Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.
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We have an exciting opportunity for a Stakeholder and Communications Manager to join the team based at our Guilden Sutton depot, CH3 7EX. This role will lead customer engagement, stakeholder communications and reputation management for the Cheshire West and Chester highways maintenance contract. The role is responsible for ensuring all stakeholders are effectively informed and engaged before, during and after works, contributing to high customer satisfaction, strong contract performance and a positive public profile for both the Council and Colas.
The role takes ownership of the planning, delivery and evaluation of all customer and communications activity across the contract, acting as the lead for stakeholder engagement and customer experience. It develops and implements stakeholder management and communication plans aligned with contractual and organisational requirements, while building and maintaining trusted relationships with councillors, client teams, community groups, and other key stakeholders. The position serves as the primary point of contact for stakeholder enquiries and leads on managing customer feedback, complaints and escalations, including complex or high-profile issues.
The role oversees the creation and delivery of external communications, including consultation activity, media engagement and incident communications, ensuring messaging is clear, timely and aligned with Council and corporate requirements. It manages both proactive and reactive media activity, working closely with corporate communications teams to protect and enhance reputation.
Internally, the role develops and delivers communication and engagement plans to strengthen collaboration and information flow across the contract. It ensures robust performance management by tracking KPIs, supporting reporting, audits and continuous improvement activity, and embedding structured communication processes and standards. The role identifies potential reputational risks and implements mitigation strategies, while contributing to client meetings and performance reviews.
The position also provides leadership by coaching and supporting team members, acting as the voice of the customer within the contract, and ensuring strong collaboration with operational, programme and traffic management teams to mitigate customer impacts and improve service delivery.
The ideal candidate will bring significant experience in stakeholder engagement, communications, or customer experience in a public-facing environment, with a proven ability to manage complex enquiries, complaints, and politically sensitive issues. They will demonstrate strong leadership capability, with experience developing communications strategies and delivering them across complex programmes of work.
They will possess exceptional communication skills, with a strong track record of producing clear, accessible content and engaging effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including local authorities, elected members and community groups. The individual will be highly resilient, adaptable and solution-focused, with the ability to operate in a fast-paced environment and manage changing priorities.
A strong understanding of performance management, KPI reporting and the use of customer insight to drive continuous improvement is essential. Experience within highways, infrastructure or local authority contracts, along with media handling and team leadership experience, would be advantageous. Relevant qualifications or professional membership in communications, stakeholder engagement or customer experience disciplines are desirable.
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
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A salary between £44,000 and £48,000 PLUS Company Car / Car Allowance
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Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
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Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
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25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
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Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
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Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
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Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
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Ongoing personal / professional development
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Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit, we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing, we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business.
Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.
Note to Recruitment Agencies
In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.
