Communications Director, Wales & Western (18m FTC/Secondment)

You will need to login before you can apply for a job.

Communications Director, Wales & Western (18m FTC/Secondment)

About Network Rail

Join Network Rail – Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we\’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you\’re not just part of a team – you\’re part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Learn more .

We\’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments, click here . We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we\’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

If you\’re ready to make a real difference, we\’d love to hear from you!

Brief Description

We are seeking an experienced communications professional, with a proven track record, to direct and provide leadership in the development and execution of both strategic and tactical communications across the Wales & Western region and routes, delivering effective aligned communications activities, compliant with Network Rail\’s overall corporate communications strategy.

In this role, you will work as an integral member of the Wales & Western leadership team, providing strategic direction for key communications activities, as well as deploying tactical responses to business-critical situations and stakeholder engagement at regional level. You will lead and manage a small regional communications team and hold a \”dotted line\” working relationship with two devolved route-based communications teams.

To be successful, you will possess excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, with a proven track record in bringing about positive business outcomes through effective communications.

About the role (External)

• Lead and direct communications across the region, ensuring consistency and compliance with Network Rail\’s corporate communication strategy, while meeting regional and route-specific needs.
• Provide key communications and public affairs advice to the managing director, region, and executive team.
• Develop, execute, and continuously improve bespoke route communication strategies for all internal and external stakeholders, collaborating with senior management.
• Work with senior communication professionals in TOCs and government to develop and deliver joint external communication strategies.
• Manage potential reputation risks, issues, and incidents in the region, ensuring effective, consistent communications.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships with regional executives and senior teams, providing strategic advice and best practices.
• Lead and direct a public affairs strategy aligned with corporate public affairs goals, targeting external stakeholders such as MPs and local authorities.
• Oversee internal communications strategies in line with corporate policies.
• Manage community relations and public contact, ensuring excellent customer service and timely resolution of public inquiries.
• Conduct audits and reviews of plans and activities to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage branding, including co-branding with TOCs and government, ensuring consistency with corporate policies.
• Implement and maintain major incident communication plans.
• Develop and execute annual stakeholder engagement plans and assessments, producing an annual report.

Job Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

Essential

• Degree level education or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience in corporate communications, including public affairs, media relations, and internal communications.
• Proven ability to develop and deliver comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, integrated communication strategies.
• Leadership experience, developing and motivating teams in a complex environment.
• Experience working in a political environment with local and national government stakeholders.
• Results-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Understanding of political calendars and legislative processes.
• Strong influencing and negotiating skills at senior levels.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience supporting community consultations or major planning submissions.
• Experience managing communications during major incidents or crises.

How to apply (External)

Salary: £97,850 to £112,283 (Band 1B)

Closing date: Midnight on 1st June 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.

Click apply now to apply.

Visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for accessibility support options or to request reasonable adjustments during the application process.

Network Rail Benefits – Learn about our benefits

All employment offers are conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks. More information

#J-18808-Ljbffr