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Duration: 18 month FTC/Industry Secondment
Location: London, GB
Band & Salary: £97,850 to £112,283 Band 1B
Who are we looking for?
Network Rail’s Wales & Western Region are seeking an experienced communications professional, with a proven track record to direct and provide leadership in the development and execution of both strategic and tactical communications across the Wales & Western region and routes, delivering effective aligned communications activities, compliant with Network Rail’s overall corporate communications strategy.
In this role you will work as an integral member of the Wales & Western leadership team, providing strategic direction for key communications activities, as well as the deployment of tactical responses to business-critical situations and stakeholder engagement at regional level. You will lead and manage a small regional communications team and hold a “dotted line” working relationship with two devolved route-based communications teams.
To be successful in this role you will possess excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with a proven track record in bringing about positive business outcomes through effective communications. This role can be offered as an 18 month Fixed Term Contract or as a Industry Wide Secondment
About the role (External)
Lead and direct communications across the region, that are consistent and compliant with Network Rail’s corporate communication strategy and contribute to improving quality of communications whilst meeting region and route specific needs. Provide key communications and public affairs advise to the managing director, region, and executive team.
Lead the development, execution, and continuous improvement of bespoke route communication strategies for all internal and external stakeholders, working collaboratively with the managing director, region and team.
Working with senior communication professionals in the TOC(s) and government, co-lead the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of joint external communications strategies, leading the execution of regional elements of these strategies or plans.
Lead the communications management of all potential reputation risks, issues, and incidents in the region, working closely with all regions, routes, and corporate business areas to deliver effective, consistent communications.
Lead and build strong stakeholder relationships with members of the regional executive team, and their senior teams providing strategic advice, best practice communications and being responsive to emerging events.
Lead and direct a public affairs strategy in line with the corporate public affairs strategy and the needs of the region and routes, targeting external stakeholders, MPs, and local authorities, amongst others.
Lead and direct the region and routes internal communications strategy in line with the corporate internal communications strategy.
Lead and direct community relations and contact with the public including lineside neighbours in line with national standards and policies, delivering excellent customer service and resolving public contact within target timescales.
Lead regular audits and reviews of existing plans, budgets and delivered activities to continuously improve, and deliver cost effective, efficient communications services to the region.
Lead on all branding use, including the development of co-branding with the TOC(s) and government, so it is consistent and complies with Network Rail’s corporate policy on branding, identity, and image.
Implement and maintain the major incident communications plan as required.
Lead the development and implementation of the region and routes annual stakeholder engagement plan and code of practise, undertaking annual assessments with all stakeholders and the production of an annual report.
Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
- Extensive experience in corporate communications including public affairs, media relations and internal communications.
- Proven ability of developing and delivering comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, integrated communications strategies
- Extensive experience within leadership roles, developing and motivating teams in a complex and fast-moving communications environment.
- Extensive experience in working in a political environment, working with both local and national government stakeholders.
- Results-oriented, focused on organising and bringing people and resources together to achieve objectives.
- Proven understanding of relevant political calendars and legislative assemblies
- Proven influencing and negotiating skills at a senior level.
- Excellent written and spoken communications skills.
Desirable
- Experience of delivering communications in support of community consultations or major planning submissions
- Proven experience of communications for major incidents or crisis situations
Closing date: Midnight on 1st June 2025. – Late applications will not be accepted.
