Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Communications

Transport for the North; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Transport for the North is seeking a Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Communications to lead its strategic communications and engagement efforts. The successful candidate will have significant experience in corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, and team management, ensuring effective communication strategies that align with corporate objectives in a politically sensitive environment.

Benefits

28 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays

Access to the local government pension scheme

Access to various salary sacrifice benefits

Flexi-Time Scheme

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in leading effective corporate communications functions.
• Experience in developing communications and engagement strategies.
• A sound understanding of local government political frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of strategic communications and engagement plans.
• Manage resources and risks while leading a small team.
• Contribute to strategic objectives as part of the Senior Management Team.

Skills

Leadership

Corporate Communications

Stakeholder Engagement

Public Relations

Team Management

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent

Job description

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Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Communications

Reference: MAY20250317

Expiry date: 11:00, Tue, 24th Jun 2025

Location: Manchester

Benefits: 28 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays, access to the local government pension scheme, access to various salary sacrifice benefits, access to Flexi-Time Scheme, allowing accrual of up to 18 additional days leave per year

As Head of Stakeholder Engagement & Communications you will lead the delivery of TfN’s strategic communications and engagement strategy and plans - in line with corporate priorities and professional standards, providing an effective service to TfN executive, partners and stakeholders. This includes managing resources and risks, leading and developing a small team, and ensuring continuous improvement across multiple internal and external channels.

You will be expected to contribute to the development of strategic objectives and long-term plans as a member of the TfN Senior Management Team.

What we’re looking for:

Educated to degree level or equivalent; the successful candidate will have demonstrable experience of leading effective corporate communications functions including public relations media and press, internal communications, stakeholder engagement, including political leaders, and delivery of events as well as e-communications.

You will be experienced in developing communications and engagement strategies on behalf of complex organisations and will have a track record in public relations/corporate affairs to support delivery of policy objectives, with the confidence and expertise to build trust with senior leaders inside and outside the organisation.

A sound understanding of local government political frameworks and how to operate within them is essential, as is the ability to build productive working relationships with partner bodies, private sector providers, government, public agencies and statutory authorities.

You’ll also be an outstanding leader and manager, with experience of building successful teams, motivating and developing staff and creating a collaborative and inclusive working environment.

Closing Date: 12pm on 24 June 2025

Provisional Interview Date: 9 July 2025

In return, as well as a competitive salary, our other benefits are:

• 28 days holiday per annum (pro-rata for part time employees)
• Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to various salary sacrifice benefits, including Travel Pass purchase scheme
• Access to TFN’s Flexi-Time Scheme, allowing accrual of up to 18 additional days leave per year

The salary advertised for this role is pending Cost of Living Uplift.

If you believe you have the skills and experience we’re looking for please apply online at transportforthenorth.com/vacancies ensuring that in your application you provide evidence in the form of specific examples of how you meet the essential criteria in the role profile.

All candidates will be required to prove their right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process.