Department: Corporate Affairs

Reporting to: Head of Corporate Affairs

Grade: 4

Salary: £68,067 per annum

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Base: Gravesend, Kent

Closing date: 9 October 2026 (We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date)

Interview date: In-person interviews are scheduled to take place on 19 and 21 October 2026, with successful candidates invited to a final-stage interview on 11 November 2026.

Who we are:

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

The role:

We are looking for a proactive, positive and experienced project communications and internal communications expert.

This role is responsible for leading the PLA’s approach to project and change communications and our wider internal communications. You will develop a strategic approach for both.

You'll be equally confident shaping strategic direction and contributing to the day-to-day delivery of work that drives results.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead on all aspects of project and internal communications.

• Responsible for determining and delivering communication strategies for major projects and change programmes.

• Design of the strategic policies and practices to support key programmes and their effective delivery.

• Line Management responsibility and continual development of the Internal Communications Officer

• Develop and embed a strategic approach to establish best practice internal communications, helping to further embed a shared sense of purpose and connection.

• Provide expert counsel to project sponsors and key internal stakeholders in support of significant organisational change initiatives, including the implementation of new HR and ERP systems.

• Monitor, evaluate and report on the effectiveness of communication activities, using data, insights and stakeholder feedback to refine communication approaches and improve outcomes.

• Work independently to build effective working relationships across the organisation to understand business priorities, project objectives and audience needs, engaging with colleagues at all levels, including Executive Committee members and operational teams.

• Work collaboratively to develop communication objectives, messages, activities and channel strategies. These will be audience-focused and align with the PLA's vision, objectives and behaviours.

• Identify opportunities to celebrate success, promote project achievements and organisational initiatives through coordinated internal and external communications channels; working with Corporate Affairs colleagues to develop and deliver integrated communication activity.

What we are looking for:

• Personal attributes
  Strong relationship builder with an emphasis on collaborative working.

• Excellent communication skills with an in-depth understanding of project communications and the importance of internal stakeholder engagement with demonstrable experience.

• Significant internal communications experience.

• Experience of using a variety of different channels and techniques to embed communications and reach a diverse operational audience.

• Experience as an effective line manager.

• Must have the ability to work under pressure, to tight deadlines, and juggle multiple priorities.

• An innovative and results-driven professional with a strong capacity for strategic thinking, meticulous planning, and effective execution.

• Experience of advising and supporting senior leaders, ability to influence and advocate for effective communications in support of delivering business priorities

• Self-motivated and able to work on their own initiative.

• Proactive, positive and can-do.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Degree qualified and/or equivalent experience

• Significant previous experience in internal communications and change communications.

Our Behaviours

You naturally demonstrate our values:

One Team – acting with integrity, delivering on commitments, and upholding safety and standards.

Do the Right Thing – collaborating, valuing others’ expertise, and supporting colleagues.

Always Improving – bringing fresh thinking, learning from mistakes and driving continuous improvement.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

• Private Medical Insurance (Bupa)

• Generous pension - up to 14% employer contribution

• Employee Assistance Programme and access to Wellbeing Resources

• Discounted gym memberships and cycle to work scheme

• Salary sacrifice car scheme (Tusker Cars)

• Reward and recognition portal, with access to a range of discounts

To view the full job description click here

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Mark Anderson, Head of Corporate Affairs at Mark.Anderson@pla.co.uk

Inclusion Statement

The PLA are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Candidates will be assessed against the essential requirements for the role. Where candidates can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and experience, we encourage them to apply.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.