AMS PSR

On behalf of Maritime and Coastguard Agency, we are looking for a Senior Communications Manager (Inside IR35) for a 6 month hybrid contract based in Southampton.

The successful candidate will have an expectation of 3 days in the office and the remaing 2 per week working from home.

As a , Senior Communications Manager your main responsibilities will be:

• Lead communications for high-profile Coastguard projects and programmes.
• Develop communication plans, key messages, briefings and media handling strategies.
• Manage proactive and reactive media relations, statements and press activity.
• Advise senior leaders on communications, stakeholder engagement and reputation management.
• Translate complex operational and policy issues into clear, audience-focused messaging.
• Identify and mitigate communications risks, supporting sensitive and fast-moving issues.
• Build strong relationships across DfT, HM Coastguard, media, stakeholders and partners.

Essential:

• Strong understanding of government structures, stakeholder landscapes and political engagement.
• Proven ability to advise and influence senior leaders on complex communications issues.
• Skilled in managing reputational risk, sensitive messaging and challenging stakeholder conversations.
• Able to balance strategic thinking with attention to detail, ensuring risks and issues are anticipated and managed.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to build credibility across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Diplomatic, resilient and solutions-focused, with a strong grasp of the bigger picture and organisational priorities.
• Comfortable operating in fast-moving, high-pressure environments where judgement and discretion are critical.
• Eager to develop further within strategic communications, or an experienced professional seeking a new challenge in a purpose-driven organisation.

Desirable:

• Experience working on high-profile, politically sensitive projects within government or the wider public sector.
• Experience of communications relating to organisational change, consultation, legal judgments or
• operational delivery.
• Experience of working with emergency services, maritime, transport or safety-related organisations.
• Experience of internal communications or stakeholder engagement alongside media relations.

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

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Maritime and Coastguard Agency 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.

Armed Forces Covenant 

 Maritime and Coastguard Agency 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".