Comms and Engagement Lead
| Job Type | Contract |
| Location | London or Bristol or York or Newcastle/ Hybrid |
| Area | Uk-wide, UK |
| Sector | Marketing & Communications |
| Salary | £575 Per Day |
| Start Date | February 27th, 2026 |
| Advertiser | Priyanka Dubey |
| Job Ref | 7344-PSR1JP00099757 |
| IR35 | Inside |
| Security Clearance | DBS/DS |
- Description
- The Client:
A government department client is looking for a Comms and Engagement Lead to join them on a 6 month contract. This position will be based UK wide/ Hybrid.
Job Summary:
As a Comms and Engagement Lead, you will support the delivery of the Directorate’s objectives through a broad range of communication and engagement activity. This role is not as critical or high priority as some others within the programme, but it requires a strong blend of policy awareness, excellent communication skills and hands on stakeholder engagement experience.
A significant part of the role involves supporting managers who hold heavy stakeholder management workloads — helping to coordinate engagement plans, review and refine draft communications, and ensure consistent, high quality messaging across the programme.
You will work closely and collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders across the wider government, devolved administrations and trade bodies. You will deliver content and engagement activity through multiple channels, including in person events, digital communications and cross government updates, gathering feedback and adapting plans to meet stakeholder needs.
The EU Delivery Programme is high profile, fast paced and complex, offering the opportunity to operate at the forefront of a nationally and globally significant programme. You’ll be joining an evolving team during a period of change and adjustment following negotiations. We are committed to a positive, inclusive culture and are looking for people who can contribute to this environment while working at pace.
Role and Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and delivery of innovative communication and engagement strategies that align with departmental and ministerial priorities.
- Act as a trusted advisor to Directors and SCS, translating complex policy or technical mile-stones into clear, meaningful stakeholder communications.
- Provide strong day to day communications support, including reviewing draft comms, providing editorial assurance, and coordinating cross programme comms plans.
- Line manage a team, setting priorities, managing budgets and supporting professional development.
- Build and maintain effective working relationships across government, partner organisations and external stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on proactive stakeholder engagement.
- Support managers carrying significant stakeholder management responsibilities by coordinating updates, ensuring consistent messaging and enabling timely engagement.
- Provide editorial control for high quality content across digital, internal and traditional channels.
- Use data, feedback and behavioural insights to evaluate engagement activity and drive continuous improvement..
About the Candidate — Specialist Skills & Requirements:
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to design objective led communication and engagement plans from the ground up.
- Influencing Skills: Confident engaging and challenging at all levels, including during high pressure situations..
- Professional Expertise: Strong understanding of internal comms, digital engagement or media best practice, with the ability to interpret policy and technical information.
- Leadership: Experience leading teams and managing multiple competing priorities.
- Communication Excellence: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex policy or data heavy information for diverse audiences.
About the Department: This department responsible for safeguarding the natural environment, supporting the food and farming sector, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our work impacts daily life — from the food we eat and the air we breathe to the water we drink.
Our Company:
Malikshaw Interim & Executive is a specialist provider of talent management solutions helping our clients transform the delivery of our public services. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we combine providing the best talent with delivering diverse, inclusive workforces and particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQI+ people, and women.
How to Apply:
Please apply through the link provided to send your application directly to the Recruiter managing this assignment.
If you qualify for any of the above, please notify us on your covering letter and your recruiter will confirm if the client is a member. We will then be in touch to discuss your suitability and arrange your Guaranteed Interview.
Should you require reasonable adjustments at any point during the recruitment process or if there is a more accessible way for us to communicate, please do let me know.
- Lead the development and delivery of innovative communication and engagement strategies that align with departmental and ministerial priorities.
