Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Lead

Location: London preferred (Bristol / Manchester considered with weekly London
attendance) | Hybrid
Contract: 9 months (potential extension)
Clearance: BPSS + SC eligible (active/lapsed SC desirable)

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Lead to join a
high-profile government digital transformation programme. This role will lead strategic
communications and stakeholder engagement activity across a complex, fast-paced
environment, requiring strong leadership, clarity of thought, and the ability to operate at
senior levels.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead and deliver end-to-end communications and stakeholder engagement strategies
* Develop and manage stakeholder maps and engagement plans across senior audiences
* Engage effectively with senior leaders, directors, and ministers
* Own delivery of internal and external communications activity
* Lead communications campaigns supporting large-scale digital transformation
programmes
* Provide clear, concise and high-quality messaging under tight timelines
* Build and lead communications capability, including establishing or growing teams
* Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and support wider team delivery

Essential Experience

* Strong experience in both internal and external communications
* Significant experience operating at Head of / Lead / Director level
* Proven leadership experience including building and developing teams
* Experience leading communications strategies for digital transformation programmes
* Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, particularly with senior stakeholders
* Experience working within government or public sector environments
* Ability to work at pace, handle ambiguity and perform under pressure
* High attention to detail and strong written communication skills

Skills & Behaviours

* Confident, clear communicator with strong influencing skills
* Calm and composed under pressure
* Proactive, self-starting and able to work with minimal direction
* Collaborative team player with a positive and flexible mindset
* Comfortable supporting across the team and handling varied workloads

Desirable

* Experience across both public and private sector
* Exposure to procurement or commercial environments
* Understanding of commercial terminology and programme delivery

Additional Information
* London office attendance required 1-2 days per week (Tuesdays essential)
* Team size: 20-25 core members, with additional wider directorate support
* Candidates must be able to operate autonomously and hit the ground running
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed