National PR & Corporate Affairs Manager

Salary

Competitive salary, bonus, and pension

As we continue to champion sustainable travel, support economic growth and invest in the future of public transport, we're looking for an experienced and influential communications professional to help shape our reputation and strengthen our voice across the UK.
 
Reporting to the Brand & Marketing Director, the National PR & Corporate Affairs Manager will play a key role in protecting and enhancing Stagecoach's reputation through integrated communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement and corporate affairs activity. The role will also support awareness and understanding of Stagecoach's brand promise, customer value proposition and strategic priorities among customers, colleagues, stakeholders and opinion formers.
 
This is a high-profile role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, working closely with senior leaders, political stakeholders, media contacts, agency partners and regional teams to ensure Stagecoach is represented consistently, credibly and effectively at both a national and local level.
 
This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys building influential relationships and wants to make a meaningful impact within one of the UK's leading public transport operators.
 
What You'll Be Doing

• Developing and delivering Stagecoach's national PR and corporate affairs strategy.
• Leading integrated communications campaigns across media, stakeholder engagement, marketing and internal communications.
• Protecting and strengthening Stagecoach's reputation through proactive communications, media relations and issues management.
• Managing national media relations, press enquiries and reputation management activity.
• Supporting senior leaders with media engagement, stakeholder briefings, presentations and external communications.
• Building relationships with government, transport authorities, elected representatives, industry bodies and other influential stakeholders.
• Monitoring political, policy, regulatory and funding developments and providing strategic insight to the business.
• Coordinating communications and stakeholder engagement activity across regional and national teams.
• Managing PR, public affairs and specialist agency partners to deliver effective, coordinated campaigns.
• Supporting communications during significant incidents, service disruption and reputational challenges.

What We're Looking For

• Significant experience in PR, corporate affairs, communications or stakeholder engagement.
• A strong track record in media relations, reputation management and integrated communications campaigns.
• Experience developing stakeholder engagement strategies and working with political, regulatory and public sector stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, communication and influencing skills, with the ability to turn complex issues into clear and compelling narratives.
• Experience building trusted relationships with senior leaders and external partners.
• Experience managing agencies, budgets and campaign performance.
• Strong commercial awareness, sound judgement and a proactive approach.
• The ability to remain calm under pressure and manage competing priorities effectively.
• Experience within transport, infrastructure, public services or another regulated sector would be advantageous.

Stagecoach is proudly an inclusive employer, striving for a culture where everyone can be themselves and where all the differences people bring are truly appreciated. We welcome applications from all, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, race, religion, beliefs, disability, neurodiversity, sexual orientation, or age.

Location:

Stagecoach Shared Service Centre One Exchange, 20 Railway Road Stockport SK1 3SW