Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating in 11 countries across the UK and Europe. The company employs around 35,000 people, delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys connecting people and communities safely, reliably and sustainably.
We have strong roots dating back to 1938, an ambitious growth and sustainability agenda, and a continuously developing relationship with I Squared Capital – a global infrastructure investment fund manager - who acquired Arriva in 2024.
We are looking for a Head of Comms & Engagement on a full-time, permanent basis to join our Employee Experience Team. This role will be located from either our Sunderland, London, Derby or Thurmaston office.
The Head of Comms and Engagement is accountable for the design, delivery and evaluation of employee engagement strategies that build meaningful connections between the organisation and its employees and cultivate a culture of trust, loyalty, and long-term impact.
Direct responsibilities:
• Leading the design and delivery of an employee engagement strategy that is fully aligned with our organisational goals and vision for the employee experience.
• Leading the design and delivery of cross-functional initiatives to enhance employee engagement.
• Overseeing content creation for digital platforms, newsletters, and campaigns, using consistent compelling narratives and authentic messaging across all engagement touchpoints, and includes the Arriva mission and values.
• Ensuring effective feedback loops are in place to ensure employee voices inform decision- making and employee engagement-related plans.
• Coaching managers on creating psychologically safe and inclusive team environments
• Leading the planning and execution of employee engagement events, including the Arriva employee engagement surveys.
• Monitoring emerging themes in employee engagement to inform engagement-related activity, including innovation, to enable continuous improvement.
• Monitoring lead and lag engagement metrics to understand ROI and the qualitative impact of employee engagement initiatives.
• Managing all relevant third-party employee engagement-related contracts effectively.
• Representing Arriva at events, forums, and strategic partnerships.
• Supporting the delivery of Arriva’s ESG goals by ensuring employee engagement
strategies drive social value.
• Supporting growth plans by ensuring effective employee engagement strategies are incorporated in tender proposals.
Knowledge, skills and experience:
Essential Experience
• HR business-partnering role in a large, heavily regulated and complex environment
• Designing employee engagement strategies in line with strategic organisational goals
• Leading the design and delivery of employee engagement initiatives
• Planning, leading and managing people-related changes
• Leveraging technology and digital tools to enhance employee engagement
• Managing strategic partnerships that enhance employee engagement
• Third-party contract management
This job description sets out the main duties and responsibilities of the job-holder. It does not constitute an exhaustive or comprehensive description of duties and the job holder will be required to carry out any additional tasks as and when requested to do so by their manager. Responsibilities and duties may also change in light of future business needs and personal development.
The closing date for applications is Monday 22nd December 2025. Arriva Group reserves the right to close this vacancy early.
Desirable Experience
• Background in internal communications or marketing
Other Skills and Behaviours
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into action and impact
• Horizon Scanning
• Strategic thinking
• Project Planning and delivery
• Inclusive and culturally aware
Technical Knowledge & Qualifications
• Strong cognitive agility
• Excellent understanding of the key aspects of employee engagement, factors that drive this, and measures for success
• Excellent awareness of current and emerging employee engagement trends and best practices
• CIPD or equivalent (Essential)