Communications and Engagement Lead

Communications and Engagement Lead

Location: Hybrid (based at nearest office - Nationwide)
Contract: 6 month contract (Extension TBC)
Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
Pay Rate: Up to £575 per day Umbrella

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Communications and Engagement Lead to support the delivery of high-profile Directorate and EU Delivery Programme objectives within DEFRA.

This is a fast-paced and complex environment, requiring coordination across multiple directorates and engagement with a broad stakeholder landscape including central government, devolved administrations, and international trade partners.

You will play a critical role in shaping how complex policy and technical information is communicated, ensuring clarity, impact, and strategic alignment with ministerial priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and delivery of strategic communications and engagement plans aligned to departmental objectives
• Act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, including Directors and Senior Civil Servants
• Translate complex policy and technical information into clear, engaging messaging
• Manage and deliver high-impact engagement activity, including large-scale in-person and virtual events
• Provide editorial oversight across all communication outputs (internal, digital, and external)
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder networks across government and partner organisations
• Use data, feedback, and behavioural insights to evaluate and continuously improve engagement strategies
• Coordinate communications across multiple workstreams to ensure consistency and alignment
• Support senior stakeholders with high-volume and sensitive engagement activity
• Line manage staff, including prioritisation, performance management, and budget oversight

Essential skills and experience:

• Strategic Communications: Proven experience developing and delivering communications and engagement strategies from the ground up in complex environments
• Senior Stakeholder Influence: Strong ability to advise, challenge, and influence at senior levels, including in sensitive or high-pressure situations
• Communications Expertise: Deep understanding of internal communications, engagement strategies, and/or media landscape
• Leadership: Experience managing teams, competing priorities, and delivering to tight deadlines
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Ability to simplify complex or technical information for diverse audiences
• Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated success working collaboratively across a wide range of stakeholders

Apply Now Service Care Solutions is proud to assist in this recruitment campaign. If you meet the above criteria and would like to be considered, please apply now or reach out directly to discuss the role in more detail.
 
Harry Greenhalgh
Recruitment Lead – Defence
Service Care Solutions
harry.greenhalgh@servicecare.org.uk
01772 208962