Job Description

Job Introduction

We are currently seeking a Communications Specialist to join our Communications team here at SCS Railways.


The role covers a range of communications activities to support the delivery of the London tunnels programme for HS2. This includes employee communications, project communications, site engagement, social media and website content. Strong writing, problem solving and engagement skills are a pre-requisite for this role. While the HS2 project goes through a major reset, the requirements of this role will evolve and are likely to involve significant on site engagement with the workforce.



Flexible working: We welcome you to ask about the flexibility you need. This might be part-time, remote working, or compressed hours for example. Anyone who applies for a role can ask about flexibility at interview. In return, we will explore what is possible for the role, however the role will involve the need to regularly attend sites and offices, sometimes at short notice.


Main Responsibilities

Support the Communications Team to:

Develop and implement communications plans for identified business units and wider employee communications Provide content for - and contribute to the development of - the intranet, external website and social media Strong writing, editorial content and event management skills Strategic communications experience to support internal communications strategy and annual communications planning Provide day-to-day support across the organisation including site-based team Develop and provide content for employee communications, suitable for a range of audiences, some in dispersed locations with limited access to main channels Provide communications guidance to projects and develop relationships with customer communications teams Provide support to senior managers on internal and external events and presentations Project manage the delivery of communications material, working with the in-house creative services team Ensure SCS brand guidelines are followed in all communications Fulfil designated, additional responsibilities across the communications function, as agreed with line manager or Head of Communications Cover responsibilities on behalf of line manager as required Understand the Client and Joint Venture Partners' Environment and Sustainability Policies, Processes and statutory requirements as they affect the company's operations and ensure that the requirements, as applicable within their discipline, are implemented on the project.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have direct experience of working within an in-house communications function or communications agency. A humanities or relevant degree in journalism, public relations or a writing-based discipline is an advantage. Also, an advantage, though not essential, is experience in a construction, transport or infrastructure-related environment or one that includes a widely dispersed, project-based workforce.

Attitude and teamwork

A can-do, positive attitude, willing to go the extra mile A self-starter - able to identify and run with tasks with minimal supervision A team player, willing to get involved in other aspects of the Communications team's activities and support colleagues Calm and measured under pressure Flexible - able to adapt quickly and respond to new business priorities Trustworthy and professional

Technical skills

An ability to:

Combine strategic thinking with hands-on implementation Contribute to the evolution of communications channels and the implementation of new ones 'Join the dots' - making connections and tying stories to strategic priorities Write in a well-structured, purposeful manner for a wide range of media, including the company magazine, intranet and social media Provide guidance on internal communications techniques and tools Provide guidance on the principles associated with activities such as graphic design, web design, print production and management, video production, social media and events
Undertake and oversee the three broad requirements for a good communications professional:
+ - the insight and experience to be able to 'unpack' a problem or challenge and break it down into its constituent parts - the ideas needed to develop creative solutions
- the appropriate project management skills to ensure successful product/service delivery
Work with Microsoft Office functions and knowledge of, or ability to learn design software e.g. Canva Prioritise and manage competing demands Lead and deliver projects running concurrently

Relationship management

Good internal and external stakeholder engagement skills, including with teams on site Ability and authority to develop productive working relationships with internal stakeholders and peers Ability to inspire respect and trust from the communications leadership team and other senior managers in the company

About The Company

The role will work on the HS2 project. HS2 is the UK's new high speed rail network. It will be a catalyst for economic growth across Britain, freeing up space on the existing railways and connecting 8 out of the UK's 10 biggest cities with fast, reliable and frequent high speed services


The Skanska | Costain | STRABAG (SCS JV) is delivering the HS2 London Tunnels Contract. Scope of works includes twin-bored tunnels (TBM), SCL tunnels, shaft sinking, bridge demolition and reconstruction, services diversions, earthworks and the construction of site compounds.


You'll be a welcomed member of the wider team, with opportunities to take on additional responsibility, join one of our networks for women, military or LGBT+ staff, and participate in cultural and social events with the local community (e.g. as a STEM ambassador).


Your personal and professional development is important to us. We welcome a discussion about how we can support you with further study, or professional membership or attainment for example.


HS2 - working with Skanska, Costain and STRABAG, closely monitors job applications, to ensure an inclusive recruitment process. To ensure we are able to maintain this, and to recruit a diverse workforce, we require candidates to complete the diversity form as part of their application so we are able to monitor and improve our approach to diversity. Please note, all responses are anonymous and we will not share any of your data with other parties. All data will be held securely, (as stated within the Data Protection Act 1998) and will be reported to HS2.


It is an SCSJV requirement that all employees, Design House, and Supply Chains must implement and comply with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System with guidance for use", OHSAS 18001:2017 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Information Security Management System, Policies, Plans, Procedures and Processes, and statutory requirements as they affect the Joint Venture 's operations and ensure that the requirements, as applicable within their discipline, are effectively implemented on the project. Develop a culture of safety on the project through the absolute commitment to the Zero Accidents target and ethos, and develops a wider awareness of quality, environmental issues and demonstrates commitment to achieve continual improvement and Zero tolerance.


We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.


SCS Railways is a Disability Confident Leader. We want to encourage disabled people to apply for our roles and have an opportunity to display your skills, talent, and abilities. We will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview.

Please see the disability confident commitments:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/disability-confident-guidance-for-levels-1-2-and-3/level-1-disability-confident-committed

To be considered for an interview under this scheme you have:

A physical or mental impairment, which has a substantial and long-term effect (over 12 months) adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities*
Demonstrated in your application and pre-interview stage that you meet the minimum job criteria and person specification for the role*