Public Affairs Manager

Public Affairs Manager

Location: Durrington (hybrid working)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time (flexible working and job share considered)
Salary: Up to 50000 per annum

About the role

Our Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement Team manages relationships with local and national government parliament and civil society across Hampshire the Isle of Wight Sussex and Kent. Public affairs sits at the heart of Southern Waters transformation working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to build trust shape policy conversations and support the delivery of our commitments.

As Public Affairs Manager you will play a key role in shaping how Southern Water engages with the political and public landscape. Reporting to the Senior Public Affairs Manager you will help position the organisation as a credible responsive and collaborative partner building strong relationships with MPs councils government officials and other influential stakeholders.

This is a handson outwardfacing role at the heart of our public affairs engine room ideal for someone who enjoys delivery pace and impact and who wants to deepen their experience in a complex highprofile environment.

What you will be responsible for

• Taking ownership of key political and stakeholder relationships across our operating region including MPs and local authorities
• Supporting the delivery of highimpact public affairs projects campaigns and engagement activity
• Preparing highquality briefings correspondence and political insight for senior leaders including the CEO and Executive Team
• Helping to shape policy positions that balance business priorities with public and stakeholder expectations
• Monitoring political developments and translating them into clear actionable insight for the business
• Supporting senior leaders ahead of meetings visits and events with tailored briefing and advice

What youll bring to the role

Essential

• Experience in public affairs government relations political engagement or stakeholder management
• Background gained in an inhouse role agency the civil service or parliament with experience beyond solely parliamentary work
• Strong political awareness and a good understanding of the UK political landscape
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to produce clear persuasive briefings
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders and representing an organisation externally
• A proactive organised and solutionsfocused approach in a fastpaced environment
• Full UK driving licence and access to a reliable car

Desirable

• Experience working in a regulated or complex organisation
• Experience managing casework and coordinating stakeholder visits and engagement
• Ability to translate political and external developments into business insight

About Southern Water

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britains water industry investing significantly to enhance resilience sustainability and service excellence. With 7.8bn planned investment for 202530 this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where people can make a meaningful impact influence strategic decisions and help shape outcomes for customers communities and the environment.

At Southern Water we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If youre passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team wed love to hear from you even if you dont tick every box.

Our commitment to diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds identities and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race ethnicity gender sexual orientation age disability religion or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process please let us know.

Additional information:

In line with Southern Waters security requirements successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity eligibility to work in the UK criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all preemployment checks including security vetting.

Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting which may involve providing additional documentation.

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