Senior Communications Manager in Leeds

We are looking for an experienced Senior Communications Manager to develop and lead our internal communications strategy across a large, multi-site organisation. This is a senior role with responsibility for ensuring colleagues are informed, engaged and connected to the organisation’s priorities, culture and values. You will establish a clear communications rhythm across the business and ensure messages reach a diverse workforce that includes drivers, operational teams, office-based colleagues and senior leaders. Working closely with the Executive Team, People and Culture, Brand and Marketing, and leaders across the organisation, the Senior Communications Manager will also play an important role in communicating business change and improving employee engagement.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop and deliver an internal communications strategy aligned with organisational priorities and values
• Translate business strategy and complex information into clear, engaging messages for different employee audiences
• Establish a consistent communications structure and rhythm across the organisation
• Advise senior leaders on internal communications, employee engagement and leadership messaging
• Support leaders with announcements, briefings, presentations, speeches and business updates
• Partner with the Executive Team, People and Culture, Brand and Marketing, and other senior stakeholders
• Develop a channel strategy that reaches colleagues across office-based and operational environments
• Oversee internal content including campaigns, newsletters, intranet content, announcements and leadership updates
• Manage and continuously improve channels including SharePoint, email, employee engagement platforms, conferences, town halls and events
• Ensure communications are accessible, inclusive and consistent with organisational values and brand guidelines
• Lead communications for transformation programmes, restructures and cultural change
• Develop engagement campaigns that improve employee understanding, alignment and morale
• Use employee feedback, surveys and performance data to measure effectiveness and improve communication
• Manage internal communications team members, budgets, agencies and suppliers where required
• Plan and coordinate internal conferences, leadership meetings and town halls

What We’re Looking For

• At least five years’ experience in internal communications, including experience operating at a senior level
• Experience working within a large, multi-site or geographically dispersed organisation
• A proven ability to develop and deliver strategic internal communications programmes
• Experience communicating with diverse employee groups, including operational and non-office-based colleagues
• Strong stakeholder management skills and the confidence to advise executives and senior leaders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt your style for different audiences
• Experience leading communications for organisational change or transformation
• Knowledge of digital engagement platforms, intranets and content management systems
• Strong planning, prioritisation and project management skills
• The ability to use data, feedback and insight to evaluate and improve communications
• Experience managing and developing a communications team would be beneficial
• A relevant qualification in communications, journalism, public relations or a related discipline would also be welcomed

The Person You Will Be:

• A strategic thinker who can also deliver effectively
• Confident, credible and calm under pressure
• Pragmatic and comfortable working within a fast-moving operational environment
• Highly collaborative and able to build strong relationships across the organisation
• Committed to inclusive, accessible communication and employee wellbeing

This is an opportunity for a Senior Communications Manager to shape how information is shared across the organisation and create a more connected, informed and engaged workforce.

We are Panda. We value waste. We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve. At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together. We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward. We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make. And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing. Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact. Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.