Head of External Communications

Job Introduction

If you want a role that's issues-rich and in a vital public service then this is one to consider. Being the Head of External Communications at Southeastern is about enhancing and protecting the reputation of a business that's serving thousands of customers daily - a number that's growing all the time. It's a hugely exciting time to be part of a business and a sector that's undergoing massive amounts of change.

For Southeastern, that change is focused on providing a better, more sustainable and reliable railway. The person who takes this role will be pivotal in sharing that message externally with local, national and trade media; and knowing it's a message that will be shared with customers, stakeholders and, of course, your colleagues. 

You'll need to be comfortable assimilating complex data and stakeholder landscapes, then making cogent, credible recommendations to your team, to the wider business and its leadership. You'll also need to think of creative angles to sharing our good news and the best way to share that which is more challenging. Day-to-day you'll also need to coordinate with people from different departments as well as industry partners like Network Rail, the Department for Transport and other train operators; as well, of course, as our partners in the community. On top of all that, you'll be managing a team of communications experts who run our press office, campaigns, corporate PR and communications around major programmes.

Role Responsibility

• Develop and lead an integrated communications strategy to build and enhance the company’s reputation with passengers, generate positive press coverage and social media engagement, and ensure passenger awareness for major business priorities including service changes and projects.
• Work with business partners, industry partners and other departments including Marketing and Internal Communications to develop, deliver and measure integrated communications strategies and associated plans for major programmes
• Work in partnership with Network Rail and other industry partners to ensure strategic alignment of communications activity and development and delivery of communications plans for major programmes.
• Develop, deliver and measure the effectiveness of industry-leading, multi-channel campaign activity to deliver non-revenue generating business benefits, including enhanced trust and improving passenger information. Undertake campaign review and measurement to ensure value for money and effectiveness. 
• Lead, mentor, inspire and manage a high-performing team of direct reports to ensure the delivery of integrated communications plans for ‘business as usual’ activities and strategic projects. 
• Represent Southeastern as a company spokesperson with the media.
• Develop and deliver a programme of events and activities to  build a positive reputation
• In the event of a crisis, lead the external communications team response and provide expert advice and develop messaging to protect the company’s reputation. Ensure well-developed crisis communications plans are in place, and regularly tested through exercises and training.
• Ensure the delivery of relevant franchise committed obligations as required
• Undertake business planning and manage the external communications budget, identify and forecast team budget requirements, and ongoing monitoring.
• Take insights of lessons learnt and drive continuous improvements as part of the reviews.
• Maintain and update the company’s strategic messaging document on a monthly basis and cascade to teams
• Maintain, coordinate and participate in on an on-call rota to deliver 24-hour on-call service for media and stakeholders such as Members of Parliament and Government departments, and provide communications advice and support to operational colleagues.
• Deputise for the Communications and Stakeholder Director, attending Board meetings, giving internal presentations in front of a large audience, and leading a busy and dynamic department.
• Develop a group of colleagues who have been appropriately trained to act as spokespeople for the company, and manage the professional development of communications team members to ensure the team maintains its position as a centre of excellence in communications

The Ideal Candidate

To be considered for this role we recommend you demonstrate the below in your application;

• People management: a passion for leading and managing a team, with proven experience in line management and mentoring, and developing and managing team performance 
• At least 10 years communications experience, preferably with Agency and in-house background
• Proven ability to develop, deliver and measure an ambitious  multi-channel communications strategy for a large high profile organisation
• Proven experience in developing a PR strategy, leading a press team and managing a media/reputational crisis
• Proven experience in identifying stories (positive and potential crises), and PR opportunities
• A driven individual, with proven experience developing key relationships with stakeholders and influencing senior executives
• Experience of project management, time management and meeting deadlines
• Proven experience forecasting, managing a budget
• Experience of briefing and managing external agencies and suppliers
• Experience of public speaking/presenting to stakeholders both internal and external
• Experience making decisions in a high pressure, reactive environment
• A planner, with exceptional organisational skills
• Experience of allocating and managing tasks across a team
• Experience preparing briefing notes for senior executives
• A degree qualification or equivalent

Package Description

Southeastern recognises the value of every individual employee and offers benefits that reflect this.

As well as a generous salary, we offer an comprehensive benefits package which includes;

• A Contributory Final Salary Pension Scheme 
• Free rail travel on Southeastern and GTR rail services (extends to family members for leisure/educational travel)
• After a qualifying period, reduced rate travel on other train operators, including European services
• Up to 25 days annual leave entitlement (plus bank holidays)
• Private healthcare
• Access to an array of discounts for retail and leisure products through our benefits scheme.
• Family friendly benefits including enhanced maternity/paternity leave, parental leave and carers leave.

The rules bit …

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years and any previous railway employment). We will also complete right to work in the UK and criminal record checks. This is to ensure we are employing the best person for the role and to protect our customers, colleagues and our reputation. There will also be a pre-employment medical.  We are unable to offer sponsorship to work in the UK.

This post will close before the intended closing date should sufficient number of suitable applications be received. Therefore, if you are interested in applying for this role, we suggest that you do so at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.

Is Southeastern a great place to work? Hear our colleagues views below. 

About the Company

About Southeastern

Southeastern runs train services into London from Kent and East Sussex, operating almost 1,700 trains a day, carrying more than 400,000 passengers, serving 176 stations and covering 540 miles of track.

Just over 4,600 employees - mostly from the communities that we serve - work together to provide this vital service and we are looking to expand our successful team. We have a strong set of values that shape the way we run our business and guide our staff in delivering what our customers need. These are:

• We aim to be the best
• We make the difference together
• We care passionately about our people and our passengers

We are committed to being an inclusive employer, creating a workplace where everyone can come to work, feel safe and comfortable and able to do everything to the best of their ability. Read about some of the great Diversity and Inclusion initiatives our Head of Colleague Experience has been leading on here. 

We recognise the positive value of diversity and it matters to us that our teams reflect the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

We proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for Women. If you would like to know more information about how we are supporting our employees, you can view our policies and initiatives here.

We have also won the Top Employer award at the Women in Rail Awards 2022!

If you have been unsuccessful in the recruitment process for the same/similar position you will not be eligible to apply for a period of 6 months from that date.

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years and any previous railway employment). We will also complete right to work in the UK and criminal record checks. This is to ensure we are employing the best person for the role and to protect our customers, colleagues and our reputation. We are unable to offer sponsorship to work in the UK. 

This post will close before the intended closing date should sufficient number of suitable applications be received. Therefore, if you are interested in applying for this role, we suggest that you do so at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.

SOUTHEASTERN is owned by SE Trains Ltd, a subsidiary of the Department for Transport’s public sector owning group, ‘DOHL.’ DOHL has responsibility for three rail companies, LNER, Northern Trains Limited and SE Trains.

SE Trains Limited