Communications Manager

Hybrid working with 2/3 days per week on site in London and Basildon, Essex.

We are seeking a Communications Manager/Senior Communications Specialist with transformation communications and engagement experience to support the rollout of a new operating model. Working closely with Clinical Directors, Transformation Directors, Project Managers, ICB counterparts, and key stakeholders, you will shape and deliver clear, timely messaging that ensures service users and those impacted by change are well-informed, engaged, and supported.

In this role, you will lead service users across primary and secondary care through a significant transformation programme, ensuring they are well informed and engaged with the transition to a new pathology services provider and the implementation of a hub-and-spoke operating model. You will take ownership of developing and delivering communication strategies, providing editorial oversight, and creating clear, impactful content that supports changes to operational and clinical pathways.

Working both independently and in collaboration with the wider SYNLAB communications team, you will build strong stakeholder relationships, align messaging to the broader transformation plan, and use insight and performance data to continuously improve engagement approaches. You will also play a key role in supporting communications during incidents where required, acting as a visible and credible ambassador for the programme and promoting the benefits of enhanced facilities, improved capabilities, and service efficiencies in a professional and engaging way. This will be a hybrid role, with a mix of remote working and time based in our London and Basildon, Essex offices.

Duties include:

• Working within the SYNLAB communications team of eight, this fixed term role will focus solely on external transformation communications for service users across primary and secondary care within Mid and South Essex.
• Developing and delivering a communications strategy mapped to transformation project milestones.
• Hitting the ground running with existing plans and ensuring they’re delivered effectively.
• Working closely with the internal communication manager to ensure messaging is aligned.
• Interpreting clinical information and simplifying complex narratives into sequenced digestible copy – helping to outline the scale and scope of changes, placing impact and behaviour change at the centre of copy.
• Developing owned and partner channels (e.g. ICB intranet) to help disseminate core messaging.
• Where appropriate and required, developing and delivering clinical webinars/events to keep impacted users abreast of changes.
• Building strong relationships and an understanding of the local landscape to ensure messages resonate appropriately.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• A-level (Grade C or higher) English Language or equivalent.
• Extensive experience of developing and implementing communications and engagement activity within the primary care / secondary care environment.
• Demonstrates a hands-on approach and effectively manages shifting and conflicting priorities.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Proven experience in change/transformation communications and strong stakeholder management.
• Able to evidence excellent time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively manage competing priorities and business demands.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills and ability to communicate with employees at varying levels of seniority.
• Strong team player with the ability to work autonomously and with minimal supervision.
• Experience of delivering communications across a range of platforms.
• Degree in communications, journalism or related subject.
• Experience in NHS Trust, ICB or related communications functions.
• Knowledge of pathology, hospital, clinical terminology and environments.
• Excellent IT skills with excellence knowledge/experience of MS Office Suite particularly Word and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of email service provider, e.g. dotdigital or Mailchimp and Microsoft SharePoint.

SYNLAB UK & Ireland is committed to equal opportunities and does not unlawfully discriminate based on any status or condition protected by applicable UK employment law.