Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Lead

Location: London preferred (Bristol / Manchester considered with weekly London attendance) | HybridContract: 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