Arriva is a leading provider of passenger transport across Europe, employing around 34,400 people and delivering around 1.6 billion passenger journeys. With buses, trains, coaches, trams, waterbuses, bike-sharing systems, on-demand transport solutions and a rolling stock leasing company, Arriva proudly connects people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably across 11 countries, delivering these services in a better way, every day.

We have strong roots dating back to 1938, an ambitious growth agenda, and a continuously developing relationship with our new shareholder I Squared Capital who acquired Arriva in May 2024.

We have a fantastic opportunity to join our Corporate Affairs team in the role of Head of Internal Communications & Engagement.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, the role will have a wide range of responsibilities and duties. They will be responsible for developing and implementing an internal communications strategy that aligns with the company’s overall strategic goals. This will include identifying and targeting key audiences and channels for communication, as well as developing engaging content. They will need to work cross-functionally with different departments and Business Units to ensure communications align with business priorities.

Additionally, they will be responsible for measuring the success of communication efforts, adjusting strategies as needed, and reporting on overall progress. They will need to be able to analyse data and use it to make informed decisions about communication strategies.

The Head of Internal Communications & Engagement will also lead and oversee the plans underpinning the employee engagement agenda and provide support and guidance to the Business Units to drive improvements in engagement.

This role will be based from our Sunderland office, a minimum of 2 days per week with the rest focusing on where you can best deliver, whilst still allowing for the required work life balance. The role operates Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week with 1 hour lunch per day.

Key responsibilities of the role:

Work with the Communications Director on corporate narrative and messaging for colleagues.
Audit current communications channels, tone of voice and strategy and put in an improvement programme and recommendations to modernise.
Develop a leadership visibility programme.
Event manage the annual leadership conference for the wider ~150 leaders from across the Group, and the Autumn Top 50 leadership workshop, working alongside the Arriva Management Board sponsor for the events.
Lead and oversee the plans underpinning the employee engagement agenda and provide support and guidance to the Business Units to drive improvements in employee engagement.
Advise on external employer brand work.
Play a leading role on financial announcements, annual report and any crisis communications working alongside the Head of Media.
Manage, mentor, and coach to ensure development of direct reports (2 direct reports).
Manage and oversee the internal communications & engagement budget.

What we'd like from you!

We’re looking an excellent communicator who can demonstrate experience working at the front end of an operational business or relatable with excellent leadership skills and an ability to make positive and established relationships with their team and the leadership team of Arriva in the early stages.

Candidates must also:

Demonstrate internal communications experience and expertise, with ability to generate ideas, creativity and audience understanding too.
Demonstrate understanding of channels and audiences, using insight and creating strategies and plans that demonstrate creativity.
Show ability to write and edit content, create clear, concise and engaging presentations whilst delivering key messages effectively to different audiences across the group.
Be able to translate complex information into clear, concise language that is easy for colleagues to understand.

Digital and social media expertise is desirable for this role.

Finally, we’re looking for candidates aligned to Arriva’s values: caring passionately, doing the right thing and making a difference.

What we can offer you in addition to a competitive base salary:

Company car or car cash allowance.
Discretionary bonus scheme, dependent upon company performance and personal performance.
True hybrid working – a minimum of 2 days per week in the office, the rest focusing on where you can best deliver for your customers, whilst still allowing for the required work life balance.
A generous pension plan.
Life Assurance equal to 2 x your annual salary, plus access to one of the UK’s largest networks of medical professionals.
25 days holidays and statutory bank holidays per year, with the opportunity to purchase holiday. Please note the window for 2024 holiday purchase is now closed and therefore the ability to purchase will commence for holiday year 2025.
Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Access to discounts and cash back through ‘The Village’ – our Online Reward Gateway
Eyecare vouchers
The opportunity to join our Employee Experience Forum – a community of people leading activity and initiatives to enhance Wellbeing, Career Development and Communications within our community in the Corporate Centre.
The opportunity to join a Global Arriva Inclusion Network (GAIN) group- a community of people who are passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion
Free Arriva bus travel for you and immediate family outside of London – T&C’s apply
And a truly wonderful team to be joining!

Why work for us?

Arriva is a people focused business. In every part of Arriva, our people deliver high standards of customer service and work together to demonstrate kindness, determination, and resilience.

Our values were created by Arriva people. They guide our actions and the way we work, helping to reflect and shape our culture. They focus on caring, integrity and making the difference.

Our people choose to work for us, and to stay with us, because we are a great place to work. At Arriva, we strive to create a culture where we can all be ourselves, where we belong, feel respected and our differences celebrated.

We actively seek out and value difference. We want our business to reflect the wide range of communities in which we operate, so we can serve them even better.

The closing date for applications is Friday 24th January 2025. Arriva Group reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Arriva Limited

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Head of Internal Communications & Engagement