Public Liaison Officer

Posted 9 days 17 hours ago by Volkerrail Group

£80,000 - £100,000 Annual
Permanent
Full Time
Other
Not Specified, United Kingdom
Job Description
Overview

VolkerHighways is a market leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting term maintenance contracts. We build strong collaborative relationships with our clients to drive improvements and efficiency in all our activities. We have the capability to deliver major surfacing and public realm infrastructure projects. Our specialist in-house traffic management division provides expert advice and support across the industry, whilst assisting with our own, in-house contracts.

A Public Liaison Officer (PLO) is a vital part of the operational delivery across all VolkerHighways contracts. Working closely with the Operational Delivery and Commercial teams, the PLO ensures proactive, clear, and consistent communication with residents, businesses, and stakeholders. We have a position in Slough for a PLO with direct responsibility for enquiries and complaints relating to the A4 Bath Road & DFR projects. The PLO helps ensure the community is well informed, safe, and experiences minimal disruption. The role involves close collaboration with supervisors, project management teams, and the Client to support all planned works.

This is a combined on-site and office-based role, requiring frequent interaction with residents, councillors, businesses and other stakeholders-whether in person, in writing, or over the phone. Accurate recording of all actions is essential. Periods of lone working may be required, and a body camera must be worn at all times when doing so.

Key Accountabilities
  • Manage and update customer enquiries and concerns.
  • Communicate effectively with residents and stakeholders affected by programmed works, including but not limited to:
  • Letter drops and business card delivery
  • Local business engagement
  • Resident drop-in sessions
  • Serving as the on-site public point of contact
  • Door-knocking in advance of works
  • Installing and updating advanced warning signage
  • Responding to queries, complaints, and concerns via phone, email, or in person
  • Organise and attend public meetings, forums or consultations to provide updates on upcoming works, disruptions and mitigation measures.
  • Conduct regular site visits to gather accurate information for public updates.
  • Work with operational teams to ensure SBC and VH communication teams are kept fully updated with clear, timely information suitable for public distribution, including road closures, diversions and project progress.
  • Maintain accurate records of all communication, meetings, complaints, and resolutions.
  • Provide clear updates and reports to senior management and stakeholders regarding public liaison activity and community feedback.
  • Receive and make calls to subcontractors, VolkerHighways project teams, Client representatives and other organisations.
  • Use Client and VH systems to create, update and maintain Public Enquiry records.
  • Contribute to performance management reporting and data collection.
  • Undertake administrative tasks as required.
  • Work outside normal hours when necessary.
  • Carry out other duties consistent with the role as required.
    • About you

    Essential

    • Skilled in customer and stakeholder management
    • Ability to manage workload independently to meet deadlines
    • Understanding of highways term maintenance contracts
    • Full UK driving licence

    Desirable

    • Understanding of permit schemes and the Traffic Management Act (TMA)
    • City & Guilds qualification in Highway Maintenance Inspections

    If your past experience doesn't match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.

    Why work with us?

    VolkerHighways is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.

    By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerHighways are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.

    We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.

    We offer a range of benefits, including:

    • Competitive salary
    • Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
    • Option to buy additional annual leave
    • Private medical care
    • Pension
    • Life Assurance
    • Cycle to Work scheme
    • Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
    • Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
    • Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits
    • Employee Assistance programme
    • Mental health, physical health, and financial support
    • 24/7 Virtual GP service
    Fairness, inclusion and respect

    We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.

    If you need support with your application, please contact us at

    Additional information

    Note for Recruitment Agencies:

    Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release.

    We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed to

    VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.