Head of Stakeholder Engagement & Communications

Manchester United; Stretford; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Incentive Scheme

25 days annual leave

Electric Vehicle scheme

Wellness support

Exclusive discounts

Gym facilities

Job summary

Manchester United is seeking a senior leader to drive stakeholder engagement, communications, public affairs and community relations for the new stadium programme. You will align stakeholder insights with strategic decision-making and government relations to support the club, Trafford and the wider region.

You will lead fan engagement, media activity and reputation management, while coordinating with partners and the wider leadership team to deliver the programme benefits for supporters and

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in complex stakeholder management, public affairs, communications, external relations or corporate affairs.
• Proven track record managing complex, high-profile and politically sensitive projects.
• Experience engaging with government, local authorities, regulators and public sector stakeholders.
• Strong media, reputation and crisis management expertise.
• Experience leading large-scale consultation, engagement or advocacy programmes.
• Strong strategic, influencing and relationship management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Experience of major infrastructure, regeneration, real estate, sports, venue or placemaking projects.
• Experience working within a high-profile consumer-facing brand.
• Understanding of football, sport, fan engagement and community relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the overall stakeholder strategy for the new stadium programme.
• Build trusted relationships with key stakeholder groups, including supporters, fan representatives, local residents, businesses, political stakeholders, community organisations and public sector partners.
• Create and maintain stakeholder mapping, engagement plans, and relationship-building programmes.
• Act as a senior interface between the programme and key external stakeholders, helping to build alignment and resolve issues proactively.
• Ensure stakeholder considerations are embedded into programme decision-making and governance processes.
• Work alongside the Club communications team to develop and oversee fan engagement and consultation strategies for the new stadium throughout the lifecycle of the programme.
• Ensure fans have meaningful opportunities to understand, influence and provide feedback on key elements of the project.
• Lead community engagement initiatives and ensure local communities remain informed and involved.
• Monitor stakeholder sentiment and identify emerging opportunities and risks.
• Lead on development of programme communications activity across internal and external audiences.
• Develop clear, compelling and consistent messaging that support programme objectives.
• Oversee media relations, press activity, briefing materials, public announcements and major project milestones, alongside ongoing Club activities.
• Promote accurate, timely and transparent communications while helping manage stakeholder, communications and reputational risks affecting the programme.
• Lead crisis communications planning and response strategies regarding new stadium.
• Work closely with Trafford Council, GMCA, the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation, Government stakeholders and other strategic partners.
• Develop public affairs and advocacy strategies to support programme objectives.
• Coordinate engagement across multiple stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and alignment.
• Support the Programme CEO and senior leadership team in high-profile stakeholder engagements.
• Shape and champion the long-term story of the new stadium programme.
• Develop public-facing narratives that communicate the project's sporting, economic, social and community benefits.
• Ensure key themes such as heritage, legacy, inclusion, accessibility and local impact are reflected throughout programme communications.
• Support the positioning of the project as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Manchester and the wider region.
• Coordinate specialist advisers, agencies and consultants where required.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Programme CEO.
• Act as a member of the programme leadership team, contributing to overall strategy and delivery.

Skills

Senior leadership

Public affairs

Government engagement

Media & crisis management

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship management

Presentation skills

Infrastructure projects

Brand experience

Football knowledge

Job description

Manchester United is seeking a senior leader to drive stakeholder engagement, communications, public affairs and community relations for the new stadium programme. You will align stakeholder insights with strategic decision-making and government relations to support the club, Trafford and the wider region.

You will lead fan engagement, media activity and reputation management, while coordinating with partners and the wider leadership team to deliver the programme benefits for supporters and