Head of External Communications

We are Smart DCC
Together we’re building a greener tomorrow

Connecting every home and business to a single, secure smart meter network is a huge undertaking. So you can imagine the scale – and variety – and opportunities for the people who’ll help us do it.

The role

London (Hybrid working model, 2 days a week office based, 3 days remote)

Competitive Salary plus performance related bonus

We’re looking for a natural networker / relationship builder to support the Director of External Communications in the delivery of DCC’s external communications. The role will be responsible for providing political and media stakeholder engagement that builds the DCC’s reputation across our target audiences. In particular, across Westminster, Whitehall and the energy industry to enable the delivery of the country’s net zero ambitions.

What will you be doing?

1. Deputise for the Director of External Communications when required and provide leadership to and manage the external communications team.
2. Support the Director of External Communications to develop and ensure the successful delivery of an external communications strategy, focusing on public affairs, earned media and DCC’s digital estate.
3. Increase DCC’s visibility and use our position as experts and thought leaders to influence policy makers and opinion makers.
4. Continue to develop and nurture key existing and new stakeholder relationships, particularly in the House of Parliament and UK government and media.
5. Work with the policy team to oversee and quality assure the preparation of submissions to relevant government, consultations, parliamentary committees.
6. Support the Director of External Communications with producing briefings, speeches, and opinion pieces for senior leaders as appropriate.
7. Establish excellent working relations with key internal and external stakeholders.
8. Oversee the management of day-to-day media enquiries and delivery of journalist briefings, press releases and opinion pieces (OpEds) to position DCC as a leading voice in the energy industry.
9. Provide clear and effective external communications in response to crisis or emergency situations to minimise reputational risk.
10. Lead on all aspects of digital and social media including the continuous improvement and optimisation of the corporate website.
11. Oversee the creation of high quality, engaging content for DCC’s owned channels such as social media posts, blogs, thought leadership pieces, and relevant articles for the website.
12. Lead on the delivery of a pipeline of DCC speaking engagements at high-profile external events, panels and podcasts to maximise DCC’s share of voice and thought leadership position.
13. Help team members deliver by building supportive, inclusive team environment based on trust-based relationships, transparency and inclusivity.
14. Take ownership for own and team members’ professional development by providing ongoing coaching and identification of development opportunities in regular performance conversations.
15. Other tasks relevant to the post as per organisational requirements.

What are we looking for?

1. Strong personal credibility, impact and influence at organisational level, able to present confidently at Board / Executive Committee level.
2. Effective networker and influencer with a strong track record of influencing change both internally and externally.
3. Proven success in developing external communications strategies to drive organisational objectives and priorities.
4. Able to effect swift and sound judgements and decisions.
5. A developed network across Westminster and Whitehall, with excellent knowledge of the parliamentary and political process.
6. Ability to cultivate excellent internal and external relationships to maximise cooperation and delivery of shared projects.
7. A proven track record of being a self-starter with balanced decisions making ability. The ability to make judgement calls on wider implications of the external environment and how this links to DCC’s objectives.
8. Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and enthuse people across the organisation.
9. Collaborative and persuasive but decisive, robust and clear.
10. Experience of working in energy, water, or another regulated sector (desirable).

About the DCC:

At the DCC, we believe in making Britain more connected, so we can all lead smarter, greener lives. That desire to make a difference is what drives us every day and it wouldn’t be possible without our people. Each person at the DCC brings a special kind of power to the business, and if you join us, we’ll give you the means to unleash yours. Here, we depend on each other and hold each other accountable. You have the power to challenge and make change, to take the initiative and enjoy real responsibility. Whether it’s doing purposeful work, helping us grow or building the career you want – we’ll give you the support to do it all. Our secure network for smart meters is transforming Britain’s energy system and helping the country’s fight against climate change: we want you to be part of our journey.

Company benefits:

The DCC’s continued success depends on our people. It’s important to us that you enjoy coming to work, and feel healthy, happy and rewarded. In this role, you’ll have access to a range of benefits which you can choose from to create a personalized plan unique to your lifestyle.

If there are any questions you’d like to ask before applying, please contact or complete your application, so we can learn more about you. Your application will be carefully considered, and you’ll hear from us regarding its progress.

Join the DCC and discover the power of you.

What to do now

Choose ‘apply now’ to fill out our short application, so that we can find out more about you.

As a Disability Confident member, DCC is committed to ensuring an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments, need a copy of this job advert in an alternative format, or have any other questions you’d like to ask before applying, please contact

Please click here for the Capita statement.

Smart together

Our values and behaviours

1. Make a difference: We believe in our purpose. Together, we work as one team, always looking for ways to improve and support DCC’s role in a low-carbon future.
2. Act with integrity: We treat everyone with kindness, consideration and respect. We keep our promises to our customers. And if something doesn’t feel right, we speak up.
3. Be accountable: You can depend on our word. We’re clear about our roles and we take the initiative, while respecting the processes we have in place.

Rewards & Benefits

Get perks that work.

1. Personal Development: Our training and development opportunities help you be your best self – from regular 1-2-1s all the way up to professional qualifications.
2. Group income protection: Provides a continuous income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury for more than 26 weeks.
3. Pension Plans: Our Capita Choice partners will match the salary contributions you make to your pension up to 5%, depending on your plan and time with us.
4. Flexible Holidays: Need more time off? Increase your standard 25 days of leave by buying extra to rest, spend time with family or satisfy your wanderlust.
5. Cycle to Work Scheme: We’re big on keeping things green. If you want to cycle to work, we’ll loan you the gear through salary sacrifice to make it tax-efficient.
6. Flexible working: As we all transition to a new normal, we can help you find the hybrid working pattern that suits you and your team best.

Additional Benefits

1. Travel season ticket loan
2. Bonus
3. Medical cash plans
4. Life cover
5. Charity days
6. Childcare vouchers
7. Health screening
8. RAC discount
9. Vision Express discounts
10. Mobile phone discounts
11. Discounted gym membership
12. Retail and leisure discounts

#J-18808-Ljbffr