Senior Communication and Engagement Manager

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About Matalan

From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here.

We know as a team, we are stronger together - we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth.

We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know.

In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested.

About the role

This senior leadership role is is accountable for the development, delivery and management of our colleague communication strategy and framework, including all internal employee communications channels and campaigns, supporting awareness and engagement of the business strategy and journey of change and transformation. The role is responsible for creating innovative, best practice channels that align to our employee value proposition both internally and externally as owner of our brand tone of voice, playing a key part in our colleague experience , enabling Matalan to attract and retain amazing talent and improve overall business performance.

Key Responsibilities -

• Develop Internal Communication Strategy: Create a clear internal communication strategy aligned with the overall business, people strategy, culture, and values.
• Innovate Communication Channels: Develop and manage communication channels across all business areas (Stores, Head Office, Logistics) to reach and engage diverse teams effectively.
• Maintain Consistent Tone of Voice: Serve as a custodian for consistent tone of voice in internal and external communications, ensuring an engaging colleague experience.
• Collaborate with People Leadership Team: Partner with the People Leadership team to create campaigns and content that enhance the colleague experience through the My Matalan Comms & Learning platform.
• Execute Colleague Conferences & Events: Work with leadership to plan and execute the annual calendar of conferences, business, and strategy events, ensuring they inform and engage colleagues on strategic priorities.
• Align Communication with People Strategy: Ensure the communication plan supports the delivery of the People strategy through innovative content on topics like Wellbeing, Engagement, and Diversity & Inclusion.
• Elevate Employee Value Proposition (EVP): Collaborate with the Talent team and PR/Marketing functions to enhance the external visibility of the EVP.
• Coordinate with PR Teams: Align internal and external messaging by working with internal and external PR teams to deliver strategic communications through media channels.
• Digitalise Communication Solutions: Research and implement creative digital communication solutions, optimizing the My Matalan Platform for better engagement.
• Build Trusted Relationships: Foster strong relationships across the business to ensure integration with key communication influencers at the functional level.
• Collaborate on Communication Agenda: Work with the Senior Management team to drive the communication and engagement agenda.
• Develop External Partnerships: Identify and establish strategic external partnerships to support communication objectives.
• Benchmark Communication Practices: Network with other businesses and experts to stay updated on best practices in communication.
• Measure Communication Success: Use analytics and feedback to assess and improve communication methods, ensuring effective channels for colleague engagement.
• Crisis Communication Framework: Develop and maintain a framework for crisis communications and risk mitigation (e.g., union issues, pandemic responses).
• Lead Internal Comms Team: Guide and coach the internal communications team to ensure efficient workflows and high visibility across the organization.

About You

• Have experience working at senior leadership level in communications and engagement, whilst leading a team of subject matter experts.
• Possess a genuine passion for employee engagement and can deliver ideas, collaboration and execution
• Excellent Planning and Organisational Skills
• Strong Influencing and challenging skills
• Effective communication, writing, presentation and campaign-building skills, with the ability to translate complex messages into engaging messages
• Focussed on Creative , Innovative Thinking
• Outgoing and Tenacious attitude
• Creative and focussed on Continuous Improvement and digitalising the communications agenda
• You value data and lead with an analytical and solution focussed approach

Benefits

In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits:

• 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service
• Hybrid working (Support Hub only)
• Thrive Recognition Scheme
• Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust
• Life Assurance
• Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers
• Pension Scheme
• Access to a wide range of career development
• Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business including wellbeing initiatives