consistent external narrative.
Who are we looking for?
We’re seeking an experienced, results-driven communications leader to guide the Corporate Communications team through a period of transformation toward a more passenger-focused, integrated, simpler, better and greener railway. You should be a confident, collaborative and strategic leader who can build strong relationships, offer credible challenge, and work effectively across the industry.
Essential Criteria
* Significant experience in leading corporate communications and reputational management for a nationally significant organisation, with proven crisis management experience
* A strategic thinker who can translate business objectives into a compelling external narrative
* Experience in developing and leading a high-performing, results-driven team
* Experience in measuring and evaluating communications to inform strategy
* Ability to build deep, trusted relationships and influence senior stakeholders across a complex, matrixed organisation
* Excellent written and verbal communication with leadership presence and emotional intelligence
* Educated to degree level or equivalent
How to Apply
Please see attached job description for full details. If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details.
Closing Date
24th September 2025. Early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the advert early based on volumes.
Next Steps
Interviews will be held W/C 6th October 2025, depending on business requirements. This will be a 2 stage interview process.
All offers are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Benefits
Flexible/hybrid working arrangements; generous annual leave (28 days + statutory), with buy/sell options; station discounts with Network Rail pass; defined benefit pension; 75% subsidy on train tickets; interest-free travel loan for season tickets; volunteer leave; and more.
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Other
Seniority level: Executive
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries: Rail Transportation
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