We’re looking for an Internal Communications Manager to join our team for a period of 12 months.
Wickes is going through an exciting period of transformation. To keep colleagues informed, engaged, and inspired, we need clear, timely and consistent communications — especially as new technologies, programmes and platforms are rolled out across the business.
This role will lead on change communications, ensuring that messaging from multiple technology and business programmes is aligned, coordinated and lands in an engaging and structured way with our store colleagues. The role will also play a key part in supporting the launch and embedding of a colleague app/platform, helping ensure it becomes a trusted, go-to space for communication and engagement.
You’ll be a senior communications professional with strong experience in change management and internal communications within a fast-paced, customer-focused organisation. They will work closely with the Head of Internal Communications and Engagement, supporting key strategic projects and leading on major campaigns.
What you’ll be doing:
Change communications strategy: Create and deliver joined-up communications for technology and business transformation programmes, ensuring messages are coordinated, sequenced, and relevant for retail colleagues.
Business partnering: Work with Change Managers, Functions, and senior stakeholders to ensure programme comms are aligned and delivered effectively into stores.
Colleague platform/app: Lead the comms approach for the rollout and adoption of the new colleague platform/app, driving awareness, engagement and usage.
Content delivery: Develop engaging written, visual, and digital content tailored for different colleague audiences across channels.
Editorial planning: Coordinate and maintain a business-wide comms calendar to align messaging, avoid clashes, and ensure colleagues receive clear and consistent information.
Event delivery: Contribute to planning and delivery of colleague events that form part of the internal comms and engagement strategy.
Leadership support: Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and support the Head of Communications and Engagement on high-profile projects.
What we’re looking for:
You’ll have significant experience within internal communications with your experience focusing on change and transformation comms. You’ll have the proven ability to simplify complex programme messages into engaging, actionable comms for frontline teams and have experience rolling out and embedding colleague platforms or apps. As well as this you’ll:
Have strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
Be able to work at pace, juggle competing priorities, and deliver under pressure
Be proactive, a self-starter who is comfortable “rolling up sleeves” and getting involved
Demonstrate strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to advise and influence senior leaders
Be assertive yet collaborative, with excellent interpersonal skills
Have a strong sense of brand and the ability to maintain a consistent tone of voice
Desired experience/background
Internal communications experience in a retail or multi-site environment.
Degree in Communications, Marketing, or a related discipline.
Familiarity with digital comms tools and analytics to measure effectiveness.
What can we offer you?
You’ll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us.
We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes:
Competitive bonus
Save-as-you-earn scheme
Private Medical and Life Assurance
Enhanced contributory pension scheme
Colleague discount
Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme
Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we’re proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.
You’ll work from our Support Centre in Watford, where our Internal Comms team are based, along with our other support functions. We recognise the value of bringing our teams together to collaborate, support each other and build on our amazing culture. We are also encouraging our teams to work flexibly, with a blend of remote / office working.
About Us:
Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 50 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.6bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues.
But it is the Wickes’ culture that is considered its best kept secret; it’s a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we’ll make you feel right at home.
Please contact us here if you require any adjustments within the application process. If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage you will have an opportunity to inform us when we invite you to interview. Please note, this link is only for reasonable adjustments required - general enquiries, or direct CV applications cannot be accepted via this form.
