Head of Internal and Change Communications

We have an exciting and challenging opportunity to join Thames Water as Head of Internal and Change Communications responsible for managing and driving significant organisational change through a range of internal channels to reach different audiences across the business.

In a senior leadership role within the communications team, you will be responsible for ensuring that employees are informed and engaged in the company’s purpose and priorities.

You will own, develop and deliver Thames Water’s company narrative which reflects business priorities and the strategic direction for the company. Working closely with the Communications Director, People Director and Transformation Director you will support the organisational strategy, turnaround plan and individual projects.

You will own the Internal Communications strategy, and all change communications, building trust and confidence in the workforce and Thames Water.

The team that you will lead is small but with significant strategic importance. You will get results through influencing across the business, enabling messaging to be delivered locally in a coordinated manner. You will be a key player in the wider communications team, working as part of a team to deliver the corporate communications strategy across the business.

**What you will be doing as Head of Internal and Change Communications**
- Act as a trusted advisor and provide specialist communications advice to the CEO, Communications Director and Executive team to inform decision-making for key business priorities and strategic initiatives, avoiding message overload and clashes.
- Overall accountability for developing an organisation-wide internal communication strategy to support business priorities, working with other members of the internal comms team and colleagues across the business to ensure business unit-specific needs are considered and included, translating strategic priorities into relevant messages and activities.
- Provide communication tools, channels and content to leaders and managers supporting a consistent two-way flow of information and supporting colleague engagement.
- Effective campaign planning in support of corporate communications strategy to drive employee engagement and understanding of key business initiatives, including full event management as required.
- Work closely with the wider communications team to coordinate internal and external messaging and activity, ensuring it’s aligned with the corporate narrative and strategy and meets specific business unit needs.
- Deliver clear and effective communication during crises or emergencies to reassure and guide staff.
- Playing a role in the wider communication team’s response to critical incidents.
- Manage and develop a high-performing team including budgetary oversight and people development; mentor and coach others as required.
- Be part of an out-of-hours event rota to provide communication and stakeholder support during major events.

**What you should bring to the role?**
- Strong previous track record of internal and change communications - extensive experience at senior leadership level.
- Demonstrable experience in creating content to engage staff in a company’s purpose and mission, and improve their understanding of company priorities.
- A self-starter who is comfortable dealing with ambiguity and change, able to bring strategic thinking and excellent problem-solving skills.
- Proven success in developing and executing strategic communications plans.
- Excellent stakeholder management - ability to engage people at all levels, and exercise influence/persuasion without direct authority.
- Experience in team leadership, managing and developing team members.

**What’s in it for you?**
- Competitive salary between £65,000 - £70,000 per annum dependent on experience
- Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (Plus bank holidays)
- Car Allowance
- Annual Bonus
- Private Medical Health Care
- Contributory pension - Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution
- Personal Medical Assessments - Open to all once a year
- Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your wellbeing

**Who are we?**

At Thames Water, our purpose is crystal clear - to deliver life’s essential service so our customers, communities and planet can thrive.

Water is life’s great leveller. Every living thing needs it, every single day. From people to plants, birds to bees, farms to factories, we all need it to thrive, and we’re committed to taking care of it for us all.

But keeping water flowing is becoming harder. From scorching summers to wetter winters, extreme weather affects everything from our pipes to our local rivers. We need to keep millions more kettles boiling, public services operating, washing machines spinning, showers running and more, so every drop is more precious than e