Stakeholder and Communications Officer

Purpose of the role

We have a great opportunity for a Stakeholder and Communications Officer to join the team based at the Guilden Sutton depot, CH3 7EX. This role will support the delivery of customer engagement, communications and stakeholder activity across the Cheshire West and Chester highways maintenance contract. The role ensures that residents, road users, elected members and stakeholders are kept informed and supported before, during and after highway works, helping to maintain high customer satisfaction and protect the reputation of both Cheshire West and Chester Council and Colas. 

Main Responsibilities

The Stakeholder and Communications Officer role will involve acting as a key point of contact for customer enquiries, service requests and complaints relating to highway works, ensuring all interactions are handled professionally and within agreed timescales. The postholder will support stakeholder engagement with councillors, parish councils and communities, providing updates and preparing briefing materials where required. The role includes drafting and issuing customer communications such as advance works notices, letters, emails, FAQs and web content, ensuring information is clear, accessible and consistent. The postholder will also support public engagement activity including consultations and community events. Working closely with operational teams, the role will help ensure customer impacts are effectively communicated and managed, while maintaining accurate records of enquiries, communications and performance data. The postholder will also support the monitoring of customer feedback, KPIs and contract reporting requirements. In addition, the role will support internal communications, assist with reactive communications and issue management under guidance from the Stakeholder and Communications Manager, and help monitor potential reputational risks through media and social channels.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have experience in a customer engagement, stakeholder or communications role, ideally within a public-facing or operational environment. They will be confident handling customer enquiries and complaints and able to communicate clearly and professionally with a wide range of stakeholders. Strong written communication and organisational skills are essential, along with the ability to work accurately in a fast-paced environment. Experience of managing stakeholder relationships, supporting communications activity and working to KPIs or service standards is highly desirable. Experience within a local authority, highways, infrastructure or contract environment would be beneficial, as would familiarity with CRM or case management systems. A background in communications, customer service, PR or marketing is advantageous, along with relevant qualifications or professional development. The successful candidate will be proactive, adaptable and committed to delivering high-quality customer service in a live operational environment.

Package Description

Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:

• A salary between £30,000 and £35,000 (dependent on experience)
• Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
• Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
• 25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays 
• Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
• Family-Friendly Benefits, including Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
• Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
• Ongoing personal / professional development
• Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal