Head of Communications
- Business Function: People
- Salary: £85.000 to £95,000
- Location: Leeds, Manchester or York
- Hours: 37
Introduction
At Northern, you’d help guide how colleagues, customers and communities all across the North of England experience our story. This role sits within the People team, working closely with the People Director and Executive Team. You’ll shape the communications strategy across internal and external audiences, helping to build trust, clarity and a compelling voice that reflects who we are as a business.
What you’ll be doing
Here’s where you’ll make a difference across both internal and external channels:
- Set the tone by crafting and delivering an integrated communications strategy that lifts Northern’s reputation and supports our purpose, values and business objectives (including our media profile).
- Lead internal communications: manage channels, events, colleague surveys and agency partners to bring cultural change and meaningful engagement.
- Steer media relations: shine a light on Northern’s achievements and plans across regional and national media.
- Lead Northern’s crisis communications — guiding fast, accurate and empathetic responses during service disruptions or crises. You will be accountable for the organisation’s 24/7 on-call comms, ensuring clear, calm leadership in high-pressure situations.
- Build trusted relationships with key partners — from government to industry bodies, media, local authorities and beyond.
- Support senior leaders with speeches, briefings, town halls and media appearances, helping their voices connect.
- Oversee the communications team of 25 — providing direction, mentorship and growth support.
- Use insight, feedback and analytics to continuously improve how we engage both colleagues and external audiences.
- Act as the communications authority across Northern — setting best practice, chairing our Strategic Communications Group, and working alongside DFTO and Network Rail on joint messaging.
About you
Here’s what you’ll bring to Northern in this role:
- Proven leadership of complex communications functions — you’ve delivered across corporate, regulated or operational sectors (transport, utilities or public sector) and made a tangible difference to customer and colleague experience.
- Crisis communications expertise: you’ve led fast, accurate and empathetic communications during service disruptions or crises, providing calm and clear leadership in high-pressure situations. You are confident running 24/7 on-call comms and take ownership of crisis comms for the organisation.
- Internal communications capability: you’ve designed and delivered clear, consistent and engaging colleague comms, supporting leaders in keeping teams informed and motivated through periods of challenge or change.
- Media savvy: you’ve prepared spokespeople for interviews at regional and national levels, handled sensitive narratives with confidence, and understand when to go on the front foot and when to stay reactive.
- Strategic acumen: you’ve shaped campaign strategy and guided executive-level communication.
- Excellent storyteller: you can adapt messaging for different audiences, from press to colleagues and stakeholders.
- Change maker: you’ve supported large-scale change or culture transformation before.
- Relationship builder: you influence across senior leadership, media and external partners with ease.
- Strong knowledge of the UK media and political landscape, especially across the North.
- Experienced manager of agencies and internal teams.
- Optional extras — membership of PR or internal communications institutions (e.g. CIPR or IoIC) and experience in the rail or regulatory environment.
What’s in it for you?
At Northern, we don’t just value our people – we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
Why Northern?
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, after which rail quickly spread across the globe – and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.
At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
