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- Tasks: Lead communications for a groundbreaking clean energy company and shape its public narrative.
- Company: Join Great British Energy, the UK's new publicly owned energy company driving clean energy initiatives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the clean energy sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong writing skills and experience in leading communications functions are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 74000 £ per year.
Great British Energy will be a publicly owned, operationally independent energy company, designed to drive clean energy deployment, boost energy independence, create jobs and ensure UK taxpayers, billpayers and communities reap the benefits of clean, secure, homegrown energy. Setting up Great British Energy is one of government’s first steps for change and we will do this in a way that means it will have both an early impact and long-term success.
Through its five functions (Project development, Project investment, Local Power Plan, Supply chains and Great British Nuclear), Great British Energy will speed up the deployment of mature and new technologies, as well as local energy projects, to support the government’s aim of decarbonising our electricity system by 2030 whilst also ensuring we can meet future demand as we further decarbonise the economy. Great British Energy will work collaboratively with industry, local authorities and communities, and other public sector organisations such as the National Wealth Fund, to spread skilled jobs and investment across the country. Great British Energy will be backed by a capitalisation of £8.3 billion of new money over this Parliament. In recognition of Scotland’s leading role in the UK’s clean energy revolution, Great British Energy will be headquartered and run from Scotland.
Great British Energy (GBE) is recruiting a Head of Communications to lead its digital, internal and media relations functions. You will set GBE’s core narrative and ensure the organisation communicates clearly and consistently across all channels. You will provide high-quality written and editorial support to the CEO, Chair and Executive Leadership Team (ELT), and work closely with DESNZ and other government colleagues. This is a key leadership role in shaping GBE’s reputation as the UK’s new publicly owned clean‑energy company.
Person specification
- Leadership and team development: Establish and lead a central communications team with responsibility for digital, internal and media relations. Set editorial standards, tone of voice and core messages for the organisation.
- Editorial leadership: Act as GBE’s Editor-in-Chief, assuring the quality of all written and oral communications for the CEO, Chair and SLT. Produce and commission speeches, briefings, articles, internal updates and digital content. Ensure all products support GBE’s mission and align with government messages from DESNZ and across government.
- Digital, internal and media communications: Lead planning and delivery across all communication channels to ensure a coherent and consistent approach. Oversee content for GBE’s website, intranet, social media and internal communication tools. Work closely with DESNZ press office and GBE digital teams on media handling and proactive digital engagement.
- Strategic communications and campaigns: Manage GBE’s communications grid and forward plan. Develop clear, accessible and timely content for priority audiences. Support delivery of campaigns, announcements and corporate publications.
- Speechwriting and senior leadership support: Develop a speech plan for the CEO and Chair and identify suitable external platforms. Provide strategic advice to senior leaders on messaging and communication opportunities.
As a line manager, you will be responsible for working with your members of staff to define their objectives, as well as managing their development and performance.
Essential Criteria
- Strong writing skills: able to explain complex policy, commercial and technical issues clearly and in plain English; able to write in the authentic voice of senior leaders.
- Awareness of the political, media and policy environment and an ability to reflect this in communications.
- Experience leading a communications function and managing competing priorities at pace.
- A track record of producing high-quality content for different audiences, platforms and communication channels.
Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Delivering at Pace
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £66,925, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero contributes £19,388 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero offers a competitive mix of benefits including:
- A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
- Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
- A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
- An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
- Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
The Department operates a discretionary hybrid working policy, which provides for a combination of working hours from your place of work and from your home in the UK. The current expectation for staff is to attend the office or non‑home based location for 40‑60% of the time over the accounting period.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified, applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Head of Communications - Great British Energy employer: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Contact Detail:
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Communications - Great British Energy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the energy sector, especially those connected to Great British Energy. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your best work in communications. Tailor it to reflect how you can contribute to GBE’s mission of clean energy. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to communications and leadership. Think about how you can align your answers with GBE’s goals and values. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles and updates about Great British Energy right there. Don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this exciting journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Communications - Great British Energy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills: Make sure your application highlights your strong writing skills. We want to see how you can explain complex ideas in plain English, just like you would for the CEO or Chair. Use clear examples of your past work to demonstrate this.
Tailor Your Narrative: Craft your application to reflect the core narrative of Great British Energy. We’re all about clean energy and community benefits, so make sure your passion for these topics shines through in your writing.
Be Authentic: When writing your application, channel the authentic voice of senior leaders. We’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively across various platforms, so let your personality come through while keeping it professional.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research Great British Energy and its mission. Understand their core narrative and how they communicate with different stakeholders. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you're aligned with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Writing Skills
As a Head of Communications, strong writing skills are crucial. Prepare examples of your previous work that highlight your ability to convey complex information clearly. Bring along samples of speeches, articles, or digital content you've produced to showcase your expertise.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions about strategic communications and how you would manage competing priorities. Think about past experiences where you successfully led communication campaigns or handled media relations, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've developed team members, set objectives, and managed performance. Highlight your ability to inspire and influence others in a fast-paced environment.
