We’re looking for a dynamic Recognition & Engagement Manager to lead initiatives that celebrate success, enhance employee engagement, and create a culture where every colleague feels valued. This role is pivotal in shaping engagement strategies across the entire employee lifecycle, using data-driven insights to influence and improve the employee experience. This role can be either based at our Birmingham or Crewe office with travel required across the network.

What You’ll Do

• Plan and deliver engagement activity across the business, leveraging employee data and insights to inform strategy.
• Design and manage the annual Employee Engagement Survey and pulse surveys, ensuring results are shared and action plans are implemented.
• Lead recognition programs, including peer-to-peer recognition, long service milestones, and retirement awards.
• Organise and facilitate major events, such as the Avanti Excellence Awards and Long Service & Retirement celebrations.
• Map the employee experience journey, identifying key touchpoints and opportunities to strengthen our Employee Value Proposition.
• Partner with People teams and business leaders to improve engagement through tools, processes, and behaviours.
• Provide high-quality insights and proposals for business planning and budgeting, staying ahead of trends in engagement and people analytics.
• Manage external award submissions and coordinate attendance at industry events.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in employee engagement, recognition programs, or internal communications.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn data into actionable insights.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills.
• Creative thinker with a passion for improving employee experience.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

Click here to view the role profile

As well as working with a fantastic team you will also receive:

• Final salary pension
• Free travel on Avanti West Coast for you/spouse/partner/dependents
• Privilege Travel card (75% off other train operators fares for leisure travel)
• 30 days holiday rising by 1 for every completed year of service to a maximum of 37 days (inclusive of bank holidays)
• 10 free journeys on other First Group Train Operators

Apply now to join our team and make a difference at Avanti West Coast. 

Be You. With Us.

At Avanti West Coast, we believe our strength comes from the unique perspectives, experiences and backgrounds of our people. We are proud to build a workplace where diversity is embraced, and everyone is supported to thrive.

We welcome individuals of all races, religions, ages, genders, gender identities, sexual orientations and abilities. Our goal is to reflect the

communities we serve and create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

When you join Avanti West Coast, you become part of a close-knit team that encourages authenticity. We want you to bring your whole self to work. No need to change who you are to fit in. Your individuality is what makes us better.

We celebrate it, we respect it and we put it to great use.

Our Avanti West Coast Values 

Passionate- We foster a culture where everyone is driven by our mission and are dedicated to achieving it together.

Committed- We are committed to safety, reliability and delivering the very best for our customers, our colleagues, stakeholders and the industry.

Integrity- We believe in taking responsibility for our reactions and decisions to ensure we do the right thing even when it is difficult to do and hold others accountable for doing the same.

Ambitious- We strive to be the best and are curious to new ways of working within our business and the wider industry.

Authentic- We are genuine, caring and grounded individuals that operate and communicate with openness, trust and clarity.