Group Brand Lead (FTC - 12 months)

Arriva is one of Europe's leading passenger transport operators, employing around 35,000 people across 11 countries and delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys each year.

As we continue our transformation as One Arriva, we're creating a new Group Brand Lead role to help define, strengthen and embed our brand across the business on a 12-month fixed-term contract.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a significant brand programme at a pivotal moment in Arriva's evolution. Working within our Group Communications team, you'll be the organisation's brand expert - driving the development of our visual identity, shaping brand governance, and ensuring the Arriva brand is applied consistently and effectively across our corporate centre and operating companies throughout Europe.

You'll work with senior stakeholders, operating companies, creative agencies and commercial teams to create a brand that is distinctive, practical and capable of working across a complex transport environment.

This role operates on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of three days per week in either our Sunderland (Doxford) or London (Lacon House) office and flexibility to work remotely for the remainder of the week.

What you'll be doing

As Group Brand Lead, you'll play a central role in delivering the One Arriva brand vision by:

• Leading the refresh and development of Arriva's visual identity and brand architecture.
• Establishing clear brand standards, governance frameworks and practical guidance that can be adopted across multiple markets.
• Partnering with operating companies across 11 countries to support the effective implementation of brand initiatives.
• Working closely with creative agencies to develop and deliver high-quality brand assets and materials.
• Supporting large-scale brand rollout programmes across a diverse transport network, including buses, trains, infrastructure and customer-facing environments.
• Acting as the principal brand adviser to stakeholders across the Group, providing expert guidance while balancing local market needs and operational realities.
• Helping strengthen Arriva's employer brand in partnership with Communications, People and Talent teams.
• Driving consistency and quality across visual content, imagery and digital brand assets.

About you

We're looking for an experienced brand professional who combines strategic thinking with a pragmatic, delivery-focused approach.

You'll bring:

• Proven experience in brand management, brand development or visual identity programmes.
• Experience creating and implementing brand governance, standards and guidelines.
• A strong track record of working with creative agencies from concept through to delivery.
• The ability to translate brand strategy into practical tools, frameworks and guidance.
• Experience working across complex, multi-site or international organisations.
• Outstanding stakeholder management and influencing skills, including experience engaging senior leaders.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and workstreams simultaneously.

It would be advantageous if you have:

• Experience delivering large-scale rebrand or brand implementation programmes.
• Experience within transport, infrastructure or other operationally complex sectors.
• Knowledge of franchise, concession or commercially operated business models.
• Experience working with physical assets, fleet branding or customer-facing environments.
• Understanding of digital content, SEO and brand management in online channels.

Why join Arriva?

This is more than a brand management role - it's an opportunity to help shape how Arriva presents itself to customers, colleagues, partners and stakeholders across Europe.

You'll play a key role in building a brand that is recognisable, consistent and fit for the future, while working on one of the most significant brand programmes in our business. If you're passionate about brand strategy, governance and implementation - and enjoy turning ambitious ideas into practical reality - we'd love to hear from you.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 2 February 2026. Arriva Group reserves the right to close this vacancy early.