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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic communications and engage with senior teams to shape impactful messaging.
- Company: Join Network Rail, where your work matters to millions across the country.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, travel discounts, and a supportive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a fast-paced environment while shaping company culture.
- Qualifications: Degree or professional qualification in communications and management experience required.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 61000 - 73000 £ per year.
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. We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
Vacancy Details
- Duration: Permanent, this role is a full-time opportunity; flexible working patterns will be considered.
- Location: This role is based in London Waterloo General Offices.
- Band & Salary: Band 2B £71,163 - £84,437 (Dependent upon experience)
Brief Description
We’re looking for a collaborative and strategic communications leader to help shape and deliver meaningful engagement across our organisation. In this role, you’ll partner with senior teams to develop clear, creative and impactful communications that support our people, our culture and our business priorities. If you’re someone who builds strong relationships, enjoys working in a fast‑paced environment and brings thoughtful, inclusive communication expertise, we’d love to hear from you.
About The Role
You’ll be part of the Internal Communications Leadership Team and work closely with senior leaders across the organisation. In this role, you report directly to a principal‑level leader and you’ll have two direct reports of your own. You’ll collaborate regularly with other heads of function and communications directors, forming part of a wider, supportive professional network.
What does the average day look like?
No two days are exactly alike in this role, but here’s a feel for what you can expect. You’ll spend much of your time connecting with the teams and leaders you support and partner. This might involve staying close to what’s happening across their areas, helping them shape clear and meaningful messages, or offering advice on how best to communicate something important. You’ll work closely with senior leaders and functional teams to plan and prioritise communications that support the overall strategy. You might be overseeing the creation of messaging or reviewing plans; other days you’ll be advising on how to approach a complex or sensitive topic. You’ll spend time developing or reviewing communications plans to make sure they’re aligned with the wider organisational approach and will land effectively with colleagues in different locations and roles. This could involve assuring key campaigns or planning for upcoming announcements. You’ll regularly collaborate with other communications leaders and colleagues across the business. This might include joining planning sessions, sharing insight, or helping to shape wider strategies that support shared goals. You’ll also support and coach your own team as they deliver content, run engagement activities and respond to issues as they arise. You’ll help set direction, guide decisions and create an environment where the team can do their best work. You’ll lead the way on looking at feedback, reviewing data, and using insight to make recommendations that help improve how we communicate. A key part of the role is having the ability to calmly and seamlessly work through unexpected or urgent situations. In these moments, you’ll play your part in coordinating clear and timely communications, so people have the information they need.
Essential Criteria
- Educated to degree level or a professional communications qualification (eg IoIC, CIPR, PRCA)
- Extensive experience working in a communications function at management level in a large organisation at a strategic level
- Evidence of having successfully managed internal communications to a widely dispersed workforce, including developing and delivering multi-disciplinary communication programmes
- Experience of working productively in partnership with senior leaders, coaching and influencing them to deliver effective messaging
- Knowledge and understanding of new and innovative best practice communications to drive engagement and shape culture
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills
- Customer service mindset and the ability to understand others
- Proven ability to grasp, understand and promote complex and sensitive issues in a persuasive and sensible way
- Ability to negotiate and influence effectively with all levels of an organisation
- Ability to develop and maintain a wide network of stakeholder contacts
- A demonstrable collaborative approach
- Ability to create solutions and make things happen
- Ability to think flexibly
How To Apply
If you require any support with your application, please click here for contact details. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Closing date: 18th February 2026. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted. Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 02nd of March 2026, depending on business requirements.
Some of our great benefits:
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
- Defined benefit pension scheme
- 75% subsidy on train tickets.
- Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Plus more…
Head of Communications (Business Partner) employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications (Business Partner)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with people in the industry! Reach out to current or former employees at Network Rail on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the company culture and recent projects. Show that you’re not just interested in the role, but also in how you can contribute to their mission of keeping passengers and freight moving safely.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Head of Communications, you’ll need to convey ideas clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your pitch and responses.
✨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 Network Rail team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications (Business Partner)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Communications role. Highlight your experience in strategic communications and how it aligns with Network Rail's mission to keep passengers moving safely.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Since this role involves working closely with senior leaders, emphasise your ability to build strong relationships. Share examples of how you've successfully partnered with others to deliver impactful communications.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. Remember, you want to demonstrate your excellent communication skills right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research Network Rail and its values. Understand their commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as their focus on effective communication. This will help you tailor your responses to align with what they value most.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Head of Communications, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed internal communications in the past, especially in large organisations. Be ready to discuss specific campaigns or initiatives that had a significant impact.
✨Build Rapport with Senior Leaders
Since this role involves partnering with senior teams, practice how you can build rapport quickly. Think of ways to highlight your collaborative approach and how you've influenced leaders in previous roles. Use anecdotes that showcase your ability to coach and guide others effectively.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect questions about handling complex or sensitive issues. Prepare scenarios where you've navigated challenging communications successfully. Highlight your calmness under pressure and your ability to coordinate clear messaging during urgent situations.
