Senior Internal Communications Business Partner

We are looking for a Senior Internal Communications Business Partner to help shape and deliver strategic, high-impact internal communications across the business. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract to cover maternity leave.

In this role, you will work closely with teams across the organisation to create engaging communications that support major projects, cultural initiatives and organisational change. You will lead the planning and delivery of colleague recognition events, manage internal communication platforms, support charity and community engagement activities, and help build communication capability across the business. This is an excellent opportunity to influence employee engagement and contribute to a positive and connected workplace culture.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Communications & Business Partnering
  • Provide strategic advice and support to colleagues in designing tailored internal communications solutions across print, digital and social channels.
  • Partner with key functions across the business to design and deliver engaging communications that support major projects, business change programmes and organisational priorities.
  • Champion the consistent use of the internal brand and tone of voice, using audience insight to ensure communications are relevant, inclusive and effective.
  • Work closely with the External Communications Team to support joint communications activity, stakeholder events and campaigns.
  • Deputise for the Head of Employee Communications & Engagement as required.
• Employee Engagement & Recognition
  • Lead the planning and delivery of colleague engagement events and recognition programmes, including Long Service and Employee Excellence Awards.
  • Facilitate opportunities for meaningful employee‑leader engagement, including frontline meetups, management events and functional conferences.
  • Contribute to the delivery of the organisation’s charity strategy, promoting charitable opportunities and supporting charity committee activities to maximise community impact.
  • Manage and curate internal social media‑style channels, ensuring content is engaging, timely and aligned with business objectives.
  • Support the creation and editing of internal video content for publication across communication channels.
  • Oversee governance of internal digital screen content and provide guidance to local content champions.
  • Identify and implement opportunities to leverage emerging technologies and communication platforms to enhance employee engagement.
• Communications Capability & Governance
  • Design and deliver communications training for line managers to build confidence and capability in engaging their teams.
  • Provide guidance, standards and governance to ensure consistent, high-quality internal communications across the organisation.
• Creative & Design Support
  • Provide ad hoc InDesign support and create branded artwork during periods of limited capacity within the Design team.

Who we’re looking for:

• Experienced internal communications professional with strong strategic business partnering capability.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver multi‑channel communication strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience influencing senior leaders and cross‑functional teams.
• Able to manage multiple priorities, complex projects and large‑scale events in a fast‑paced environment.
• Skilled in using digital communications tools and platforms, with experience in CMS, email, social media and Office 365.
• Confident using insight and data to evaluate and improve communication effectiveness.
• Proficient in Adobe InDesign and creating visually engaging content.
• Highly organised, collaborative and detail‑focused.
• Degree‑level qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing or a related field is desirable.

As well as a competitive salary, we’ll also offer you:

• 32 days’ holiday per year, rising to 34 after 2 years.
• Free First‑Class duty travel on the EMR network.
• Free standard leisure travel on the EMR network and Train Operating Companies under Transport UK & LNER.
• 75% discount on national leisure travel (including partner and dependants).
• Friends and Family discounted tickets on the EMR network.
• Employee benefits portal with access to generous discounts, Cycle 2 Work Scheme …and many more!

This position is based in our Derby Head office, but we’ve adopted a flexible hybrid working model that allows you to work in your own way at home while also benefiting from engaging in‑person collaboration spaces.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, we promote equal opportunities for all. East Midlands Railway is a non‑discriminatory employer committed to the recruitment and promotion of all on the basis of ability and merit irrespective of disability, race, gender, health, social class, sexual preference, marital status, nationality, religion, employment status or age. We’ll treat your application fairly and assess you for the job based on merit and skills.