External Communications Director in London

Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating in 11 countries across the UK and Europe. The company employs around 35,000 people, delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys connecting people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably. We have strong roots dating back to 1938, an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, and a continuously developing relationship with I Squared Capital – a global infrastructure investment fund manager - who acquired Arriva in 2024.

We are looking for an External Communications Director to join our Communications Team that sits in our Corporate Centre Team on a full-time, permanent basis. This role will either be based from our London or Sunderland office.

The External Communications Director is responsible for leading Arriva’s global external communications strategy, strengthening the Group’s reputation and profile across media, digital and social channels, and positioning Arriva as a pan‑European market leader in passenger transport. The role exists to drive greater alignment, consistency and impact in how Arriva communicates externally - clearly articulating why Arriva exists, how it creates positive value for customers, clients, communities, stakeholders and investors, and how it delivers against its strategic priorities.

Working in close partnership with the Group Communications Director, the role provides strategic leadership across corporate, financial and brand communications, setting global frameworks and best‑practice standards that can be adapted to local relevance and market priorities within defined guardrails.

• External Communications Strategy & Leadership – Develop and lead Arriva’s global external communications strategy, aligned to Group strategy, commercial priorities and reputation objectives.
• External Communications Leadership – Act as the senior external communications adviser to the Group Communications Director and senior leadership team.
• Head of External Communications Channel – Provide leadership, direction and capability development for the external communications function through the Head of External Communications and the Senior Corporate Communications & Annual Report Manager.
• Reputation, Profile & Positioning – Strengthen Arriva’s corporate profile and reputation across key European markets, highlighting Arriva’s purpose, performance and impact.
• Positioning – Position Arriva as a trusted, credible and forward‑looking pan‑European transport leader with customers, clients, stakeholders and investors.
• Storytelling – Shape and articulate a clear, compelling Arriva story that consistently explains who we are, what we do and why it matters.
• Media Relations – Lead Arriva’s global media strategy, overseeing proactive and reactive media engagement across Tier 1 and trade outlets.
• Issues Management & Crisis – Provide strategic oversight of issues management, media handling and crisis communications at Group level.
• Media Readiness – Ensure senior leaders are well supported and prepared for external media engagement.
• Social, Digital & Content – Set the strategic direction for Arriva’s social and digital communications, ensuring channels are used effectively to build profile, engagement and advocacy.
• Content Development – Oversee development of high‑quality external content that brings Arriva’s purpose, values, innovation and impact to life.
• Digital Storytelling – Ensure a coherent approach to digital storytelling across markets, aligned to global standards and brand positioning.
• Corporate Reporting & Investor Communications – Provide strategic oversight of corporate reporting, including the Annual Report, ensuring clarity, consistency and alignment with Arriva’s narrative, strategy and values. Work closely with Finance, Sustainability and Legal to ensure external disclosures are accurate, compelling and aligned to stakeholder expectations. Support investor‑focused communications in partnership with relevant teams.
• Global Frameworks & Local Adaptation – Establish global frameworks, standards and guardrails for external communications, including messaging, tone of voice, content principles and channel use. Clearly define where global consistency is required and where local flexibility is encouraged, enabling operating businesses to communicate effectively in their markets. Act as a centre of excellence, supporting local teams to adapt Group narratives for local priorities while maintaining overall coherence.
• Collaboration & External Affairs Alignment – Work closely with the Director of External Affairs to ensure joined‑up communications across media, policy, advocacy, public affairs and stakeholder engagement. Align reputational messaging with public affairs activity, ensuring consistency and reinforcement across channels and stakeholders. Partner with colleagues across Sustainability, HR and Business Development teams to deliver integrated external communications.

• Set clear expectations for measurement and evaluation, using insight and data to assess impact, manage reputation and continuously improve performance.
• Share best practice and learning across the Group to raise capability and consistency.

• Significant senior experience in external and corporate communications within a complex, international organisation.
• Proven track record of developing and delivering enterprise‑level external communications strategies.
• Extensive experience in media relations, issues management and reputation leadership.
• Strong leadership capability, with experience managing and developing senior communications professionals.
• Ability to influence and advise at executive level with clarity, confidence and sound judgement.

• Background in regulated or publicly scrutinised sectors.
• Strong understanding of ESG, sustainability and purpose‑led communications.

• Strategically minded, confident and credible communicator.
• Calm and decisive under pressure, with excellent judgement.
• Collaborative and influential, able to work across functions and markets.
• Passionate about clarity, consistency and authenticity in communication.
• Committed to high standards, transparency and responsible corporate storytelling.

This job description sets out the main duties and responsibilities of the job-holder. It does not constitute an exhaustive or comprehensive description of duties and the job holder will be required to carry out any additional tasks as and when requested to do so by their manager. Responsibilities and duties may also change in light of future business needs and personal development.

The closing date for applications is Friday 13th February 2026. Arriva Group reserves the right to close this vacancy early.