Communications Manager

Overview

Arriva Rail London is an industry leading train operating company, responsible for running the London Overground network under a Concession Agreement with Transport for London (TfL) and is part of the Arriva group. Here at Arriva, we aim to be the leading passenger transport partner across Europe, delivering passenger journeys and driving digitisation, sustainability, and continuous improvement. We are seeking a dynamic Communications Manager to lead our public relations efforts, drive media engagement, manage issues and crises, and safeguard our reputation across channels.

The role also supports internal communications during strategic change, ensuring clarity and cohesion throughout the organisation. Acting as deputy to the Head of Communications, you will help maintain business continuity and deliver impactful messaging that reflects ARL’s commitment to safety, reliability, and inclusive employer branding.

If you are ready to influence public perception and champion our story, we would love to hear from you.

• You will be responsible for leading external communications that shape public perception of London Overground, with a focus on media relations, brand reputation, and service reliability.
• The Communications Manager will act as deputy to the Head of Communications, ensuring continuity and responsiveness across the function during periods of absence or high demand.
• This individual will manage media enquiries and relationships with the TfL press office, delivering timely, accurate, and professional responses to protect and promote ARL’s reputation.
• Expect to play a key role in crisis and issues management—developing protocols, leading scenario planning, and supporting real-time incident response and industrial action communications.
• You’ll support internal communications during change programmes and strategic initiatives, ensuring colleagues are informed, engaged, and aligned with ARL’s values.
• You’ll oversee the creation and curation of inclusive, high-quality content across digital channels, including social media and the ARL website, to drive engagement and employer brand visibility.
• The successful candidate will advise senior leaders, embedding communications into strategic decision-making and ensuring alignment across ARL and TfL teams.
• You’ll monitor media and industry trends to identify reputational risks and opportunities, using insights and analytics to shape proactive communication strategies.
• You’ll need to be visible on the network, representing ARL at events and stakeholder meetings, and ready to respond to emerging issues, occasionally outside standard working hours.
• Finally, you’ll contribute to a high-performing team culture, mentoring junior colleagues, supporting operational admin, and providing flexible cover during key periods such as Christmas and Easter.

• You will need proven experience in external communications, including media relations, crisis response, and stakeholder engagement.
• This person requires a working knowledge of internal communications, particularly during organisational change and transformation.
• The Communications Manager needs a strong understanding of the UK rail industry and its operational and reputational context.
• You should demonstrate commercial awareness, with the ability to align communications to business goals and performance metrics.
• Expect to lead reputation management strategies, both proactive and reactive, that reinforce trust and credibility.
• You will be expected to produce high-quality, engaging content across channels, showcasing excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• This individual must bring strong influencing skills, with confidence in advising senior leaders and collaborating across teams.
• You’ll need exceptional attention to detail, especially when working under pressure or managing sensitive communications.
• The successful candidate will build and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, internally and externally.
• You should be comfortable applying a proactive, consultative approach to problem solving, with sound judgement and clarity on when to escalate.
• You will be required to…