External 
Communications Manager
National Health Service
AnyThe Borough
Job Description
Job summaryAn exciting opportunity has arisen to lead the Communications team in the South London Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN), hosted by Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. The Communications Manager will lead regional and national communications as part of the Research Delivery Network (RDN) Communications Team, dispersed across the 12 Regional Research Delivery Networks (RRDN) and the RDN Coordinating Centre. As a senior member of the RDN Communications Team, you will provide a high quality, professional and proactive communications service to the RDN regionally and nationally, and will report to the RRDN Head of Strategy, Engagement and Inclusion.Main duties of the jobThis role will take responsibility for RDN communication using a range of different channels that will promote the reputation of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network (RDN) as a high-quality health and care research organisation. They will lead the delivery of a corporate communication strategy and associated communication activities, engagement events and marketing initiatives to enable the RDN to deliver on its strategic objectives and showcase the RDN's impact. In addition, they will have line management responsibility for the Communications Officer.About usThe NIHR RRDNs will have three key roles which it will fulfil via new models of service delivery and functions, to:provide support to research sites to enable the effective and efficient initiation and delivery of funded research across the health and care system in England;enable the strategic development of new and more effective research delivery capability and capacity. This will include bringing research to under-served regions and communities with major health and care needs;work jointly with the Coordinating Centre in the strategic oversight of the NIHR RDN. This will ensure that the Portfolio is maintained as a cohort of high-quality, fully-funded, viable and deliverable studies. It will also ensure that the NIHR RDN as a whole serves the research delivery needs of investigators and R&D teams and is responsive to the changing domestic and global environment for health and care, life sciences and health research.DetailsDate posted28 August 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 7Salary
58,133 to 65,261 a year
per annum incl HCAS
ContractPermanentWorking pattern
Full-time
Reference number196-RD543DJob locationsGuy's HospitalLondonSE1 9RTUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesMain responsibilities include: Understand the communications needs of all RRDN services and support the optimisation of those services through effective and impactful communications Lead on the production of corporate communications aligned to the RDN strategic objectives Undertake regional and cross regional events management Triangulate/scope impact statements and stories for potential media and other coverage in conjunction with regional stakeholders Lead and deliver national/regional campaigns and communications channels
Job description
Job responsibilitiesMain responsibilities include: Understand the communications needs of all RRDN services and support the optimisation of those services through effective and impactful communications Lead on the production of corporate communications aligned to the RDN strategic objectives Undertake regional and cross regional events management Triangulate/scope impact statements and stories for potential media and other coverage in conjunction with regional stakeholders Lead and deliver national/regional campaigns and communications channelsPerson Specification
Education & Qualifications
EssentialDegree level (or equivalent experience) with extensive professional experience working in communications, media, web publishing or marketing, preferably in the health sectorDesirableBackground in research and development, science or healthcare
Knowledge & Experience
EssentialHigh level of experience in a relevant speciality i.e. public relations, communications, marketing and/or journalism to post graduate level or demonstrable experience. This must include social / web-based mediaDemonstrable experience of working in a large, complex organisationHigh level of knowledge around the full range of public and health professional communication channels and their effective deployment, including around the latest technologies for digital engagement and techniques around behavioural changeExperience of inter-agency working involving multiple and diverse partnersExperience of line managementExperience of managing a customer-focused serviceExperience of working at a similar level in the NHS or other healthcare environmentGood understanding of the health and care research environmentDesirableExperience of providing communications support to a local authority
Skills & Abilities
EssentialAbility to exercise initiativeExcellent organisational skillsAttention to detailStaff training skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsExcellent interpersonal skillsExcellent leadership skillsAbility to operate at all levels throughout an organisationAbility to write concise and clear reports and to write Standard Operating ProceduresAbility to work to tight deadlines under pressureExperience of managing a wide range of complex dutiesAbility to prepare and deliver presentations to a high standardAbility to plan, manage and deliver projects and activities, involving multiple agencies and individuals to tight deadlinesMedia handling skillsAbility to communicate complex information to a range of audiences at all levels within the organisation and externallyExcellent IT literacy including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or equivalent Google applications and relevant design packages e.g. Adobe InDesign, CANVAThe ability to manage challenging and stressful situationsStrong problem-solving skillsAbility to work autonomously and to exercise initiative, with creativity, drive and flexibility
Values & Personal Qualities
EssentialCompassionateUnderstanding of change and adaptablePolitically aware
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
EssentialDegree level (or equivalent experience) with extensive professional experience working in communications, media, web publishing or marketing, preferably in the health sectorDesirableBackground in research and development, science or healthcare
Knowledge & Experience
EssentialHigh level of experience in a relevant speciality i.e. public relations, communications, marketing and/or journalism to post graduate level or demonstrable experience. This must include social / web-based mediaDemonstrable experience of working in a large, complex organisationHigh level of knowledge around the full range of public and health professional communication channels and their effective deployment, including around the latest technologies for digital engagement and techniques around behavioural changeExperience of inter-agency working involving multiple and diverse partnersExperience of line managementExperience of managing a customer-focused serviceExperience of working at a similar level in the NHS or other healthcare environmentGood understanding of the health and care research environmentDesirableExperience of providing communications support to a local authority
Skills & Abilities
EssentialAbility to exercise initiativeExcellent organisational skillsAttention to detailStaff training skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsExcellent interpersonal skillsExcellent leadership skillsAbility to operate at all levels throughout an organisationAbility to write concise and clear reports and to write Standard Operating ProceduresAbility to work to tight deadlines under pressureExperience of managing a wide range of complex dutiesAbility to prepare and deliver presentations to a high standardAbility to plan, manage and deliver projects and activities, involving multiple agencies and individuals to tight deadlinesMedia handling skillsAbility to communicate complex information to a range of audiences at all levels within the organisation and externallyExcellent IT literacy including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or equivalent Google applications and relevant design packages e.g. Adobe InDesign, CANVAThe ability to manage challenging and stressful situationsStrong problem-solving skillsAbility to work autonomously and to exercise initiative, with creativity, drive and flexibility
Values & Personal Qualities
EssentialCompassionateUnderstanding of change and adaptablePolitically awareDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer detailsEmployer nameGuy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustAddressGuy's HospitalLondonSE1 9RTUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameGuy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustAddressGuy's HospitalLondonSE1 9RTUnited KingdomEmployer's website
58,133 to 65,261 a year
per annum incl HCAS
ContractPermanentWorking pattern
Full-time
Reference number196-RD543DJob locationsGuy's HospitalLondonSE1 9RTUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesMain responsibilities include: Understand the communications needs of all RRDN services and support the optimisation of those services through effective and impactful communications Lead on the production of corporate communications aligned to the RDN strategic objectives Undertake regional and cross regional events management Triangulate/scope impact statements and stories for potential media and other coverage in conjunction with regional stakeholders Lead and deliver national/regional campaigns and communications channels
Job description
Job responsibilitiesMain responsibilities include: Understand the communications needs of all RRDN services and support the optimisation of those services through effective and impactful communications Lead on the production of corporate communications aligned to the RDN strategic objectives Undertake regional and cross regional events management Triangulate/scope impact statements and stories for potential media and other coverage in conjunction with regional stakeholders Lead and deliver national/regional campaigns and communications channelsPerson Specification
Education & Qualifications
EssentialDegree level (or equivalent experience) with extensive professional experience working in communications, media, web publishing or marketing, preferably in the health sectorDesirableBackground in research and development, science or healthcare
Knowledge & Experience
EssentialHigh level of experience in a relevant speciality i.e. public relations, communications, marketing and/or journalism to post graduate level or demonstrable experience. This must include social / web-based mediaDemonstrable experience of working in a large, complex organisationHigh level of knowledge around the full range of public and health professional communication channels and their effective deployment, including around the latest technologies for digital engagement and techniques around behavioural changeExperience of inter-agency working involving multiple and diverse partnersExperience of line managementExperience of managing a customer-focused serviceExperience of working at a similar level in the NHS or other healthcare environmentGood understanding of the health and care research environmentDesirableExperience of providing communications support to a local authority
Skills & Abilities
EssentialAbility to exercise initiativeExcellent organisational skillsAttention to detailStaff training skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsExcellent interpersonal skillsExcellent leadership skillsAbility to operate at all levels throughout an organisationAbility to write concise and clear reports and to write Standard Operating ProceduresAbility to work to tight deadlines under pressureExperience of managing a wide range of complex dutiesAbility to prepare and deliver presentations to a high standardAbility to plan, manage and deliver projects and activities, involving multiple agencies and individuals to tight deadlinesMedia handling skillsAbility to communicate complex information to a range of audiences at all levels within the organisation and externallyExcellent IT literacy including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or equivalent Google applications and relevant design packages e.g. Adobe InDesign, CANVAThe ability to manage challenging and stressful situationsStrong problem-solving skillsAbility to work autonomously and to exercise initiative, with creativity, drive and flexibility
Values & Personal Qualities
EssentialCompassionateUnderstanding of change and adaptablePolitically aware
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
EssentialDegree level (or equivalent experience) with extensive professional experience working in communications, media, web publishing or marketing, preferably in the health sectorDesirableBackground in research and development, science or healthcare
Knowledge & Experience
EssentialHigh level of experience in a relevant speciality i.e. public relations, communications, marketing and/or journalism to post graduate level or demonstrable experience. This must include social / web-based mediaDemonstrable experience of working in a large, complex organisationHigh level of knowledge around the full range of public and health professional communication channels and their effective deployment, including around the latest technologies for digital engagement and techniques around behavioural changeExperience of inter-agency working involving multiple and diverse partnersExperience of line managementExperience of managing a customer-focused serviceExperience of working at a similar level in the NHS or other healthcare environmentGood understanding of the health and care research environmentDesirableExperience of providing communications support to a local authority
Skills & Abilities
EssentialAbility to exercise initiativeExcellent organisational skillsAttention to detailStaff training skillsExcellent verbal and written communication skillsExcellent interpersonal skillsExcellent leadership skillsAbility to operate at all levels throughout an organisationAbility to write concise and clear reports and to write Standard Operating ProceduresAbility to work to tight deadlines under pressureExperience of managing a wide range of complex dutiesAbility to prepare and deliver presentations to a high standardAbility to plan, manage and deliver projects and activities, involving multiple agencies and individuals to tight deadlinesMedia handling skillsAbility to communicate complex information to a range of audiences at all levels within the organisation and externallyExcellent IT literacy including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or equivalent Google applications and relevant design packages e.g. Adobe InDesign, CANVAThe ability to manage challenging and stressful situationsStrong problem-solving skillsAbility to work autonomously and to exercise initiative, with creativity, drive and flexibility
Values & Personal Qualities
EssentialCompassionateUnderstanding of change and adaptablePolitically awareDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer detailsEmployer nameGuy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustAddressGuy's HospitalLondonSE1 9RTUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameGuy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation TrustAddressGuy's HospitalLondonSE1 9RTUnited KingdomEmployer's website