Lead strategic communications that drive change, engagement and business performance. We're looking for an experienced change and transformation communications leader to join our Communications team on a 12-month secondment/fixed-term contract, partnering with senior leaders to deliver impactful communication strategies across a complex and evolving organisation.
Vacancy Details
Duration: 12 month Fixed Term Contract with the potential to extend or go permanent.
Salary: c. £75,000
Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact Martin Fitzpatrick or [email protected]
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
What does the average day look like?
As Head of Communications (Business Partner), you'll act as a strategic communications partner to senior leaders, helping shape business priorities, employee engagement and organisational change programmes. You'll develop and deliver communications strategies that support transformation initiatives, enhance employee experience and ensure consistent, high-quality messaging across the business.
You will:
- Partner with senior leaders to develop communication strategies and narratives aligned to business priorities.
- Provide coaching, advice and challenge to leaders to help deliver effective and engaging communications.
- Lead communications activity supporting major transformation and change programmes.
- Manage complex and sensitive communications, balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders.
- Deliver initiatives that improve employee engagement, support culture change and drive business performance.
- Measure, evaluate and continuously improve communication effectiveness.
- Lead and develop a team of communications professionals.
A little bit about the team...
You'll join a well-established Communications team and will have direct responsibility for a team of communications professionals, currently comprising two Band 4 colleagues and one Band 5 colleague. The role works closely with senior business leaders and plays a key role in delivering communications that support both organisational priorities and employee engagement across the organisation.
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape communications during a period of significant transformation, helping colleagues understand change, engage with business priorities and contribute to a positive employee experience.
Who are we looking for?
We're seeking a credible and influential communications leader who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about helping organisations navigate change.
The ideal candidate will have proven experience leading strategic communications within a large organisation and will be confident building relationships with senior stakeholders, managing sensitive topics and delivering impactful change communications. Experience gained within the rail industry, a regulated sector or a unionised environment would be particularly beneficial.
Essential Criteria
- Extensive experience working in a communications function at management level within a large organisation.
- Experience partnering with senior leaders, coaching and influencing them to deliver effective communications.
- Strong strategic communications planning and delivery experience.
- Demonstrable experience delivering communications programmes that support transformation, culture change and employee engagement.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate complex and sensitive issues clearly and persuasively.
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Experience leading and developing teams.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working within the rail industry.
- Experience working within a unionised and/or regulated environment.
- Relevant communications qualification (IoIC, CIPR, PRCA) or degree-level education.
- Experience managing complex projects and long-term change programmes.
Next Steps
CV shortlisting will take place after the advert closes, with interviews planned from the week commencing 14 th September, subject to business needs. Early applications are encouraged, as we may close the advert early due to high application volumes.
We encourage you to review our Safety Vision , as safety is an important part of the culture at Network Rail
All external offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
