AMS PSR

On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Communications Officer (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract on a hybrid basis (3 days per week in Manchester, York will also be considered)

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 Communications Officer, your key responsibilities will be toL

• Support the delivery of internal communications strategies in collaboration with the communications team.
• Draft and distribute engaging communications including newsletters, email updates, and digital content.
• Coordinate and gather content for the launch of a new internal newspaper by contacting colleagues, writing articles, and editing submissions.
• Support the planning and delivery of internal events and campaigns.
• Liaise with colleagues at all levels to ensure effective flow of information and consistent messaging.
• Draft scripts, presentations, and talking points for internal meetings and events.
• Contribute to digital communications, including video content creation and editing (where applicable).
• Monitor communication channels and provide feedback to improve engagement.
• Maintain professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive or high-profile information.

Essential Criteria

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences and channels.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships across teams and levels.
• A self-starter with strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and adaptability.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet tight deadlines.
• Confident public speaker with excellent presentation skills.
• Sound judgement and ability to communicate appropriately in sensitive situations.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience using internal communications platforms (e.g., Newsapp or similar).
• Familiarity with email creation platforms.
• Experience in video editing or other digital content creation.
• Previous experience working within a local authority or public sector environment.
• Relevant qualifications in communications, media, or related fields (or equivalent professional experience).

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.