Head of Communications
Head of Communications
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Job Description
Head of Communications
- Business Function:People
- Salary:85.000 to 95000
- Location:Leeds Manchester or York
- Hours:37
Introduction
At Northern youd help guide how colleagues customers and communities all across the North of England experience our story. This role sits within the People team working closely with the People Director and Executive Team. Youll shape the communications strategy across internal and external audiences helping to build trust clarity and a compelling voice that reflects who we are as a business.
What youll be doing
Heres where youll make a difference across both internal and external channels:
- Set the tone by crafting and delivering an integrated communications strategy that lifts Northerns reputation and supports our purpose values and business objectives (including our media profile).
- Lead internal communications: manage channels events colleague surveys and agency partners to bring cultural change and meaningful engagement.
- Steer media relations: shine a light on Northerns achievements and plans across regional and national media.
- Lead Northerns crisis communications guiding fast accurate and empathetic responses during service disruptions or crises. You will be accountable for the organisations 24/7 on-call comms ensuring clear calm leadership in high-pressure situations.
- Build trusted relationships with key partners from government to industry bodies media local authorities and beyond.
- Support senior leaders with speeches briefings town halls and media appearances helping their voices connect.
- Oversee the communications team of 25 providing direction mentorship and growth support.
- Use insight feedback and analytics to continuously improve how we engage both colleagues and external audiences.
- Act as the communications authority across Northern setting best practice chairing our Strategic Communications Group and working alongside DFTO and Network Rail on joint messaging.
About you
Heres what youll bring to Northern in this role:
- Proven leadership of complex communications functions youve delivered across corporate regulated or operational sectors (transport utilities or public sector) and made a tangible difference to customer and colleague experience.
- Crisis communications expertise: youve led fast accurate and empathetic communications during service disruptions or crises providing calm and clear leadership in high-pressure situations. You are confident running 24/7 on-call comms and take ownership of crisis comms for the organisation.
- Internal communications capability: youve designed and delivered clear consistent and engaging colleague comms supporting leaders in keeping teams informed and motivated through periods of challenge or change.
- Media savvy: youve prepared spokespeople for interviews at regional and national levels handled sensitive narratives with confidence and understand when to go on the front foot and when to stay reactive.
- Strategic acumen: youve shaped campaign strategy and guided executive-level communication.
- Excellent storyteller: you can adapt messaging for different audiences from press to colleagues and stakeholders.
- Change maker: youve supported large-scale change or culture transformation before.
- Relationship builder: you influence across senior leadership media and external partners with ease.
- Strong knowledge of the UK media and political landscape especially across the North.
- Experienced manager of agencies and internal teams.
- Optional extras membership of PR or internal communications institutions (e.g. CIPR or IoIC) and experience in the rail or regulatory environment.
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 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.
- 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 a 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.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full Time
