Junior Communications & Engagement Consultant; Defence

Firm: PA Consulting

Location:

Bristol, United Kingdom

Full‑time

We are looking for an exceptional Communications and Engagement specialist with significant experience working on digital transformation programmes within the Defence sector. The role will develop, deliver, and implement effective communication and engagement strategies that support goals, programmes, and change initiatives within complex digital transformation programmes. The role requires clear, consistent messaging and proactive stakeholder engagement to enable successful organisational change.

It will involve collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to prepare the organisation for change and ensure alignment of messaging across all programme activities.

Flexible working:
Hybrid; at least two days per week at client site or office.

• Design and deliver clear and compelling communication strategies to support digital programme communications, policies, and organisational change initiatives for Defence organisations.
• Work closely with the assignment manager to ensure programme communications are aligned with wider strategic communications across Defence.
• Identify, map, and proactively engage with a range of stakeholders including internal personnel, external partners, government agencies, and the wider Defence community, building trust and driving adoption.
• Create multi‑channel communication plans and produce clear, compelling, and accurate content tailored to diverse audiences.
• Foster behaviour change through messaging, storytelling, and engagement activities.
• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and with stakeholders to prepare the organisation for change and ensure alignment of messaging across all programme activities.
• Facilitate workshops and events to inspire individuals and teams as well as deliver usable outputs.
• Establish mechanisms to capture feedback and sentiment, using insights to refine communications and measure impact.
• Foster strong long‑term client relationships by maintaining regular communication and managing expectations.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior team members and undertake knowledge transfer activities.
• Work with clients who are within daily commuting range from home.

• Experience delivering communications and engagement within digital transformation programmes – large scale transformation experience is desirable.
• Understanding of measurement tools for communication effectiveness and feedback analysis.
• Ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across government and Defence environments.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal, with the ability to present complex information to clients and stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to identify and solve problems, make informed decisions, and manage risks effectively.
• Knowledge of government and/or Defence communications protocols.
• Must be able to work at pace, to a high standard and usually to very tight deadlines.
• Understanding of a human‑centric approach to communication and engagement.
• Prior experience working within Defence or similar complex and operationally focused organisations is desirable but not essential.
• Experience working in a consulting environment and/or consortium/blended teams is desirable but not essential.
• Communications or public relations qualification (e.g., CIPR, IoIC, PRINCE2 for communications) is desirable but not essential.

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare.
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days.
• Generous company pension scheme.
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity‑based initiatives.
• Tax‑efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn).

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