Senior Media Relations Manager - Manchester, United Kingdom - Network Rail

Description

Brief Description

Develop and deliver media relations strategies aimed at promoting Network Rail's policies and initiatives and protecting the company's interests, that consistent and compliant with Network Rail's overall corporate media relations strategy.

This is a 12-month secondment/fixed term opportunity with the potential to be made permanent and can be based from one of our core locations in the North-West & Central Region: Birmingham, Manchester or Milton Keynes.

About the role (External)

Your main responsibilities will be to:

·Plan and control a full-media, 24-hours a day, year-round press desk service for the business

·Take part in on-call arrangements to deal with out-of-hours media requirements on behalf of the company

·Devise and implement national media campaigns in line with company priorities and objectives

·Analyse and manage the development and delivery of strategies and activities in the media environment that enable the delivery of objectives contained in the company's national media and communications strategies

·Manage effectively the processes, quality standards and operational systems for national media co-ordination, planning and information exchange.

·Manage, direct and control the output of press releases, briefing sessions, photo opportunities and facility visits for the media. Organise broadcasts as necessary. Monitor media comment and prepare suitable responses aimed at clarifying / correcting any misconceptions.

·Inform the Head of Media of all significant media enquiries or activity.

·Monitor the effectiveness of press coverage for Network Rail, taking corrective action where necessary.

·Maintain regular contact with editors and senior journalists so that they understand our role and policies and are aware of key stories

·Implement the major incident communications plan as required

·Where required, provide direct management and development of a team including carrying out regular 121s, appraisals, objective setting and performance monitoring

What could set you apart:
(Essential)

·Substantial experience in media relations

·A proven track record in journalism or public relations in a high profile industry

·Excellent writing and broadcasting skills

·The experience and personal credibility to work effectively with senior managers

·Strong influencing skills

·Proven ability to grasp, understand and promote complex and sensitive issues in a persuasive and sensible way

·Ability to develop and maintain a wide network of media contacts

·Ability to work in a team

·Ability to work under pressure

You will ideally have:
(Desirable)

·Evidence of good planning and financial skills, with the ability to deliver projects and activities on time and within budget

·Educated to degree level

·Relevant professional qualifications

·Evidence of continuing professional development