Communications Manager - Operational

Thames Valley Police; Cherwell District; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave (pro‑rata for PT)

Flexible working conditions

Pension scheme and lifestyle discounts

Job summary

Thames Valley Police is seeking a Communications Manager to lead a multi‑disciplinary team and shape communications during major incidents and policing initiatives. You will advise senior leaders, develop campaigns, and engage with communities, stakeholders, and the media to deliver tangible outcomes.

You will manage fast‑moving, scrutinised environments, ensure timely and trusted communications, and travel across the Thames Valley area as required.

Qualifications

• Experience leading communications teams in a high‑presssure environment.
• Proven ability to develop campaigns and strategies that engage communities and media.
• Strong advisory capability to senior leaders and operational commanders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of communications that support policing objectives and protect communities.
• Provide expert guidance to senior stakeholders and operational commanders on communications strategy and campaigns.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic communications

Crisis communications

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Job description

Part/Full Time Full Time - All roles are available for flexible working including job sharing and part-time unless there are legitimate operational / business reasons why this cannot be accommodated

Are you an experienced communications leader who can provide calm, strategic direction in a fast-moving and highly-scrutinised environment?

We are looking for a Communications Manager to join our team and help lead the delivery of communications that support operational policing, maintain public confidence and help protect our communities.

Working at the heart of one of the UK's largest police forces, you'll shape how we communicate during major incidents, complex investigations and new policing initiatives.

Leading a skilled team of multi-disciplinary communications professionals, you'll provide expert advice to senior leaders and operational commanders, developing campaigns and communications strategies that engage communities, stakeholders and the media and deliver tangible outcomes.

No two days are the same. From supporting emergency, multi-agency incident response to formulating long-term communications strategies against policing priorities, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring our communications are timely, effective and trusted.

We're looking for a confident and resilient communications professional with experience of managing teams, advising senior stakeholders and delivering high-quality communications in a complex environment.

If you're passionate about making a difference, thrive under pressure and want to use your expertise to support frontline policing, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note that this role requires a full driving licence, access to a car and flexibility due to the need to travel across the Thames Valley area and occasionally work unsocial hours.

If you are a TVP employee and have you been in your current post for less than 12 months, you need to seek approval from your line manager to be eligible to apply for this role.

As part of the Thames Valley Police family you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 30 days annual leave per annum, pro-rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme. For more information on our benefits, please visit the supporting you page, via the link at the bottom of the advert.

Please use Google Chrome when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance.

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 15 November 2026

At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us .

Working Smart.

You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.

SupportingYou.

Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be Supporting You .

Developing You.

We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.

Vetting.

All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis. As part of our ongoing commitment to fair and transparent recruitment, we provide guidance on how AI may be used during the application and interview processes. Please familiarise yourself with our AI Guidance for Applicants - TVP Careers