Internal Communication & Engagement Manager

Job description

Internal Communication & Engagement ManagerThis is an exciting role that is key in ensuring that all team are consistently informed, engaged and aligned with Hickory's goals & focuses. You will work closely with management and culture teams guiding, shaping and supporting internal messaging to bring to life the Hickory's magic & engage all teams.

Your work will involve managing key internal communications projects, owning the internal comms calendar, ensuring messaging has maximum impact & engages all team.

The role requires a proactive approach, leading the internal comms plan and ensuring a joined-up approach across all team comms. You will help promote and communicate the values & strategy for Hickory's, ensuring the right channels are used to deliver accurate & engaging content.

You'll play a key role in fostering a culture of feedback, listening and continuous improvement and will bring new ideas to drive team engagement.

Key ResponsibilitiesLead & develop the internal comms & engagement strategy

With the Leadership Team define the role of comms for (i) Managers (ii) Team

Define the role of channels on Workvivo; newsletters, podcasts, posts.

Own & manage the comms calendar.

Manage & define the automated journeys on Workvivo.

Map & set up the space structure (supporting space owners to manage their own spaces).

Manage Chat functionality.

Deliver the internal comms calendar with the Leadership Team & Management Team.

Campaign management; collaborate brief from Leadership Team & Management Team, creation & execution e.g. New menus, 12 days of Christmas, bar competitions.

Build trusted relationships across all departments

Monthly meeting – chairing the meeting to discuss upcoming comms, map comms plan. Verbally brief comms (coach, support, collaborate).

Comms briefing process – support Leadership Team, Management Team, Ops & Training with managing their comms (creative brief, roles & responsibilities, agree assets, support with copy, execution, review)

Monthly attendance in a Management Team meeting – to review the calendar, align key messages

Attendance & presence in restaurants – check-ins with restaurant teams and visibility & inclusion of key meetings/sessions to be included & invited to (New Opening Culture Days, Wellbeing Events, Hey Coach, Roadshows)

Creative development

Template creation for all internal comms including Workvivo, posters, (Canva & InDesign) – design & style setting

Video filming & editing (Mobile phone filming & Capcut (or equivalent) for editing)

Copy writing & proofing – brand check, grammar & spelling, image selection, music

Workvivo product owner

Own & manage the relationship with the Workvivo account team, including managing all product updates & releases

Management of the platform including; Space creation, Technical updates, Targeted notifications, Surveys & Articles

Create training materials and SOPs for all team (users, space owners, MT) & technical support with Workvivo

Monthly reporting & analysis of all comms to measure team engagement

Essential Skills

Excellent writing skills and meticulous attention to detail

Be confident distilling complex information into clear, engaging comms for team

Skilled in stakeholder management - you'll work cross-functionally across all levels of the business

Be creative – experience in Design (Canva, In-Design), Photography & Videography (Capcut) and copy writing

Ability to lead and influence projects and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously

Be proactive and organised, with strong planning and coordination skills, and a talent for identifying innovative ways to engage team

Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, intranet platforms and IT platforms is required to succeed in this role

Flexible working – this isn't a Mon-Fri 9-6pm role! This role requires a variable working pattern including some weekends and early evenings.

Thank Yous & Benefits

A generous package of up to £40,000 per year plus car allowance contributions.

Excellent training & progression opportunities – through our award-winning Hickory's Training Academy.

Qualification opportunities as you working (up to A-Level & Degree level equivalent).

Birthday reward meal on us for you & your friends - every year.

Free smokin' BBQ on shift – team food & drinks menu.

Christmas Day off work - every year.

Moments that matter - Paid occasions days off (Wedding day, kid's first day at school, moving into first home & more).

Team Player card – 25% discount for you & 5 friends in all Hickory's (rising to 50% for loyal service).

Road trips to the Southern States, Europe & UK and stacks of enrichment opportunities.

Wellbeing support & 24-hour access to our wellness programme.

Our pledge to a work-life balance – monitoring & managing through our Red Zone.

A packed team social & engagement calendar & annual team party.

A chance to 'give a bit back' with fundraising activities for Cash For Kids

Up to £1000 for you – through the refer a friend scheme

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

Chester

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

26-05-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English