Internal Communications Manager

Job Type: Internal Communications Manager
Contract Type: Temporary
Location: Hybrid working (Gateshead, Tyne and Wear)
Rate: £21.65 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm)
Start Date: 21 June 2026
End Date: 18 December 2026


About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Interim Internal Communications Manager to join Gateshead Council''s Communications team for a six-month assignment. Reporting to the Head of Communications and Engagement, you will lead the development and delivery of a comprehensive internal communications and colleague engagement strategy that supports Gateshead Council''s strategic priorities and organisational culture.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of a Council-wide colleague engagement strategy aligned to organisational priorities and cultural ambitions.
• Act as the strategic lead for internal communications, advising senior leaders, directors and elected members on best practice approaches.
• Design and deliver engagement campaigns and initiatives that improve staff understanding, involvement and pride in the organisation.
• Review, modernise and optimise all internal communication channels, including the intranet, email communications, leadership communications and face-to-face engagement activities, ensuring they are effective and user-focused.
• Develop a clear internal communications framework, including governance, planning, evaluation and messaging consistency.
• Lead on major organisational communications, including transformation programmes, change activity and corporate priorities.
• Use insight and data, including staff surveys and analytics, to shape activity and measure impact while embedding continuous improvement.
• Ensure all communications are clear, inclusive and accessible.

What You Need to be Successful Knowledge Essential

• Knowledge of internal communications and employee engagement strategy development.
• Understanding of best practice in organisational communications and change communications.
• Experience of using effective multi-channel internal communications approaches.
• Understanding of large, complex organisations. Knowledge of the public sector context would be advantageous.

QualificationsEssential

• Degree or professional qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

ExperienceEssential

• Significant experience leading and delivering internal communications and engagement strategies at a senior level.
• Experience advising senior leaders and stakeholders on strategic communications.
• Experience managing organisational change communications and complex programmes.
• Experience developing and improving internal communication channels and platforms.
• Ability to use insight, analytics and benchmarking to measure and demonstrate impact.
• Strong content creation skills with the ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging messages.
• Experience leading cross-organisational projects and delivering outcomes through others.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships and influence stakeholders at senior level.

Desirable

• Experience working within local government or a similarly complex public sector organisaton.
• Experience managing teams or leading a communications function.

Apply now
Email: (url removed)
Telephone: (phone number removed)

View Full Details