At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead internal communications to inspire and engage colleagues across The Works.
- Company: Join a top-rated company that values creativity and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, discounts, and access to training and development.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the narrative and culture of The Works.
- Qualifications: Experience in internal communications and strong storytelling skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Hybrid - 1-2 days at our Support Centre in Coleshill, Birmingham.
We don’t just sell products. We inspire reading, learning, creativity and play. This is more than toys and books and art supplies. This is about inspiring people to read, learn, create and play.
As our Internal Communications Manager, you’ll be the architect of our internal communications strategy - designing, planning and delivering clear, compelling and consistent communications that help colleagues understand our direction, why it matters, and their role in elevating The Works.
Your Mission:
- Internal Communications Strategy & Narrative: Lead the Internal Communications Strategy aligned to Elevating The Works, Time Well Spent and our values (Crafty, Caring, Can-Do). Translate business strategy into simple, engaging and relatable messages for all colleague groups.
- Channel Ownership & Planning: Own the internal channel framework to ensure the right message reaches the right people at the right time. Act as gatekeeper for MyWorks, Weekly Works and key business updates.
- Storytelling, Engagement & Colleague Voice: Proactively source and share colleague-led stories that bring our culture and values to life across stores, DC and Support Centre.
- Listening, Feedback & ‘You Said, We Did’: Lead communications for engagement surveys, forums and feedback channels. Turn insight into clear messages that show what we heard and what we’re doing next.
- Charity & Community Communications: Own internal comms for key charity and community partnerships. Develop an annual charity comms plan, making impact visible and involvement easy for colleagues.
- Events & Moments That Matter: Lead internal communications planning for major business moments such as Annual Strategy Launch, Christmas cascades, and key leadership updates.
- Leadership & Manager Enablement: Equip managers with toolkits and conversation guides that help them cascade messages confidently.
- Measurement & Continuous Improvement: Track and report on performance using MyWorks engagement data, surveys and colleague insight.
Skills/Behaviours That Will Set You Apart:
- Essential: Significant experience in Internal Communications or colleague engagement. Ability to translate strategy into simple, engaging messages for diverse audiences. Strong storytelling and writing skills.
- Desirable: Retail, hospitality or multi-site business experience. Experience with intranets or engagement platforms.
Our PERKS really are ‘The Works’:
- 25% Colleague Discount! - Plus, exclusive Double Discount days!
- MyWorks - Access exclusive online discounts across hundreds of retailers, holidays, utilities deals, tech and more.
- Family Friendly Leave - Enjoy some time well spent with enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- Holiday – 33 days including bank holidays.
- Holiday Purchase - Purchase an additional 5 days.
- Can-Do Academy - Grow your skills and career with instant access to further training and development.
- Stream - Claim early access to 50% of your wages as you earn them.
- Share Scheme - Own a piece of The Works!
- 24/7 support for you and your family through our partnership with the Retail Trust.
- Healthcare Cash Plan – To support your everyday healthcare costs.
Our Purpose: To inspire reading, learning, creativity and play.
We are proud to have an inclusive culture where everyone truly feels able to be themselves. Our roles are open to all, including under-represented groups. We are open to discussions around working hours and flexible working.
Strategic Internal Communications Lead employer: The Works Stores Ltd
At The Works, we pride ourselves on being a top employer, recognised as the 10th Best Big Company to Work For in 2024. Our hybrid work model allows for flexibility while fostering a vibrant culture that champions creativity and collaboration. With extensive benefits including generous holiday allowances, professional development opportunities through our Can-Do Academy, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally in our Coleshill Support Centre.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Internal Communications Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, dive into The Works' values and mission. This will help you connect your experiences with what they stand for, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! As an Internal Communications Lead, you'll need to convey messages clearly and engagingly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated strategies or stories in the past to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the interview process and company culture. This can give you a leg up and show your genuine interest in The Works.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Internal Communications Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for internal communications and how it aligns with our values.
Tailor Your Message:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the role. Highlight your storytelling abilities and how you've successfully engaged colleagues in the past.
Showcase Your Strategy Skills:Since this role is all about strategy, give us examples of how you've developed and executed communication plans before. We love seeing how you can turn insights into impactful messages!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Works Stores Ltd
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, take some time to research The Works and its values. Understand their mission to inspire reading, learning, creativity, and play. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their internal communications strategy.
✨Craft Your Story
As a Strategic Internal Communications Lead, storytelling is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated complex strategies in the past. Think about how you can translate business priorities into engaging messages that resonate with diverse audiences within the company.
✨Channel Ownership Insights
Familiarise yourself with various internal communication channels like MyWorks and Weekly Works. Be ready to discuss how you would manage these platforms effectively. Share ideas on how to enhance engagement and ensure that the right messages reach the right people at the right time.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
The role requires strong leadership and the ability to influence senior leaders. Prepare to discuss your approach to equipping managers with tools for effective communication. Highlight your experience in fostering an inclusive environment and how you’ve empowered teams to share their stories and feedback.
