Colas will be undertaking Highways Works for Kent County Council.  Due to the nature of the type of project involving road construction works a Public Liaison/Social Value Officer is required to lead our Communications Strategy and Social Value Delivery Plan, in partnership with the Local Authority and our Project Manager, for a project in the Maidstone area of Kent.

The Public Liaison/Social Value Officer is required to consult with local residents, users and key stakeholders to raise awareness of the project and support the site team with enquires and community engagement. 

As well as a highly competitive salary, Colas offers some great benefits with this role, including:
• A generous pension contribution
• Life assurance cover (x4 basic salary)
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (with the option to buy/sell more)
• Flexible working policy
• Opportunity to study towards a professional qualification fully funded
• Ongoing training and personal/professional development
• Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal

We are looking for a positive, pro-active Public Liaison/Social Value Officer who will lead in communicating our works activities with local stakeholders including, local businesses, road users, residents and the wider public whilst upholding the reputation of Colas at all times. They will communicate stakeholder needs to the project manager, acting as the first point of contact for any stakeholder concerns or issues.

They will also work with the social value team to deliver engagement with local schools and charities to support the requirements of the Colas social value charter, collaborate with the Project Manager to organise programme of communication/engagement with Stakeholders, such as surrounding residents and businesses, organise and attend stakeholder   meetings in partnership with the Project Manager and clients as required, in line with project requirements and the tender submission. Organise and attend stakeholder outreach activities, such as Q&A sessions and drop-ins, communicate updates on road closures and diversions to stakeholders, collaborating with the Project Manager and client to design appropriate information leaflets for letter drops.

Engage with local schools to arrange activities, liaising with project teams and Social Value Lead to ensure delivery is relevant to our sector, liaise with charities and community groups to enable the delivery of relevant social value targets. 

The perfect candidate will need to demonstrate they have the drive and ambition to fulfil the roles responsibilities and carry out the duties in a safe and efficient manner. Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision, an excellent communicator, considerate of the needs of colleagues working in close proximity 

Able to keep accurate records and provide detailed reports on delivery.  Good with computers and a natural ability to learn new skills  

Ability to work under pressure and stay calm  

A good team player able to build strong relationships  

Positive attitude to working with people and delivering outcomes  

Capable of empathising with people and being a good listener  

Must have at least 2 years experience in a similar role  

Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a ‘Gold Investor in People’ award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.

Colas is fully committed to promoting equality and diversity and maintaining a culture of fairness, transparency and respect for all employees, clients, communities, suppliers, contractors and other stakeholders. Colas aims to be inclusive, meet diverse needs and promote awareness and ownership in the workplace and the communities in which we serve.

Colas values the strength and differences that a diverse workforce brings to the organisation and believes that by harnessing these differences, we will foster a productive environment where equity and mutual respect are intrinsic, where talents are being fully utilised and organisational goals are met.