Communications Manager

Job Introduction

HMP Northumberland have a great opportunity for an experienced Communications Manager to join their team.

You will be required to develop and deliver communication strategies, plans and messages that are aligned to the global Sodexo Justice strategy, to inform and engage staff and stakeholders. You will also provide advice, guidance and support to Directors, Senior Management and Line managers on communication and engagement techniques and best practice.

If you are passionate about employee engagement, have proven experience of working within communications and would like the chance to work within this unique environment this is great opportunity for you.

HMP Northumberland is the newest addition to the SJS estate.  Our aim is to introduce the technology and initiatives that have been so successful in our other prisons whilst providing real work opportunities for prisoners which match those available in the community.

Sodexo Justice delivers custodial and community rehabilitation services that challenge offending behaviour, protect the public and offer individuals the opportunity to change their lives for the better. We deliver the total operation of five prisons within England, Scotland and Wales and own six Community Rehabilitation Companies in partnership with crime reduction charity Nacro.

Role Responsibility

• Produce and deliver regional communication plans and campaigns to encourage employee engagement, raise awareness and understanding of Justice messages.
• Manage existing and develop new local communication channels, to increase their use and ensure innovative, effective, timely and relevant delivery of messages.
• Act as a communications ‘subject matter expert’ for local senior managers when planning / executing their own local initiatives, projects and objectives.
• Provide content for Sodexo, Justice and regional communications, internally and externally, to promote our brand, manage our reputation and engage with our people, stakeholders and the public.
• Support the development of senior management and line managers as communicators to ensure effective two-way communication with our people.
• Take ownership of central delegated work packages by planning and controlling Sodexo corporate engagement initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with relevant internal departments including other communication and engagement leads in Sodexo to provide consistency and alignment of communication plans and demonstrate best practice.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

• Proven track record of developing and delivering engagement and communication plans and campaigns
• Experience of working in a complex, operational environment
• Understanding of the importance of effective communication and employee engagement
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to foster good working relationships, providing advice, guidance and support at all levels in the organisation
• Flexibility to adapt plans as priorities move and change track
• Aware of the importance of brand reputation and how to carefully manage good and bad news, on a local level.
• Experience of working across a broad range of communication channels, both on and offline
• To confidently present ideas to senior managers and act as a knowledgeable resource
• Written work to be of a high standard

 Desirable

• Confidence in persuading and influencing internal stakeholders
• Professional qualifications in the communications field
• To confidently present to all levels in the business and large audiences

Package Description

Up to £31,000 dependent on experience

23 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays

Performance related bonus

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 35,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business.

We are building on our support to the Armed Forces community through the development of specific pathways within our recruitment process to  support ex-forces personnel and reservists, those applying for jobs with us who meet the ideal candidate criteria for the role advertised are guaranteed to progress to the selection process.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.