Head of Communication

Contract type: Fixed term contract

Contract duration: 13 months

Business Unit

The MENS’ BU (Project structuring, Operation and New Services) is one of the world leaders in the financial project structuring of PPP projects, as well as in the operation of infrastructures and services. In the road sector, this business operates and maintains 44 roads and highways, including civil structures such as bridges, viaducts and tunnels. Through 28 operating companies, this business employs more than 9,300 people in more than 20 countries, i.e. nearly 4,400 km.

In the airport sector, our BU operates, maintains and develops a network of 17 airports around the world, handling more than 30 million passengers and 330,000 tons of freight per year.

The MENS’ BU also offers a wide range of services for its customers such as electronic toll collection, interoperability and on-street parking management.

M25, one of our flagship projects!

This business is responsible for managing one of the busiest motorways in Europe through the largest Design build Finance operate (DBFO) contract. With over 600 people working across CPS and the contract running to 2039, this is a great opportunity to build an important part of your career on a major highways project.

On the M25 and other international projects, our teams have extensive opportunities to develop diverse ranges of expertise and experience whilst contributing to the successful delivery of key services across different sectors

Role purpose:

• Enhance and protect the reputation of the M25 project (Connect Plus (CP) & Connect Plus Services) and its parent company joint venture partners through the delivery of effective internal and external communications and customer services
• Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders; acting as a trusted adviser to management on strategic communications matters
• Deliver against communications and customer service contractual obligations and support the wider CP and CPS delivery teams to meet their contractual obligations
• Embed and promote a ‘one team’ culture

As a key member of the M25 senior leadership team, you will work collaboratively with the Connect Plus Services Managing Director and other senior stakeholders to successfully lead the communications and customer services team to support project priorities and delivery of contractual obligations. The scope of this role includes, but is not limited to, the duties described below:

Accountabilities:

• Deliver internal and external communications, which are aligned to business and department priorities, target audiences and corporate messaging
• Deliver the M25 DBFO communications plan and develop plan for 2022
• Development and delivery of project/scheme communications plans incorporating community relations and stakeholder engagement
• Liaise with parent company communications teams on matters such as media enquiries and proactive/ reactive PR opportunities, which could impact our/their reputation
• Share good news stories for parent company promotion
• Application of CP & CPS visual identity and tone of voice across appropriate communications channels
• Advise business on emerging and actual issues which could impact project and CP/CPS reputation
• Ensure internal and external company profiles are effectively maintained e.g. Yammer, TV screens, social media and website
• Develop content for ‘Business Updates’ and company Roadshows
• Maintain good relations with Highways England; ensure all appropriate approvals are in place for communications activities
• Management and Involvement in on- call duties for communications
• Support project stakeholders with delivery for the Considerate Contractors Scheme
• Creation and development of case studies relating to project delivery for marketing, communications and publicity
• Oversee customer enquiries team and the required protocols and processes for communications and customer services to ensure effective and compliant communications, aligned to contractual obligations and parent company requirements
• Source, draft and approve Freedom of information responses, parliamentary question responses and other official contributions for Highways England

Profile

Essential:

• Knowledge of best practice, innovative and creative approaches to communications
• Extensive communications and community relations within a complex stakeholder environment
• Strong business acumen
• Experience of operating at a senior level with ability to influence and negotiate at this level
• Strong analysis and problem solving skills
• A team player with ability to manage, engage and develop direct reports
• A self starter with ability to prioritise workload to meet business need
• Proven capability in developing communications strategies and plans to meet business needs

Desirable:

• Member of CIPR or relevant qualification
• Experience of working on large building/civil engineering infrastructure projects
• Experience of adhering to contractual obligations relating to communications and customer care within major projects