Murray McIntosh is thrilled to partner with a vital utility company serving the South of England.
We are supporting their search for a Senior Public Affairs Manager, a key contributor to public affairs strategies and an essential support to the senior team.
Under new leadership since 2022, the company is undergoing a major turnaround, heavily investing in infrastructure and services with plans to double investment to £7.8bn by 2025-30.
As their Senior Public Affairs Manager, you'll shape strategy, influence policy-makers, and enhance the company's reputation, collaborating with various teams and frequently interacting with the CEO and executives to navigate the political landscape and public scrutiny.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and run public affairs strategy, engage key stakeholders, and deputise for the Head of Public Affairs.
- Advise leadership on external matters and help mitigate political, regulatory, and legislative risks.
- Oversee internal forums and foster collaborative practices for a coordinated approach with government, regulators, and Water UK.
- Engage with Westminster and Whitehall to deliver consistent messaging and enhance the company's reputation.
- Develop political briefings, letters, speeches, and maintain relationships with officials, politicians, regulators, and industry bodies.
- Manage a Public Affairs Manager and a graduate trainee, ensuring strong inter-team collaboration and communication.
Requirements:
- Expertise in managing public affairs at national and regional levels, with strong networks and experience with government bodies.
- Experience delivering integrated communications plans and fostering positive stakeholder relationships.
- Background in energy, water, or other regulated sectors like infrastructure or transport.
- Strong management skills and expertise in issues and crisis management.
- Highly organised, capable of managing multiple projects in a busy environment, with tenacity and resilience.
- Knowledge of policy focuses and political parties' views on the water industry is desirable.
The company offers a flexible and hybrid working environment from their office in Worthing, West Sussex, with office attendance required once a week and occasional travel to Westminster.
Sadly, sponsorship for work visas will not possible.
Murray McIntosh is proud to be an equal opportunity agency on behalf of its clients. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability or age.