AMS PSR

On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Media Relations Manager (Inside IR35) for a 2 month contract on a hybrid basis (1 day per week in Cardiff, remainder WFH/Remote)

Network Rail is at the heart of revitalising Britain’s railway. From Crossrail – Europe’s largest civil engineering project – to investment in world-class stations and major programmes of electrification, we're involved in some of the most ambitious and diverse ventures that this country has ever seen. We at Network Rail are dedicated to becoming one of Britain's best employers and believe this starts with placing the candidate at the heart of everything we do!

As a Media Relations Manager, your main responsibilities will be: 

• Take part in the delivery of a full-media, 24-hours a day, year-round press desk service for the business, including taking part in on-call arrangements to deal with out-of-hours media requirements on behalf of the company.
• Implement national media campaigns in line with company priorities and objectives.
• Manage effectively the processes, quality standards and operational systems for regional / business portfolio media co-ordination, planning and information exchange.
• Implement and deliver strategies and activities in the media environment that enable the delivery of objectives contained in the company’s national media and communications strategies.
• Direct and control the output of press releases, briefing sessions, photo opportunities and facility visits for the media. Organise broadcasts as necessary. Monitor media comment and prepare suitable responses aimed at clarifying / correcting any misconceptions.
• Monitor social media channels and provide swift and accurate comment and rebuttal as necessary.
• Inform the senior media relations manager or head of media of any significant media enquiries or activity.
• Monitor the effectiveness of press coverage for Network Rail, taking corrective action where necessary.
• Maintain regular contact with editors and senior journalists so that they understand our role and policies and are aware of key stories.
• Implement the major incident communications plan as required.
• Monitor social media channels by providing content for these channels, and provide swift, accurate comment and rebuttal as necessary
• When required provide video content, filming, editing, subtitling for use across Network Rail and external channels.

Essential:

• Wide experience in media work with a proven track record in journalism or public relations
• Excellent writing and broadcasting skills
• The experience and personal credibility to work effectively with senior managers
• Strong influencing skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Ability to work under pressure

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Network Rail guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant 

Network Rail guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following “this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.