Director, Internal Communications & Engagement

As Britain’s railways undergo a period of unprecedented transformation, Network Rail is seeking an experienced, results-driven Director of Internal Communications & Engagement to lead and develop its national internal communications function.

This is a pivotal moment for Network Rail and the wider rail industry. As we evolve into a more passenger-focused, simpler, better, and greener railway, the way we engage more than 40,000 colleagues across Great Britain has never been more important.

The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader with extensive experience in organisational and cultural change, and a passion for building and developing diverse, high-performing teams.

They will be a trusted, strategic advisor to senior leadership across Network Rail and the wider rail sector, feel comfortable offering credible and constructive challenge, and work collaboratively and inclusively with peers across the industry.

Reporting directly to the Group Director of Communications, the role forms part of both the communications leadership team and Network Rail’s strategic leadership group and will work in close partnership with HR and industrial relations colleagues.

Key Accountabilities:

The Director of Internal Communications & Engagement is responsible for leading the national internal communications function to develop and deliver high-impact, group-wide communication campaigns that engage colleagues, support strategic priorities, and build a unified voice across Network Rail and the wider rail industry.

The role is responsible for developing internal communication channels and content, ensuring messages are targeted, well-planned, and accessible—particularly for frontline teams. A strong culture of listening and learning will be central to the role, using data and insight to measure communication effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.

The role sets the national direction for internal communications—ensuring consistency across devolved regions, strengthening capability, and building pride, engagement, and connection throughout the organisation.

Essential Criteria:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent relevant experience
• Extensive experience in leading and delivering internal communications and engagement programmes in large, complex organisations
• Proven experience of leading internal communications during periods of transformation or uncertainty, with a focus on cultural and organisational change, ideally in unionised environments
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate business objectives into compelling internal communication plans
• Significant experience in building and developing a high performance, results-driven culture.
• Extensive expertise in developing and managing effective internal communications channels and content, particularly for dispersed, frontline and operational audiences
• Experience in measuring and evaluating internal communications to inform strategy and continuous improvement
• Ability to build deep, trusted relationships and influence senior stakeholders across a complex, matrixed organisation
• Excellent written and verbal communicator—credible, clear, and inspiring, with strong leadership presence and emotional intelligence
• Strong coaching skills and a commitment to developing self and others

How to Apply

Salary: Band 1.C £116,753 - £141,771 (+ £8,000 per annum company car allowance)

Duration: Permanent

Closing date: 07/07/2025

Location: This role is based in our Milton Keynes Office. The Quadrant, Elder Gate, Milton Keynes, MK9 1EN with regular travel to our offices in Waterloo.

We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone!

We're a Disability Confident Leader employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.

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If you’re passionate about driving colleague engagement and shaping powerful internal communications, apply now to help lead the conversation across Britain’s railways.