Location
Hybrid: 1-2 days at our Support Centre in Coleshill, Birmingham.
Why The Works?
10th Best Big Company to Work For 2024 – ‘Best Companies’
We don’t just sell products.We inspire reading, learning, creativity and play.
The Works. It literally means everything. And whatever your story or background, we’re all about unlocking imagination and making creativity accessible to everyone. Whether you’re engaging with customers on the frontline or supporting our colleagues behind the scenes, your impact can be profound and far-reaching.
This is more than toys and books and art supplies. This is about inspiring people to read, learn, create and play. So, with the right passion, it all starts with you.
Become a Internal Communications Manager
As our Internal Communications Manager, you’ll be the architect of our internal communications strategy – designing, planning and delivering clear, compelling and consistent communications that help colleagues understand our direction, why it matters, and their role in elevating The Works.
You will build a thoughtful, well-planned communications rhythm that strengthens connection, pride and engagement across our stores, DC and Support Centre teams. This includes leading the narrative behind our strategy, championing colleague storytelling, and ensuring our internal channels are purposeful, effective and noise-free.
This is a strategic, influential role that turns insight into action, values into stories, and business priorities into messages that truly land.
Your Mission
Internal Communications Strategy & Narrative
Lead the Internal Communications Strategy aligned to Elevating The Works, Time Well Spent and our values (Crafty, Caring, Can-Do).
Translate business strategy into simple, engaging and relatable messages for all colleague groups.
Create a strong, consistent tone of voice and ensure major strategic themes are reinforced through planned, high-impact communications.
Channel Ownership & Planning
Own the internal channel framework to ensure the right message reaches the right people at the right time.
Act as gatekeeper for MyWorks, Weekly Works and key business updates.
Build and manage a forward-looking “content spine” so communication is intentional and not reactive.
Continuously assess channel performance and make evidence-based improvements.
Storytelling, Engagement & Colleague Voice
Proactively source and share colleague-led stories that bring our culture and values to life across stores, DC and Support Centre.
Rebuild and grow engagement on MyWorks and other internal social channels.
Champion recognition, pride moments and authentic celebration across the business.
Listening, Feedback & ‘You Said, We Did’
Lead communications for engagement surveys, forums and feedback channels.
Turn insight into clear messages that show what we heard and what we’re doing next — including honest explanation of what we’re not doing and why.
Work closely with People and leaders to ensure visible follow-through.
Charity & Community Communications
Own internal comms for key charity and community partnerships, including:
o National Literacy Trust
o National Year of Reading
o Retail Trust
o Play It Forward
o Store-led local partnerships
Develop an annual charity comms plan, making impact visible and involvement easy for colleagues.
Events & Moments That Matter
Lead internal communications planning for major business moments such as:
o Annual Strategy Launch
o Christmas cascades
o Key leadership updates
Ensure events are widely understood, well-timed and supported with strong pre- and post-event materials.
Leadership & Manager Enablement
Equip managers with toolkits and conversation guides that help them cascade messages confidently.
Coach leaders and stakeholders on how to communicate with clarity, purpose and authenticity.
Measurement & Continuous Improvement
Track and report on performance using MyWorks engagement data, surveys and colleague insight.
Use data to refine the content, tone, cadence and channel choices.
Provide regular updates on what’s working – and what needs to improve.
Skills/Behaviours That Will Set You Apart
Essential
Significant experience in Internal Communications or colleague engagement.
Ability to translate strategy into simple, engaging messages for diverse audiences.
Strong storytelling and writing skills, with a sharp eye for tone and clarity.
Confident influencing senior leaders and challenging constructively.
Excellent organisation and planning discipline.
Experience working with frontline / multi-site operational audiences.
Desirable
Retail, hospitality or multi-site business experience.
Experience with intranets or engagement platforms.
Charity/ESG communications experience.
Experience supporting large-scale change or engagement activity.
Being a great leader
As a great leader with wonderful people skills, you’ll create an environment that’s more than just co-workers — it’s a team.
• Align Goals with Values: Ensure that your team’s goals are clearly connected to the company’s values and purpose. This helps colleagues see the bigger picture and understand how their work contributes to the overall mission.• Clear Communication: Ensure that your team understands the goals, expectations, and their roles. Regularly share updates, encourage open dialogue and have regular check-ins.• Role Model: Lead by example. Demonstrate the behaviours and attitudes you expect from your team, such as punctuality, responsibility, and being a brand ambassador.• Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback regularly. Recognise achievements and address areas for improvement in a supportive and continuous growth manner.• Empower Your Team: Delegate tasks and trust your team to handle them. This builds confidence and promotes professional growth.• Conflict Resolution: Address conflicts promptly and fairly. Foster an environment where issues can be discussed openly and resolved amicably.• Empathy: Understand and consider the feelings and perspectives of your team members. This helps in building strong, supportive relationships
And let’s not forget about the most important part… your team’s well-being and aspirations. You’ll be their biggest supporter, cheering them on. You’ll have amazing everyday conversations with your team, discussing everything from their performance to their wildest career aspirations.
Our PERKS really are ‘The Works’
25% Colleague Discount! – Plus, exclusive Double Discount days!
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