We are seeking a proactive and personable Public Liaison Officer to join our team on a fixed-term contract, with a strong preference for candidates who are locally based.

The role will initially be based in Ipswich for approximately 16 weeks before transitioning to our site in Colchester for a further 62 weeks. This position plays a key role in building positive relationships with local residents, stakeholders, and community groups, ensuring clear communication and effective engagement throughout the project. While the role is primarily site-based, limited hybrid working may be considered for the right candidate. Subject to performance and project needs, there may also be an opportunity for the role to become permanent on completion of the contract.

Main Duties:

• Dealing with Stakeholders and advising them of upcoming works
• Stakeholder Management
• Developing a customer complaints process and dealing with complaints in a timely manner
• Monitoring complaint data to identify trends and logging complaints on a monthly basis
• Communication with internal and external clients, PR and JCE senior management
• Attend and contribute to regular process meetings with the project team
• Compilation of monthly reports
• Organisation of regular public exhibitions
• Organising and undertaking newsletters and press releases
• Going on site visits and taking site photos
• Having involvement of insurance claims
• Investigate and possibly implement social media sources as a method of communication with the public affected by the scheme
• Involvement with partnering workshops
• Liaison with local schools including arranging presentations and events
• Preparing for and assisting in the hosting of Considerate Contractors scheme audits
• Development of social value initiatives

Are you the person we are looking for?

Candidates should hold an HNC/HND in a communications or public engagement related subject such as journalism, marketing, sociology or a similar discipline. The successful applicant will demonstrate excellent written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear reports, newsletters and public notices, alongside experience of digital communications, social media and content creation.

You will be confident organising and facilitating community meetings, outreach activities and public forums, and be competent in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, including the ability to clearly explain information to a range of audiences, listen carefully to community concerns and feedback, and present confidently in public settings.

The role requires someone who can build and maintain positive relationships with community members, officials and stakeholders, and who brings empathy, strong emotional intelligence and good cultural awareness when engaging with diverse communities.

Due to the nature of this role a full UK driving licence is required.

Excellent benefits package and personal development opportunities:

• • Life assurance cover (4x annual salary)
  • Company pension scheme (we match up to 8%)
  • Company car
  • The ‘great escape’ – leave off early every Friday
  • 25 days holiday (pro rata) plus bank holidays (with an option of buying more holiday)
  • Extensive training programmes
  • Employee Assistance Programme
  • Employee benefits platform
  • Free on-site parking
  • Company social calendar
  • Regular fun days and a broad range of charity events
  • A supportive business that genuinely wants to help you progress in your career.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We also place high importance on our inclusive recruitment policy and will do our very best to support those applicants who may need adjustments in order to take part in the recruitment process. Please do let us know if you require any additional assistance or adjustments.

 Due to the high volume of applications, we receive it is not always possible to respond to unsuccessful applicants. Therefore, if we have not responded to your application within two weeks please note that on this occasion your application has not been successful.