Communications Manager

Job Introduction

Sodexo Justice Services currently operates 5 prisons in the UK.  We have a reputation for delivering excellent, ethical, innovative and rehabilitative services which is built on our complete package of custodial and noncustodial justice services for offenders, ex-offenders and those at risk of entering the criminal justice system. Our mission is to change lives for the better and our people have a big part to play in that.

Things are happening fast here, we’re immensely proud to have recently been awarded contract wins within the Transforming Rehabilitation reform programme, focused on changing the way offenders are managed in the community.

We are now looking for a highly skilled Communications professional to join us and help develop and deliver a comprehensive communications plan aligned to the SJS (Sodexo Justice Services) strategy, working with key stakeholders within Justice Services and the Corporate Communications team to deliver the plan and measure effectiveness

This is a newly created stand-alone role which reports in to the Justice Services HR Director and gains support from our Corporate Comms team

Role Responsibility

• Working with the Head of Engagement, Corporate Communications team, site communications teams, and other key stakeholders to identify and implement strategic communication initiatives to improve employee engagement (IIP, EE scores) across the business and the understanding of key SJS (Sodexo Justice Services) initiatives throughout the business.
• Ensuring effective proactive stakeholder engagement and communication via regular newsletters etc
• Drawing upon best practice from within SJS and the wider business and ensure that this is effectively communicated across the business
• Supporting business development function create sales material that enables SJS to promote our capabilities to new clients and markets.
• Advising on the use of emerging technology and social media to improve SJS internal and external communications

*Job Description available upon request

The Ideal Candidate

• Demonstrable experience of internal communications either in-house and/or agency ideally working within a complex environment
• Demonstrable experience of Comms plan(s); design, implementation and delivery
• Experience working on internal communication projects such as Employee Engagement, successful IIP Accreditation etc
• Excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing with the ability, and gravitas to operate at all levels of the business
• Creative flair to develop engaging communications
• A self-starter - able to work to tight deadlines and manage projects independently
• Strong skills and experience in managing projects – able to balance the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ skills of managing projects so that plans are well-laid and executed and that stakeholders are fully engaged and communicated with.  Also needs to be able to manage many projects simultaneously.
• Good organisational skills and excellent attention to detail – thinks ahead and pre-empts possible setbacks and obstacles
• Able to develop strong working relationships with people at all levels within an organisation – has high levels of impact and influence
• Demonstrable experience of developing and executing on communications plans that utilise a wide variety of media, including new media particularly social networking sites, blogs, content communities and other social media platforms
• Track record of successfully supporting departments/functions within a business in improving internal communications and collaboration, drawing upon effective consulting skills, project management and communications know-how
• Professional or higher qualification in internal communications or corporate communications, or equivalent

Highly Desirable

• Experience in the Justice Sector
• Experience in media related communications

Package Description

£Competitive salary plus excellent benefits including bonus, healthcare, pension, discounts, flexible benefits scheme

About the Company

Sodexo UK & Ireland employs around 36,000 people and delivers On-site Service Solutions to clients at over 2,300 locations including offices, hospitals, schools, defence sites, prisons, sporting events and visitor attractions.  Sodexo is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. All roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Criminal Records Bureau (UK) and/ or Disclosure Scotland (Scotland)