Strategic Communications Manager

Rail Delivery Group

. Support the Head of Strategic Communications to develop and deliver communications strategies advancing RDG's Board Priorities and supporting the transition to Great British Railways (GBR).

Posted 10/10/2026full-timeLondon • United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £44,482 - £52,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and delivering strategic communications and multi-channel campaigns, with a strong focus on stakeholder engagement and project management. Proven ability to translate complex industry reforms into clear communications while managing relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

LeadershipProject ManagementStakeholder EngagementStrategic ThinkingContent Creation

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Communications StrategyCampaign PlanningContent CreationPerformance EvaluationBudget ManagementDigital Content ProductionEvent ManagementMedia RelationsSocial Media MarketingStakeholder Communication

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingJudgmentAdaptabilityCollaborationListening

Tools & Technologies

CanvaVideo Production Tools

Industry Keywords

Great British RailwaysOrganisational PrioritiesIndustry ReformPublic OwnershipCommunications RisksEngagement PlansTransformation ProgrammesHorizon ScanningCoalition BuildingInsight Data

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the Head of Strategic Communications to develop and deliver communications strategies advancing RDG's Board Priorities and supporting the transition to Great British Railways (GBR).
Lead planning and delivery of high-quality communications activity across multiple workstreams.
Develop and deliver proactive, multi-channel communications campaigns supporting organisational priorities, industry reform objectives and transformation programmes.
Translate complex industry reform, policy and transition developments into clear communications for colleagues, members and stakeholders.
Collaborate across the Communications team to integrate activity and maintain high standards aligned with organisational objectives.
Build relationships with colleagues, industry partners and member organisations to identify opportunities, gather insight and develop communications content.
Support RDG's transition to GBR communications strategy and explain industry reform and public ownership implications.
Develop and implement communications and engagement plans supporting awareness, confidence and readiness for change.
Work with transition leads and stakeholders across RDG, DfT, DFTO, Network Rail and the wider rail industry.
Lead communications support for key GBR communications moments, including leadership briefings, stakeholder updates, presentations, events and supporting materials.
Facilitate engagement activities, workshops and listening opportunities.
Identify communications risks and issues, develop mitigation plans and advise senior stakeholders.
Produce written, visual and digital content independently or with agency partners.
Manage external agencies and suppliers, including briefs, performance, budgets, timescales and standards.
Monitor and evaluate communications activity using insight and performance data.
Contribute to an inclusive, collaborative Communications team and support professional development.
Manage relationships with RDG members, suppliers, agencies, staff, directors and external stakeholders.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Leadership - able to play a leading role in managing and delivering communications activity, either directly or through members of the communications team.
Project management - good project management skills to deliver multiple projects at the same time, on budget and of the highest possible quality.
Stakeholder engagement - ability to work with multiple stakeholders from across the industry, listen to different views, and devise effective communications.
Strategic thinking – corporate-wide horizon scanning to achieve results, solve and anticipate problems, and build coalitions to find solutions.
5+ years comms / marketing experience.
Broad communication discipline expertise across events, stakeholder, media, social and marketing.
Evidence of success leading the devising and implementation of campaign plans and/or campaigns to influence behaviours and measure success.
Content creation using Canva and basic video skills to produce in-house videos.
Experience dealing directly with senior colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders to provide communications.
Ability to build relationships and develop networks with key internal and external stakeholders.
Ability to exercise good judgement and adapt plans and approaches in accordance with a shifting external landscape.

Benefits

Comp & perks

75% discount on rail travel (for work and leisure), plus international rail discounts
30 Days annual leave (plus buy/sell options and additional leave for key life events)
Two Personal Development Days are granted to employees annually
Interest-free Season Ticket Loan for commuting costs
Enhanced family leave – 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and shared parental leave
Pension scheme – up to 8.64% employer contribution
Subsidised Private Medical Insurance (Vitality PPP) and Health Cash Plan (Healthshield)
Access to our flexible benefits portal - a central hub for accessing retail discounts, shopping, dining, travel, and entertainment perks
Flexible working arrangements available