The work

The manager defines the internal communications strategy, positioning the function as a strategic partner supporting business transformation and the people strategy. They advise executive and senior leaders, shape leadership communication and offer constructive challenge. They also shape communications for major transformation and cultural change, bringing colleague perspectives into leadership decisions, business planning and organisational programmes.

They lead and develop the internal communications team, modernising channels, content, governance and technology, including through automation and AI. They use insight and performance data to measure impact, demonstrate value and improve the function. The role also builds communication capability across the organisation and prepares it to communicate during incidents and change, helping colleagues participate in change and connect their work to outcomes for customers, communities and the environment.

Requirements

• Significant experience leading and transforming internal communications, engagement or employee experience functions in large, complex organisations.
• A track record of modernising or repositioning communications functions and demonstrating their impact on business performance, organisational change and culture.
• Strong experience advising executive and senior leaders, influencing decisions and constructively challenging thinking in complex, fast-paced and ambiguous environments.
• Deep understanding of organisational change, leadership communication, colleague engagement and employee experience, and the ability to translate strategy into meaningful action.
• Experience using audience insight, data and evidence to shape communications, measure impact, challenge assumptions and drive continuous improvement.
• Experience leading and developing teams and building relationships across an organisation.
• Strong prioritisation and decision-making skills, balancing organisational need, risk and opportunity, and an ability to embrace innovation, including AI, automation and emerging technologies.

Preferred qualifications

Experience in highly regulated, operational or customer-facing organisations is beneficial, as is experience of large-scale transformation or digital-first and insight-led communications. Relevant sectors include utilities, infrastructure, transport, logistics, health, manufacturing, engineering and retail.