Job Description

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit for advice on accessibility support.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Vacancy Details
Duration: Permanent, Full-time opportunity. Flexible working will be considered
Location: This role is based in London Waterloo and will require a minimum 3 days a week in the office.
Band & Salary: (Band 1A) 86,730 - 103,907 per annum (Dependent upon experience)
Brief Description
Reporting to the Director of External Communications & Engagement, you'll be responsible for setting and delivering our corporate communications strategy, driving proactive public relations, leading our 24/7 press office, and coordinating operational communications during major events and incidents.
You'll drive the planning and delivery of operational communications that support Network Rail's strategic objectives - integrating operational activity with corporate plans and enhancing crisis preparedness through training and planning.
You'll also work closely with senior leaders to shape external messaging, develop executive engagement plans, and ensure our communications reflect the ambition and integrity of Britain's railway.
About the role (External)
About the team...
The Corporate Communications team leads strategic communications across Network Rail, including media relations, public relations, and executive engagement. It ensures 24/7 crisis readiness, supports senior leadership with speechwriting and briefings, and promotes the organisation's reputation through targeted PR strategies. The team also aligns communications with business goals, setting clear targets and managing budgets, while providing strategic guidance to regional and route teams to uphold high standards in stakeholder engagement and operational communications.
What does the average day look like?
The Head of Corporate Communications is responsible for leading the development and delivery of our Corporate Communications strategy, aligned to our business goals.
The role will lead the planning and execution of proactive public relations campaigns that promote Network Rail's initiatives and achievements, targeting new channels and audiences to enhance our reputation and build public trust. It will also develop and implement executive engagement strategies for senior leaders providing speechwriting, briefings and external-facing opportunities that position Network Rail's leadership as credible, confident and forward-looking.
The Head of Corporate Communications will manage the national press office and on-call media response, ensuring timely, accurate and effective communications during incidents and crises. It will lead crisis communications planning and delivery, including cross-industry training and response coordination, ensuring Network Rail communicates clearly and confidently in times of uncertainty.
The role will build and maintain strong relationships with media, key external stakeholders, government and industry partners, working collaboratively to support shared communications goals and deliver a consistent external narrative across the organisation.
Who are we looking for?
As Britain's railways undergo a period of unprecedented transformation, Network Rail is seeking an experienced, results-driven communications leader to lead its Corporate Communications team.
This is a pivotal moment for Network Rail and the wider rail industry. As we evolve into a more passenger-focused, integrated, simpler, better and greener railway, the way we engage with external audiences has never been more important.
We're looking for a confident, collaborative and strategic communications leader - someone who can build strong relationships, offer credible challenge, and work effectively across the industry.
Essential Criteria

• Significant experience in leading on corporate communications and reputational management for a nationally significant organisation, with proven experience of successful management of crisis situations
• A fast thinker with a strategic mindset and the ability to translate business objectives into compelling external narrative
• Significant experience in developing and leading a high-performing, results-driven team
• Experience in measuring and evaluating communications to inform strategy and continuous improvement
• Ability to build deep, trusted relationships and influence senior stakeholders across a complex, matrixed organisation
• Excellent written and verbal communicator - credible, clear, and inspiring, with strong leadership presence and emotional intelligence
• Educated to degree level or equivalent

Please see attached job description for full details.
How to apply (External)
Contact: If you require any support with your application, please for contact details.
Closing date: 24th of September 2025. However, early application is advised as we reserve the right to close the advert early based on application volumes.
Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 06th of October 2025, depending on business requirements. This will be a 2 stage interview process.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Some of our great benefits:
? Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
? Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Skills Required