Communications and Stakeholder Management Lead

Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Lead

📍 London (Hybrid - 1-2 days per week onsite)
💼 Contract / Interim Opportunity / £550 daily (inside IR35)

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Lead to play a pivotal role in a high-profile, large-scale digital transformation programme.

This is a senior leadership position where you will shape and deliver communications and engagement strategy, working closely with directors and senior stakeholders to drive understanding, alignment, and successful programme outcomes.

You will join a collaborative and growing team, with the autonomy to lead your own workstreams and make a tangible impact from day one.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive communications and engagement strategy
Own and execute internal and external communications plans
Build and maintain strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including director-level audiences
Develop and manage stakeholder mapping and engagement plans
Lead high-impact communications campaigns aligned to programme delivery
Provide strategic advice and messaging support to senior leadership
Operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment, managing ambiguity with confidence
Contribute to and support a high-performing, collaborative team culture

About You

You will be a confident, credible communications leader with the ability to operate at pace and influence at senior levels.

Essential Experience

Proven experience in communications and stakeholder engagement leadership roles (e.g. Head of / Lead / Director level)
Strong track record delivering communications strategies within large programmes or transformations
Experience across both internal and external communications
Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders (Director level and above)
Experience developing and delivering engagement strategies and stakeholder maps
Comfortable working in environments with ambiguity and changing priorities
Excellent communication skills with high attention to detail

Highly Desirable

Experience working within government, public sector, or highly regulated environments
Exposure to digital transformation programmes
Experience supporting commercial or procurement-related activity
Background in building or developing communications functions and teams

Working Style

A proactive, self-starting leader who can hit the ground running
Calm and composed under pressure
Positive, collaborative and willing to support the wider team
Brings ideas, energy, and ownership to their work

Location & Working Pattern

London-based role with hybrid working
Candidates based in Bristol or Manchester will be considered, with the expectation of regular travel to London (1-2 days per week)
Team-wide in-person collaboration day on Tuesdays

Eligibility

Must be eligible for BPSS and SC clearance (existing or lapsed SC is advantageous)

Why Apply?

Opportunity to lead communications on a high-impact transformation programme
High visibility role with exposure to senior leadership
Ability to shape and influence strategy in a complex environment
Collaborative and supportive team with strong growth trajectory
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed