Communications Manager, Places (12-month contract) in Manchester

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

Role Description

Manage and deliver corporate communication initiatives for Advanced Process and Manufacturing (APM) as an integral part of the Places Global Business Area (GBA) strategy and plan, ensuring Places APM communications are aligned with, embedded and elevated in the broader Places and Arcadis narrative and communications.

Provide specialist internal communications and employee engagement advice to the business, acting as a consultative and strategic partner to the Places APM business and management team. Focus on Arcadis’ growing semiconductors & advanced technologies and life sciences activities and the additional capabilities brought into Places through Arcadis DPS Group.

Advise business leaders on the impact and effectiveness of communications, including external activity in partnership with the external communications team. Play an active role as part of the GBA Corporate Communications team, contributing Places APM perspectives into the shaping of broader corporate communications strategies, priorities and programs across GBAs.

Reports To: Global Communications Director, Cross‑GBA

Accountabilities

• Manage and deliver internal communications strategies and channels for APM within the wider Places GBA strategy and plan.
• Act as a consultative and strategic communications partner to the APM business and management team.
• Lead the internal communications strategy for transformation and change across Places APM.
• Develop and execute communications plans for change initiatives and key business programs.
• Plan and develop high‑quality written content for internal and external communications.
• Support key global Corporate Communications projects and programs.
• Proactively identify APM subject matter experts and leaders to elevate thought leadership.
• Manage internal digital channels and cascade frameworks for Places APM.
• Consult on strategic leader and all‑hands Town Hall engagement events for APM and Places.
• Tailor global and Places‑wide programs to make them relevant for APM colleagues.
• Manage an internal communications calendar for APM aligned to the broader Places and GBA Editorial Calendars.
• Measure activity and use metrics to inform improvements to internal communications activity.

Key Shared Accountabilities

• Embed APM initiatives and narratives into broader Places and corporate communications strategies across Arcadis.
• Advise the Global External Communications to help manage brand and reputation.
• Play a collaborative role in the Corporate Communications team to raise the profile of Arcadis.
• Represent Places APM on the Global Internal Communications Community of Practice.
• Support crisis communications in partnership with Corporate Communications and business leadership.
• Partner with GSSC colleagues for the creation and delivery of high‑quality content.
• Collaborate across the GBA Corporate Communications team to continually improve communications.
• Partner closely with the Places APM Change Management team to coordinate and deliver strategic communications.

Decision Rights

• Internal communications approach, planning and day‑to‑day delivery for Places APM.
• Execution of APM‑related content and channel activities.
• Development and implementation of stakeholder self‑service models and communications SLAs for Places APM.
• The strategic communications approach supporting APM transformation and change.
• Identification, coaching and support of Places APM subject matter experts and leaders.

Influences

• Overall transformation and integration communications across Places APM.
• Broader Places GBA and cross‑GBA editorial planning and priorities.
• Global Corporate Communications projects and campaigns.
• Channel optimization and performance recommendations.
• Related Marketing campaigns.
• Crisis communications response.

Vetoes

• Content or messaging that conflicts with Arcadis’ tone of voice, standards or governance.
• Communications that inaccurately position APM.
• Change impact.

Qualifications & Experience

• 6+ years business experience at professional level in communications, change management or similar role.
• Thorough understanding and experience of applying change communications methodologies.
• Multi‑discipline skills including internal and external communications.
• Experience of working in a matrix organization and adapting to managing differing stakeholder objectives.
• Excellent communication and written skills with strong attention to detail.
• Interpersonal skills and proven ability to project manage complex multi‑channel initiatives.
• Experience of advising to leadership level and willingness to execute comms initiatives.
• A growth mindset, always wanting to learn and improve.
• Highly collaborative, energized by working to shared goals.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (journalism or communications preferably).

Arcadis Values

• Working internationally, across different industries and business lines.
• Managing change: divestments, mergers, start‑ups and new business models.
• Living our purpose: mentoring, sponsoring people and supporting communities, attention for the planet and sustainability.

Leadership Success Profile

• Curiosity: demonstrate and develop curiosity and a global strategic mindset.
• Digital savviness, entrepreneurial and innovative.
• Build organizational networks that are value‑adding and purposeful.
• Incorporate a human‑centric, experimentation‑led learning mindset.
• Actively engage diverse points of view and manage healthy conflict.

Drive Success

• Create a sense of shared ownership and accountability.
• Take ownership of responsibility, motivating and aligning others.
• Internalize organizational goals as personal stretch goals.
• Outcome‑focused, tackling challenges head‑on.
• Commercial acumen and sustainability focus.
• Shape the future of the organization.

Ignite Passion

• Role model commitment to improving quality of life and sustainability.
• Adaptive engagement style culturally sensitive.
• Clarify and manage anxiety through clear communication.
• Integrate work with the bigger picture.
• Maintain personal resilience and help others do the same.
• Build trust through authenticity and integrity.

Main Working Contacts

• Global Communications Director, Cross‑GBA
• Global Communications Director, Places
• GBA Comms Directors
• Corporate Communications Leadership team
• Places APM Management Team
• Global Internal Communications Community of Practice
• Marketing team
• Marketing and Communications global service centre (GSSC)
• Change Centre of Excellence
• Tech and People teams

Why Arcadis?

We empower everyone to deliver sustainable solutions. You’ll do meaningful work, help deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet, and shape a lasting legacy. Join Arcadis and create a legacy.