Highways Customer Communications Officer

North Yorkshire Council; Whitby; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in Whitby is seeking a Communications Officer. You will lead communication efforts, support the Area Manager, and manage correspondence. Ideal candidates should have administrative skills, thrive in a customer-focused environment, and possess strong communication abilities. This position includes hybrid work and some evening/weekend requirements, offering a salary between £38,220 to £42,839 per annum.

Benefits

Local government pension scheme

Salary sacrifice schemes

Employee discount benefits

Travel loans

Health Assured support

Qualifications

• Experience working in a busy, high-performing, customer-oriented setting.
• Solid understanding of administrative policies and procedures.
• Proven ability to stay productive under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice and support in response to queries.
• Manage correspondence on behalf of Area Manager.
• Prepare comprehensive reports on various issues.

Skills

Customer-focused environment

Administrative skills

Communication skills

Influencing and negotiating

Experience in highway design

Written and verbal communications

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Salary: £38,220 to £42,839 per annum

Grade: JK

Contract: Permanent

Vacancy Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire

The Service

With over 9,000 km in length and 1,497 bridges, North Yorkshire has one of the longest road and bridge networks of any highway authority in the country. Our highway infrastructure is therefore paramount to our success.

Our ambition is to ensure that North Yorkshire is a place with a strong economy and a commitment to sustainable growth that enables our residents and visitors to fulfil their ambitions and aspirations. We want North Yorkshire to be a thriving county which adapts to a changing world and remains a special place for everyone to live, work and visit.

Delivering the right transport infrastructure is critical to achieving our ambition, and that’s where you come in.

The Role

As our Communications Officer, you will take a lead role in all tasks related to communication and the political process. You will spend time in the Whitby, Scarborough and Kirby Misperton offices undertaking the following duties:

• Providing advice, guidance, and support in response to telephone queries, including those from Members.
• Briefing the Area Manager and Area Management Team as appropriate on relevant matters.
• Managing routine and non‑routine correspondence on behalf of the Area Manager/Area Management Team.
• Collating and coordinating information, conducting research and analysis on a range of issues and casework.
• Leading on specific matters at an appropriate level and preparing comprehensive reports.
• Representing the Service at Corporate and Directorate Communications Meetings and taking a lead role in implementing actions arising from those meetings.
• Establishing effective communication with colleagues, external agencies, and Authority partners.
• Maintaining regular contact with the local Area Business Support Team regarding correspondence, filing systems, and Area Office commitments.

The nature of this role is hybrid with some evening and weekend working occasionally required.

Skills and Experience

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a customer‑focused environment, brings strong administrative and communication skills, and is ready to grow professionally.

• Have experience working in a busy, high‑performing, customer‑oriented setting.
• Have a solid understanding of administrative policies and procedures.
• Have a proven ability to stay productive under pressure.
• Be skilled in influencing, persuading, and negotiating in various situations.
• Have experience in highway design and public engagement.
• Possess strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Be willing to travel across the county.

What can we offer you?

In addition to your salary, North Yorkshire Council offers a range of great benefits to help you financially and make life a bit easier.

• A local government pension scheme with 18.1% employer contribution.
• Salary sacrifice schemes.
• Employee discount benefits including shopping, supermarkets, gym discounts and more!
• Travel loans.
• Health Assured – confidential help and support for your wellbeing.

Click on our Total Rewards Brochure at the bottom of this advert to see the full range of benefits.

Contact and Apply

For further information about the role please contact Richard Marr on 07730 498831.

Applying is easy – simply click apply now, register your details, remove your personal details from your CV and upload by midnight on Sunday 16th November 2025.

Key dates:
Closing date: 16 November 2025
Interview date: week commencing 24 November 2025

This is a politically restricted post as defined by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

NYC is committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.

We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

North Yorkshire Council’s purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services, we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions; we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.