Head of Internal Communications
Milford House, Swindon
Be the voice that brings GWR together.
At Great Western Railway (GWR), we're not just running trains, we're shaping journeys, driving innovation, and delivering a service that truly matters to millions of people. Behind that service is a workforce of passionate, committed individuals, and we believe they deserve to be heard, inspired, and connected.
We're looking for a strategic, forward-thinking Head of Internal Communications and Engagement to lead and evolve our internal communications function. This is a critical leadership role, shaping how we engage with over 6,500 colleagues across the network, and ensuring every voice is informed, involved and empowered.
Could you be the driving force to unify and inspire our colleagues?
The Role
As Head of Internal Communications, you'll report into the HR Director and be responsible for:
* Setting and delivering a compelling internal communications strategy aligned to our business priorities, values, and culture.
* Advising senior leaders, including the Executive Team, on impactful communication that fosters trust, alignment and engagement.
* Driving cultural change and supporting business transformation through clear, timely and meaningful messaging.
* Leading a small but high-performing Internal Communications team, championing creativity and collaboration.
* Owning the internal narrative – from strategic planning through to delivery across multiple channels (digital, in-person, campaigns, events, leader comms and more).
* Building insight-led communications, using data and feedback to inform decisions, measure impact and continuously improve.
* Acting as a trusted partner across the business, working closely with HR, Operations, Customer Services, External Communications, and Safety to support employee engagement and business goals.
This role is based in Milford House, Swindon, with some travel along the GWR network as required.
About You
You'll be an experienced Internal Communications leader who:
* Brings proven success in senior internal communications and engagement roles within complex, operational or customer-facing organisations.
* Combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery.
* Is a strong influencer, able to build relationships at every level and coach senior leaders to communicate with clarity and authenticity.
* Understands how to manage communications that engages a dispersed workforce in an operational and safety-critical environment.
* Is confident working at pace, navigating ambiguity and managing priorities in a dynamic business.
* Has a genuine passion for people and the role communication plays in driving performance and culture.
What You'll Receive
* A pivotal role in shaping the colleague experience across one of the UK's most iconic rail operators.
* The opportunity to work with a purpose-led, values-driven business making a real impact for its people and customers.
* A competitive salary, excellent benefits package including defined benefit pension scheme and free 1st class rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family, plus a breadth of opportunities for development and progression within FirstGroup.
About GWR
GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious networks in the world.
We are transforming the way people think about train travel, empowering our team of over 6,000 people from all different backgrounds to make it a great experience for our customers. Together, we will revalue rail as a very special way to travel – relaxing, fast, efficient, friendly and fun!
We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment. We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability. We maintain zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.
We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive. We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.
If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
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