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- Tasks: Lead strategic communications projects and promote HS2's goals across diverse audiences.
- Company: Join HS2 Ltd, the UK's pioneering high-speed rail network.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits fund, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of transport and economic growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic communications, leadership, and content creation.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 54878 - 64562 £ per year.
Salary: Base salary: £54,878 to £64,562 pa depending on skills and experience. In addition, we offer a flexible benefits fund of 20% which is paid on top of base salary and is fully pensionable, as well as a range of competitive benefits.
This is a Fixed Term Contract opportunity to cover Maternity Leave until 30th June 2027.
HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities.
About The Role
- Provide strategic advice on how best to achieve HS2’s goals through effective strategic communications projects for multiple audiences and across a range of channels.
- Actively promote and embed Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work, and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
- Lead an agile, multi-disciplinary Strategic Communications team, including setting the vision and direction for the function and line‑managing the individual team members.
- Establish and manage a programme of strategic communications projects that promote the benefits of the railway to B2B and B2C audiences, including future rail‑users, businesses and investors.
- Develop and manage a programme of specialist research into HS2’s operational rail‑user benefits and long‑term economic benefits, and systematically horizon‑scan strategic communications opportunities in support of HS2’s external affairs strategy.
- Use insight to understand the beliefs and feelings of key audiences and help shape the overall External Affairs Directorate Plan and HS2 narrative.
- Apply creativity and audience insight to assess and develop the future strategic direction of marketing communications.
- Develop and lead the management of strategic communications partnerships with industry and consumer‑facing stakeholders, ranging from museums and local attractions to train operating companies and inward investment agencies.
- Develop the narrative and key messages for the strategic communications projects, translating them into required materials across digital and print channels.
- Advise contributors across the organisation who will be utilised for strategic communications projects, including drafting articles, speeches and presentations where required.
- Work collaboratively across the External Affairs Directorate, including strategy, events, creative, media, digital and public affairs teams to ensure the collaborative delivery of strategic communications plans and projects.
- Manage internal stakeholder relationships across the organisation and wider supply chain to support the effective identification and delivery of strategic communications projects.
- Develop and manage a programme of innovation and creative idea‑generation alongside colleagues in the Strategic Communications team.
- Manage the effective evaluation and continuous improvement of strategic communications activities.
- Lead the procurement and management of any external agencies required to deliver the strategic communications projects.
Skills
- Drafting and research skills, including the ability to create thought leadership content for a variety of audiences with a journalistic understanding of storytelling.
- Speechwriting skills, including the ability to work successfully with executives at the highest levels of an organisation.
- Leadership and people management skills.
- Analytical skills and attention to detail – supporting specialist research and horizon‑scanning activity.
- Programme management ability – balancing competing demands across multiple projects.
- Strategic advisory skills on strategic communications opportunities and approaches.
- Budget management.
- Evaluation and continuous improvement.
- Strategic communications partnership development.
- Agency procurement & management.
- Collaborative skills, including the ability to work across all communications disciplines.
- Innovation and creative idea generation.
Knowledge
- Understanding and knowledge of best practice strategic communication.
- Political understanding with awareness of wider current affairs context.
- Understanding of the construction, infrastructure, transport and economic development sectors.
- Understanding of how print, digital and social media channels should tell a coherent and consistent story, appropriately tailored for different audiences.
- Knowledge of how to effectively plan, deliver and evaluate the effectiveness of strategic communications projects across all channels.
Experience
- Experience of drafting content for consumer and business audiences on complex and sensitive topics.
- Experience of supporting senior management in communications.
- Experience of managing and developing others.
- Experience of managing complex research and insight projects.
- Experience of developing strategic communications partnerships with external stakeholders.
- Experience of procuring and managing external suppliers.
The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with the HS2 values of Safety, Leadership, Integrity and Respect. They are expected to actively promote and embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all their work and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
HS2 Ltd will be the UK’s new high speed rail network. As well as improving capacity, the new scheme will shorten journey times between a number of Britain’s major population centres, boost the economy and create thousands of jobs. HS2 Ltd will create a skills legacy and develop a diverse range of talent. We aim to be a leader in EDI practice by creating a safe & inclusive working environment for all our staff – living our values of Safety, Respect, Integrity and Leadership.
HS2 Ltd is also a safety‑critical organisation. Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others’ health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to our ‘Safe at Heart’ programme principles and following safe working procedures at all times.
Senior Strategic Communications Manager in Birmingham employer: HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
Contact Detail:
HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategic Communications Manager in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand HS2's mission and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share examples of your past experiences that highlight your strategic communications expertise. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to keep it structured.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the HS2 team and contributing to our exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Strategic Communications Manager in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Strategic Communications Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially in strategic communications and leadership.
Showcase Your Storytelling Skills: Since storytelling is key in this role, include examples of how you've crafted compelling narratives for different audiences. This will demonstrate your ability to engage and inform effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language clear and concise. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your key messages stand out. We want to see your communication skills shine!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you can check out all the benefits we offer while you're there.
How to prepare for a job interview at HS2 (High Speed Two) Ltd
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research HS2 Ltd and its strategic communications goals. Understand their target audiences and how they communicate with them. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your knowledge of the company’s mission and values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Strategic Communications Manager, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight any experience you have in promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within your teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and strategic thinking skills. Think of specific examples where you've developed and executed successful communication strategies, especially in complex or sensitive situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
HS2 Ltd values analytical skills and attention to detail. Be ready to discuss how you've used data and insights to inform your communication strategies. Prepare to talk about any research projects you've managed and how you evaluated their success.