At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging internal communications and enhance employee engagement across the organisation.
- Company: Join Henderson Group, a family-owned business with a strong culture and values.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, healthcare, pension, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working arrangements available for a better work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by connecting colleagues and driving engagement in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in internal communications and digital platforms is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Attractive Salary & Benefits
36.5 Hour week (Hybrid)
Newtownabbey
Who are we
Henderson Group are proud to be one of Northern Irelands leading employers. Our group encompasses Henderson Wholesale, Henderson Retail, Henderson Foodservice, Henderson Group Property, and Henderson Technology. Each of our divisions are Investors in People accredited at Gold/Platinum level, and we employ over 6,000 colleagues across the group. We're a family-owned business, and our culture is lived out through our four core values - Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork and Integrity.
A look into the role
We are now recruiting for the role of Internal Communications Manager, based within our Group Human Resources function. Reporting directly to our Group Human Resources Director, this role forms part of our HR Leadership team, and will provide the successful candidate with a unique and exciting opportunity to lead the development and delivery of engaging internal communications that keep colleagues informed, connected and aligned across the organisation.
Working closely with leaders, HR and Marketing, the candidate will deliver clear, compelling messages on business priorities, performance and brand activity, while strengthening culture, engagement and colleague experience.
A key part of this role will be to manage and continually enhance the organisations online employee engagement and internal communications platform, ensuring the delivery of a user-friendly, engaging and accessible service that is aligned to colleague needs.
This role will be very well suited to an enthusiastic and customer focused individual, with excellent communication ability and attention to detail.
The Internal Communications Manager will:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive internal communications strategy aligned to business objectives, people priorities and organisational values.
- Coordinate communication plans for business-wide initiatives, seasonal peaks and operational milestones.
- Ensure messaging is clear, consistent and tailored to different audiences across the Henderson Group.
- Measure effectiveness of communications activity through engagement metrics, feedback and insight.
- Partner with Directors and senior leaders to develop impactful internal communications content including announcements, updates, presentations, speeches and key messages.
- Support directors in planning and delivering internal communication events such as town halls, leadership briefings, roadshows and colleague forums.
- Coach leaders on effective communication approaches and colleague engagement.
- Build a strong working partnership with Corporate Marketing to align internal and external messaging where appropriate.
- Ensure colleagues are informed and engaged with key business news, commercial launches, brand campaigns, milestones, market developments and corporate achievements.
- Work closely with the HR Director and HR team to support employee engagement strategy and initiatives.
- Develop campaigns that reinforce company values, celebrate success, recognise colleagues and strengthen culture.
- Use employee insight, segmentation and personas to tailor communications and increase engagement across diverse colleague groups.
- Work with stakeholders to improve user journeys, with a focus on digital-first and mobile user experience.
- Own, manage and continually enhance the organisations online employee engagement and internal communications platform, ensuring that platforms are user-friendly, engaging, accessible and aligned to colleague needs.
- Manage content architecture, publishing standards, user permissions, governance and platform performance.
- Identify and implement new functionality, integrations and digital improvements to enhance colleague engagement and communication effectiveness.
- Work closely with IT, external suppliers and system providers to resolve issues, deliver upgrades and optimise platform capability.
- Use analytics and user insight to drive continuous improvement in digital channel performance and colleague experience.
- Support the delivery of internal colleague events, recognition programmes and engagement activities across the business.
- Act as a trusted advisor on internal communications matters across the organisation.
- Monitor industry trends, emerging channels and best practice in internal communications and engagement, driving innovation in how the business communicates with colleagues.
Skills for Success
Joining us as Internal Communications Manager, the minimum criteria you'll need is:
- Demonstrable previous experience in development and delivery of a communication strategy for internal communications and employee engagement.
- Experience partnering with senior leaders and producing executive-level communications.
- Strong experience owning, managing and developing digital communication platforms such as intranet, employee apps or engagement systems.
- Good technical capability with experience of content management systems, digital tools, data management and segmentation, analytics platforms, and platform administration.
- Demonstrated success in delivering colleague events, engagement campaigns and change communications.
- Experience using audience insight, segmentation or employee personas to improve engagement.
- A valid driving licence.
The skills/attributes you'll need include:
- Excellent Communication skills (verbal and written).
- Creativity and strong copywriting, editing and content creation skills across multiple formats.
- Excellent stakeholder management capability, including influencing and project management skills.
- Strong analytical skills with ability to interpret engagement data and measure ROI.
- Proactive problem solving with a solution-oriented mindset.
- Adaptable and comfortable working in fast-paced, evolving environments and managing ambiguity.
- Strong colleague-focused customer support approach, with an emphasis on empathy and responsiveness.
- Curious and innovative mindset - the successful candidate will demonstrate a natural ability to successfully lead change and drive continuous improvement.
It is desirable if you have:
- Degree-level qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Human Resources, Business or related discipline.
- Professional qualification in Internal Communications, CIPR, CIM or equivalent.
- Relevant digital platform, intranet or content management system training.
- Experience within a large, multi-site retail, wholesale, logistics or customer-facing organisation.
- Previous Project Management training/qualification.
Are we right for you?
As part of this role, it will be important that you feel aligned with the values that we live and work by.
- Ambition - We always strive to be better. We seek new challenges and look for ways to do things better.
- Customer First - We provide exceptional service. We put customers at the heart of everything and support our communities.
- Teamwork - We succeed together. We help colleagues to succeed, and we share our knowledge and skills.
- Integrity - We are fair, honest and ethical. We treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are inclusive and champion diversity.
The Reward
The impact you can make with Henderson Group goes far beyond your day-to-day role. You will be part of a business that is committed to supporting the communities we serve. Our business has been recognised externally for delivering excellence in employment - we value employee development and heavily invest in our people.
Benefits include market competitive salary, contributory pension scheme, healthcare, life assurance, employee assistance programme, social club, The Store Rewards & Discount platform, staff discount (grocery/fuel) at SPAR/EUROSPAR Henderson Group company-owned stores and many more.
This is a full-time position working 36.5 hours per week. Working hours will be 8:45am-4:45pm Monday to Thursday and 8:45am-3:45pm Friday. Hybrid and flexible working arrangement available.
Completed applications must be submitted online by midnight on 18th May 2026. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Skills: Employee Engagement, Internal Communications, Digital Communications
Benefits: Healthcare, Pension, Employee Discounts
Internal Communications Manager JBLE1_NI in Newtownabbey employer: Henderson Group
Henderson Group is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to employee development and community support. With a strong family-owned culture rooted in ambition, teamwork, and integrity, employees enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive benefits including healthcare and pension schemes, and opportunities for personal growth within a diverse and inclusive environment in Newtownabbey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Internal Communications Manager JBLE1_NI in Newtownabbey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Henderson Group on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company culture and values. Make sure you can demonstrate how your experience aligns with their core values of Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork, and Integrity.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your communication skills! During interviews, be clear and concise in your responses. Use examples from your past experiences that highlight your ability to engage and inform colleagues effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role and mentioning something specific from your conversation can leave a lasting impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Internal Communications Manager JBLE1_NI in Newtownabbey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how you align with our values of Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork, and Integrity.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an Internal Communications Manager, your ability to communicate effectively is key. Use clear, concise language in your application and highlight any relevant experience in crafting messages for diverse audiences.
Highlight Digital Experience:Since managing digital communication platforms is a big part of this role, make sure to emphasise your experience with intranets, employee apps, or any other digital tools you've used. We love seeing how you've improved engagement through technology!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Henderson Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Henderson Group
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Henderson Group thoroughly. Understand their core values—Ambition, Customer First, Teamwork, and Integrity—and think about how your experience aligns with these principles. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare Your Communication Strategy Examples
Since the role focuses heavily on internal communications, be ready to discuss specific examples of communication strategies you've developed or implemented in the past. Highlight how these strategies improved engagement or addressed challenges within an organisation. Tailor your examples to reflect the needs of Henderson Group.
✨Showcase Your Digital Savvy
Given the emphasis on managing digital communication platforms, come prepared to discuss your experience with content management systems and analytics tools. Be ready to share how you've used data to drive improvements in engagement and communication effectiveness in previous roles.
✨Engage with Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking insightful questions. Inquire about the current internal communication challenges the company faces or how they measure the success of their engagement initiatives. This shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
