Brief Description
There is an exciting opportunity to join us in a role that is vital to our success. We are looking for a Senior Communications Manager to join our Communications team.
The role of Senior Communications manager is to develop and deliver consistent and effective communications strategies for key projects aligned with Network Rail’s national communications strategy so that a broad range of stakeholders including, media, public affairs, community relations and employees are effectively engaged.
The role can be based in York or King’s Cross.
This is a 12-month secondment opportunity.
About the role (External)
Role and Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
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 of media relations and internal communications colleagues including carrying out regular 121s, appraisals, objective setting and performance monitoring and onboarding contractors as appropriate.
10.Implement the crisis communications plan as and when appropriate.
11.To be a part of an on-call rota so we can respond to operational and reputational challenges out of hours.
Are you?
·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
Do you have?
·Experience of directing and managing agency support
·Relevant professional qualifications
·Evidence of continuing professional development