TRU Communications Manager

BUSINESS FUNCTION: People
GRADE: ML2/SB1
SALARY:Circa 50000 per annum
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid
HOURS: 37

People projects and transformation this is a unique opportunity to lead communications for one of the most ambitious rail projects in the North of England. As Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) Communications Manager you will be the senior communications professional for this programme acting as the primary contact for both internal teams and key industry stakeholders including TransPennine Express and Network Rail.

You will play a key role in delivering the One Railway communications strategy for TRU ensuring Northerns customers colleagues and stakeholders are at the heart of the messaging. Your work will have a direct impact on Northerns reputation and on how this multimillionpound programme is communicated to the public.

This is an exciting and challenging position requiring strong strategic stakeholder management and customer communications skills. This role has a significant customer focus especially during period disruption to the railway.

What youll be doing

• Develop and lead Northerns TRU communication plans ensuring they align with the wider TRU strategy and effectively reach customers colleagues and stakeholders.
• Influence and collaborate with senior industry partners to deliver the overall communications strategy ensuring Northerns interests and customers remain a top priority.
• Manage reputational risks ensuring all risks are identified captured and addressed through strategic communications.
• Commission and create highquality content by working closely with the central communications team stakeholder leads regional teams marketing teams and Customer Impact Managers.
• Provide strategic communications leadership embedding yourself within the TRU programme engaging with senior stakeholders and representing Northern in key discussions and decisionmaking.
• Develop a customerfocused communications proposition ensuring all messaging is clear consistent and aligned with the needs of Northerns passengers and communities.
• Regularly report to senior leadership including attending Board and Committee meetings as required providing insights and strategic direction.
• Line manage the TRU Communications Executive leading a highperforming team to deliver impactful communications.
• Control and allocate the TRU communications budget ensuring spending is aligned with strategic goals and delivers maximum impact.

About you

• Were looking for a highly skilled and experienced communications professional with a strong background in customer communications and strategic programme communications.
• Demonstrable experience of operating at a seniorlevel ideally within a complex organisation or enterprise structure.
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships ideally within a largescale infrastructure or transport project.
• Experience across multiple communications disciplines including internal and external communications media management customer communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Resilient adaptable and able to work at pace in a challenging and evolving environment.
• Strategic thinker able to navigate complex political and organisational landscapes and develop compelling narratives.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive collaboration across multiple organisations.
• Degreeeducated or equivalent professional experience.
• Commitment to continuous professional development ideally with membership in a professional body such as CIPR or PRCA.
• This role offers a fantastic opportunity to shape the communications approach for a transformational rail programme that will impact millions of people across the North of England. If youre a strategic influential communicator with a passion for delivering highimpact messaging wed love to hear from you.

Whats in it for you

At Northern we dont just value our people we go the extra mile to support them. Heres a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you your partner and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75 discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42 on a bike and spread the cost.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing Northern Perks has you covered.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Buy up to 5 extra days of annual leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family lifestyle and more.
• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business youre in.
• Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. Thats why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern

Were more than just a train operator. Were the heartbeat of the North connecting communities creating opportunities and driving sustainable growth. With 2500 trains running daily were on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825 the first passenger train set off in the North of England after which rail quickly spread across the globe and this year were celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern we dont just move people from A to B were building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if thats something you need. Were also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role well always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and medical assessment.

No matter your background experience or whether you call it a bap barm or cob theres a place for you here in the railway.

Please note that Northern reserves the right to close recruitment for this role before the published closing date if high volumes of applications are received.