Communications & Engagement Lead (FTC) in Corsham

Aeropeople are looking for a Communications & Engagement Lead for our client based in Corsham. The role will be hybrid working, with an expectation to be on site 1-2 days per week but this can be negotiated. There is also the opportunity to work in a local office if this is more suitable. There may be additional travel requirements for specific client events. This is a fixed term contract which will last until the end of March 2027 but may possibly be extended beyond this.

The Communications and Engagement Lead will support the delivery of the SKYNET 6 Programme. The role sits alongside the Delivery Portfolio Management Office and wider programme leadership, providing structured, proactive communications and engagement support across a complex, multi stakeholder defence programme.

The C&E Lead will be responsible for planning, coordinating and delivering internal and external communications, senior stakeholder engagement and programme events. The role also provides close support to the Senior Responsible Owner, helping to maintain momentum on priorities, actions and cross government relationships, while ensuring alignment with wider communications strategies.

Due to the nature of our client’s business within the Defence sector, suitable candidates must already hold current SC clearance.

Main Responsibilities:

• Programme Communications:

• Plan, draft and issue regular internal programme updates on behalf of the SRO.
• Write and publish external communications following key programme milestones.
• Maintain and update core communications artefacts, including the SKYNET 6 Communications Strategy, events calendar and lines to take.
• Ensure communications align with the wider business and Defence Digital messaging and initiatives.

• Coordinate SKYNET 6 engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including cross government partners.
• Lead the organisation of programme events, typically one to two per year, working with senior leaders to agree purpose, agenda and speakers.
• Support external visits, meetings and conferences, including preparation of briefings and speaker notes for senior leaders.
• Coordinate responses to stakeholder requests and press enquiries, working with the appropriate teams.

• Provide structured communications and engagement support to the SRO and Programme Director.
• Track senior leader priorities and actions, ensuring progress is maintained and dependencies are managed.
• Provide practical advice on engagement, leadership visibility and relationship management, offering clear options and recommendations.

• Support cross government engagement activity, including ministerial and senior official interactions.
• Join up communications and engagement across the SKYNET leadership community, ensuring consistent messaging and awareness.
• Provide mentoring and informal training to Crown Servant staff on communications and engagement best practice.

Benefits:

• Competitive day rate (PAYE)
• Holiday Pay
• 4% pension contributions
• Travel expenses paid
• Hotel accommodation paid
• Evening meal allowance

About You:

Essential:

• Proven experience delivering communications and engagement in complex public sector programmes, ideally within defence or national security.
• Strong written communication skills, with experience drafting on behalf of senior leaders.
• Experience working with senior Defence stakeholders across government and industry.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments and maintain momentum without formal authority.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to track actions, priorities and dependencies across multiple stakeholders.
• Proactive: Anticipates needs, suggests actions and drives progress rather than waiting for direction.
• Resilient: Comfortable pushing for outcomes and maintaining focus where priorities shift.
• Credible: Able to challenge senior stakeholders constructively and with confidence.
• Collaborative: Works effectively across organisational boundaries, leaders and diverse teams.

Desirable:

• Experience of MOD and/or Defence Digital environments.
• Previous experience of large-scale infrastructure or technology programmes.