Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Lead

Location: London preferred (Bristol / Manchester considered with weekly London attendance) | Hybrid Contract: 9 months (potential extension) Clearance: BPSS + SC eligible (active/lapsed SC desirable) Overview We are seeking an experienced Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Lead to join a high-profile government digital transformation programme. This role will lead strategic communications and stakeholder engagement activity across a complex, fast-paced environment, requiring strong leadership, clarity of thought, and the ability to operate at senior levels. Key Responsibilities * Lead and deliver end-to-end communications and stakeholder engagement strategies * Develop and manage stakeholder maps and engagement plans across senior audiences * Engage effectively with senior leaders, directors, and ministers * Own delivery of internal and external communications activity * Lead communications campaigns supporting large-scale digital transformation programmes * Provide clear, concise and high-quality messaging under tight timelines * Build and lead communications capability, including establishing or growing teams * Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams and support wider team delivery Essential Experience * Strong experience in both internal and external communications * Significant experience operating at Head of / Lead / Director level * Proven leadership experience including building and developing teams * Experience leading communications strategies for digital transformation programmes * Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, particularly with senior stakeholders * Experience working within government or public sector environments * Ability to work at pace, handle ambiguity and perform under pressure * High attention to detail and strong written communication skills Skills & Behaviours * Confident, clear communicator with strong influencing skills * Calm and composed under pressure * Proactive, self-starting and able to work with minimal direction * Collaborative team player with a positive and flexible mindset * Comfortable supporting across the team and handling varied workloads Desirable * Experience across both public and private sector * Exposure to procurement or commercial environments * Understanding of commercial terminology and programme delivery Additional Information * London office attendance required 1-2 days per week (Tuesdays essential) * Team size: 20-25 core members, with additional wider directorate support * Candidates must be able to operate autonomously and hit the ground running