Communications Lead - Lacon House, WC1X 8NL

Communications Lead – Lacon House, WC1X 8NL Communications Lead – Project Elevate – Minimum of 12 months FTC 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. The main purpose of the role is to lead and deliver the communications strategy and execution for a major transformation programme. This role ensures that all stakeholders are engaged, informed, and aligned throughout the programme lifecycle. The Communications Lead will act as a strategic advisor and delivery expert, embedding effective communication practices that drive understanding, buy-in, and behaviour change across the organisation. Direct responsibilities: • Strategic Planning: – Develop and own the transformation communications strategy aligned with the programme vision, goals, and timelines. – Identify and map key stakeholders and tailor communications approaches accordingly. – Ensure communication supports cultural change and helps mitigate resistance. • Content Development: – Create compelling, clear, and timely content (e.g., newsletters, presentations, FAQs, intranet updates, video scripts) that articulates the programme’s value and progress. – Develop messaging frameworks that resonate with different audiences (execs, managers, frontline staff). Stakeholder Engagement: – Partner with HR, IT, and business unit leads to ensure consistent messaging and engagement. – Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on communication opportunities, risks, and issues. – Organise and support events (e.g., town halls, Q&A sessions, webinars) to foster engagement. Channel Management: -Utilise a mix of channels (digital, face-to-face, email, social) to reach stakeholders effectively. -Monitor channel effectiveness and adjust communication tactics based on feedback and analytics. -Change & Readiness Support: -Work closely with change managers and programme teams to align communications with change plans and readiness assessments. – Support communications that help people adopt new systems, processes, or behaviours. Risk and Issue Management: – Anticipate and manage reputational risks related to transformation communications. – Respond swiftly and effectively to emerging communication issues or resistance. Key Deliverables: – Transformation communications plan and roadmap • – Stakeholder mapping and engagement plans – Core messaging frameworks and toolkits – Content calendars and communication assets – Feedback and impact analysis reports – Leadership briefing packs and speaking notes Knowledge, skills and experience Essential: – Proven experience leading communications for complex, large-scale transformation or change programmes – Strong copywriting, storytelling, and content creation skills – Experience working with senior stakeholders and influencing at all levels – Deep understanding of change communications and employee engagement best practices – Ability to translate complex information into accessible, audience-specific messages – Excellent planning and project management skills Desirable: – Familiarity with tools like SharePoint, MS Teams, intranet platforms, video editing software, etc – Proven track record of delivering enterprise-level transformations (e.g., digital, ERP, M&A integration) – Certifications in programme/project management (e.g., MSP, PgMP, PRINCE2, PMP) desirable – Experience in managing executive-level stakeholders and governance 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 Monday 1st September 2025. Arriva Group reserve the right to close this vacancy early.