At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate affairs and shape the external narrative for a major UK railway.
- Company: Join Southeastern, a key player in the UK's transport sector.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team driving change in the rail industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public perception and trust in railways.
- Qualifications: Experience in corporate communications and stakeholder engagement required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Are you ready to shape the reputation, narrative and external voice of one of the UKs busiest railways? We’re seeking a Head of Corporate Affairs to join our Communications & Stakeholder leadership team, based at our head office in London Bridge (hybrid working 3 days on site). At Southeastern, how we communicate matters. This role sits at the heart of our relationship with customers, government, industry partners and communities - shaping trust, confidence and credibility as we continue our journey towards Great British Railways. Can you move people? Apply now.
What you’ll do
- Lead Southeastern’s Corporate Affairs function and set the external affairs strategy that protects and enhances our reputation.
- Own the organisation’s external narrative, ensuring clear, consistent and compelling communication across media, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, digital and campaigns.
- Work closely with senior leaders, the Department for Transport and industry partners to ensure our voice is credible, confident and aligned with contractual and governance obligations.
- Provide calm, visible leadership during incidents and crises, directing communications and acting as a trusted adviser to the Executive.
Head of Corporate Affairs in London employer: SE Trains
At Southeastern, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Our London Bridge head office provides a vibrant environment where employees can thrive, with hybrid working options that promote work-life balance. We are committed to employee growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the future of railways in the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate Affairs in London
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like SE Trains. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like SE Trains, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research SE Trains inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate Affairs in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of SE Trains. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at SE Trains.
How to prepare for a job interview at SE Trains
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
