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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, and a commitment to personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of transport and economic growth.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, leadership experience, and a passion for strategic storytelling.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
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 the 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.
As a Senior Strategic Communications Manager, you will 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.
About the role:- 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.
- Leading an agile and multi-disciplinary Strategic communications team, including setting the vision and direction for the function and line-managing the individual team members.
- Establishing and managing a programme of strategic communications projects that promote the benefits of the railway to B2B and B2C audiences.
- Developing and managing a programme of specialist research into HS2's operational rail-user benefits and long-term economic benefits.
- Using insight to understand the beliefs and feelings of key audiences and help to shape the overall External Affairs Directorate Plan and the overall HS2 narrative.
- Applying creativity and using audience insight to assess and develop the future strategic direction of marketing communications.
- Developing and leading the management of strategic communications partnerships with both industry and consumer-facing stakeholders.
- Managing internal stakeholder relationships across the organisation and wider supply chain to support the effective identification and delivery of strategic communications projects.
- Developing and managing a programme of innovation and creative idea-generation alongside colleagues in the Strategic Communications team.
- Managing the effective evaluation and continuous improvement of strategic communications activities.
- Leading the procurement and management of any external agencies required to deliver the strategic communications projects.
- Drafting and research skills, including the ability to create thought leadership content for a variety of audiences.
- 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.
- Programme management ability - balancing competing demands across multiple projects.
- Strategic advisory skills on strategic communications opportunities and approaches.
- Budget management.
- 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.
- Knowledge of how to effectively plan, deliver and evaluate the effectiveness of strategic communications projects across all channels.
- 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. It is expected that you will 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.
Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
About Us:High Speed 2 (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.
Senior Strategic Communications Manager in Birmingham employer: HS2 (High Speed Two)
Contact Detail:
HS2 (High Speed Two) 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 your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Tailor your answers to show how you align with their values, especially around EDI and strategic communications.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills. Be ready to share examples of your past work that demonstrate your leadership and strategic advisory abilities. Make it engaging!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
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 Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've successfully managed communications projects or led teams, and quantify your results where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell your story, explain why you’re passionate about this role, and how your background makes you the perfect fit for HS2 Ltd. Keep it engaging and concise.
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Ensure you submit your CV in the required format and include all necessary details. Remember, we want to see your best work, so double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at HS2 (High Speed Two)
✨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 their mission.
✨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 questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to strategic communications. Think about past projects where you had to balance competing demands or manage complex stakeholder relationships, and be ready to share those experiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
HS2 Ltd values analytical skills and attention to detail. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data and insights to shape communication strategies in previous roles. Bring examples of how you've evaluated the effectiveness of communications projects and made improvements based on your findings.