Head of Internal Communications

Arriva UK Bus Limited; Soulton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Arriva UK Bus Limited is seeking an experienced Head of Internal Communications to lead colleague and operational communications across the business. You will craft strategies that connect people to purpose, support transformation, and drive engagement in a large, diverse workforce.

The role requires translating priorities into clear, engaging stories and partnering with senior leaders to influence operational performance while managing governance of communications across multiple channels.

Responsibilities

• Develop internal communication strategies aligned with business priorities and change programmes.
• Lead the delivery of timely, clear, and actionable information to colleagues.
• Translate complex business priorities into compelling messages for frontline and office teams.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to ensure consistency and impact across channels.

Job description

We're looking for an experienced and influential Head of Internal Communications to lead colleague and operational communications across our business. This is a high-impact leadership role where you'll ensure that colleagues receive the right information at the right time, helping them understand what's changing, why it matters and how they can contribute to business success. You'll play a critical role in translating business priorities into clear, engaging and actionable communications that support operational performance, organisational change and colleague engagement. Working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders across the organisation, you'll develop and deliver communication strategies that connect our people to our purpose, support transformation programmes and drive alignment across a large, diverse and operationally focused workforce. If you're a strategic communications leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys turning complex messages into clear and compelling stories, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll be doing

As Head of Internal Communications, you'll lead the planning, governance and delivery of colleague and operational communications across the business.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering internal communication strategies that support business priorities, operational performance and organisational change.
• Leading the delivery of business-critical communications, ensuring colleagues receive clear, timely and actionable information.
• Partnering with senior leaders and operational stakeholders to translate complex business information into engaging, colleague-focused messaging.
• Driving understanding and engagement across frontline, operational and office-based teams.
• Leading communication support for transformation, change and business improvement programmes.
• Managing internal communication channels to maximise reach, engagement and colleague action.
• Owning the communications calendar, ensuring messages are prioritised, coordinated and delivered effectively.
• Supporting leaders to communicate confidently and consistently through coaching, guidance and communication toolkits.
• Overseeing the creation of high-quality content across multiple platforms, including intranet, email, digital communications, team briefings, video and colleague events.
• Using insight, feedback and engagement metrics to continuously improve communication effectiveness.
• Establishing communication governance, best practice and standards across the organisation.
• Leading crisis, incident and business continuity communications when required.
• Developing communication capability across the business and building a culture of effective communication.

What we're looking for

We're seeking an experienced communications professional who understands the vital role communication plays in delivering operational excellence and positive colleague experiences. You'll be comfortable operating at both strategic and tactical levels, influencing senior stakeholders while remaining hands-on when required. You'll bring Significant experience leading internal, colleague or operational communications within a large and complex organisation. Proven success in developing communication strategies that support operational priorities, business performance and organisational change. Strong experience working with frontline and dispersed workforces. Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to make complex information simple and engaging. Experience partnering with senior leaders and providing trusted communications counsel. A strong understanding of internal communication channels, tools and best practice. Experience using platforms such as SharePoint, Staffbase, Viva Engage, Canva or similar communication technologies. Excellent project management, planning and prioritisation skills. Experience measuring communication effectiveness and using insights to improve outcomes. A track record of leading and developing communication teams. Experience within retail, logistics, transport, manufacturing, distribution or other operationally intensive environments would be highly advantageous.

About you

• A strategic thinker with a strong commercial and operational mindset.
• A confident and credible communicator who can build relationships at every level.
• Calm, resilient and effective under pressure.
• Proactive, pragmatic and solutions-focused.
• Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
• Collaborative, adaptable and passionate about helping colleagues understand how they contribute to business success.

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to shape and lead communications at a pivotal level within the organisation. You'll work with senior leaders, influence business-wide priorities and play a key role in ensuring colleagues remain informed, aligned and engaged as the business continues to evolve and grow.

Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 34,400 people and delivering around 1.6 billion passenger journeys. With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day.

The activities of Arriva are divided into four business units: UK Bus, UK Trains, The Netherlands and Mainland Europe.

Arriva has passenger transport operations in the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom, and also operates a rolling stock leasing company in Romania.