Brief Description
The Oxford Station Enhancements Project is our work to update and upgrade the railway infrastructure and surrounding area in central Oxford. This exciting project will bring a bigger, better station for everyone; more services with East West Rail; additional rail capacity for the future; and an improved and safer road layout.
We’re looking for a first-grade communicator to own the communications strategy for the Oxford Station Enhancements Project at a crucial time for the project. This fixed term contract will be to see through the project until Botley Road reopens in August 2026.
Building on the existing communications plan, you’ll develop and deliver consistent and effective communications strategies, aligned with the Western Route communications strategy.
You’ll be working with teams from Network Rail and our contractors, and for the Head of Communications. You’ll line manage the new Communications Manager [Oxford] and together you’ll protect and enhance our reputation, helping the project deliver the programme and where possible reduce the impact of our work on the community. Potential for role to be extended or made permanent to work on other projects subject to business need.
About the role (External)
Your Main Responsibilities will be to:
1.Develop, drive and implement communications plans for key projects, working collaboratively with stakeholders to create content, campaigns and events, to support the delivery of business objectives and drive performance.
2.Establish and maintain strong and trusting relationships with key stakeholders, working collaboratively in order to support the identification, development and delivery their internal communications goals.
3.Lead communications activities which present reputational risk or opportunities for the business.
4.Establish an effective network of internal and external contacts and provide direction/influence to senior managers and external industry parties where appropriate.
5.Identify and supply content for internal communications channels and act as a conduit for material/information across communications teams.
6.Provide advice/guidance on communications activity undertaken by key personnel including directors, project managers and sponsors, delivering consistency with the national communications strategy and in accordance with Network Rail’s corporate policies.
7.Check all branding used complies with Network Rail’s policy on branding, visual identity and image.
8.Evaluate communications activities on the project, from effectiveness to budget spend, so that improvements can be identified during and after the project.
9.Create and lead a team including carrying out regular 121s, appraisals, objective setting and performance monitoring and onboarding contractors as appropriate.
10.Implement the major incident communications plan as required.
You will ideally have
·Educated to degree level or a professional communications qualification (eg IoIC, CIPR, PRCA) or demonstrable equivalent experience
·Substantial experience in corporate communications
·High standards of written and spoken communication
·The experience and personal credibility to work effectively with senior managers
·Strong influencing skills
·Proven ability to grasp, understand and promote complex and sensitive issues in a persuasive and sensible way
·Ability to develop and maintain a wide network of stakeholder contacts
·Evidence of good planning and financial skills, with the ability to deliver projects and activities on time and within budget
Desirable
·Experience of directing and managing agency support
·Relevant professional qualifications
·Evidence of continuing professional development
Not sure if you meet all the requirements? Let us decide.