Deputy Director, External Affairs

Location: Our main offices are in London but offer a hybrid working arrangement.

Contract: Full Time

Salary: Starting salary will be dependent on experience and qualifications, typically sitting between £77,000 and £85,000.

Hours of work: 35.25 hours a week with flexibility as and when required.

Applications Close: The closing date for applications is 00.00 on 07 October 2026 but we would encourage early application as we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable candidates.

We are seeking to create a diverse work culture that is truly representative of society, embraces different perspectives and attracts the best, most creative talent on our team. We value transferable skills and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if they don’t meet all of the criteria. We are proud to work in an inclusive, friendly, and supportive environment and if you have additional needs, we or our agency would be very happy to speak about any support we could offer during the recruitment process.

About Energy UK: Energy UK is the trade association for the energy industry, representing companies investing billions of pounds to secure our country’s current and future energy needs. From growing start-ups to major electricity generators, grid and infrastructure developers and energy suppliers, our members are driving change across power, heat, transport, flexibility homes and businesses. We provide a collective voice for the sector working with governments, regulators, charities and other organisations to provide crucial insight that shapes policy, offers solutions and promotes best practice. Our broad view across the whole system supports evidence-based positions which are not tied to particular technologies, and are focused on delivering strategic benefits for people, businesses and the economy. We champion initiatives such as our Vulnerability Commitment, which pushes suppliers to go beyond regulation to support customers with additional needs, and TIDE, the industry’s drive for greater inclusion and diversity. Through our Young Energy Professionals Forum, we support the development of future leaders. We really value our organisational culture at Energy UK. We have high quality support and development opportunities for our employees, and we are proud to have been awarded a Platinum accreditation with Investors in People. We know that the wellbeing of employees is key to our success and this is reflected in our progressive policies around wellbeing, flexible working and mental health.

Job Purpose: Energy UK represents the majority of the sector, and our communications team is responsible for telling the story of how our system is delivering safe, reliable and increasingly sustainable energy today, while enabling the transition to a lower carbon future. Our breadth of membership means we cover a huge range of topics, from energy debt to allocation rounds, and communications activities can include speeches, reports, campaigns, select committees, webinars and media briefings. We are looking for an exceptional Deputy Director of External Affairs to shape and deliver Energy UK’s integrated political communications strategy to enhance Energy UK’s visibility, credibility and influence. As a key member of the Energy UK management team, this role will be responsible for coordinating Energy UK’s external communications across a range of channels, working closely with policy and the wider communications team. The role reports to the Chief Communications Officer and will work closely with the CEO, Director of Policy and Chief Press Officer, as well as manage a team of two. It requires a combination of advocacy, communications and public affairs skills, with an ability to manage cross functional project teams. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in building understanding, trust and confidence in our sector with stakeholders, policymakers and politicians.

Responsibilities:

• Support Energy UK’s Chief Communications Officer in delivering Energy UK’s integrated communications strategy.
• Take the lead on coordinating Energy UK’s publications and announcements working with the press, public affairs, digital and policy teams.
• Lead our strategic advisory forum and maintain robust relationships with colleagues across our membership.
• Develop excellent relationships with senior stakeholders including Government, political parties, industry bodies, business groups and think tanks.
• Act as a senior spokesperson for Energy UK at events and with media.
• Model behaviours in line with our organisational values and people standards.
• Line manage a team of two.

Skills and Experience:

• Deep understanding of public affairs and experience of or an eagerness to learn wider communications disciplines (press, digital etc).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to absorb and distil complex information and influence, negotiate, and persuade across varied and senior audiences.
• Good balance of attention to detail and being able to work quickly and efficiently to deadlines.
• Able to adapt to shifting priorities, manage risks and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to develop effective relationships with senior colleagues and stakeholders.
• Preferred – In-depth knowledge of GB’s energy system.

A competitive salary will be offered, along with 25 days annual holiday plus statutory holidays with the benefit of buying an extra 5 days a year. Birthday Leave and an extra day at Easter. EUK is a member of Climate Perks, allowing employees to claim up to two days for staff who travel on holiday by train, coach or boat instead of flying. Annual season ticket loan. An employer’s pension contribution of up to 8% if this is matched by the employee. Aviva Health insurance with dental and optical cashback. Leave for Charitable work. Access to an employee assistance programme. Learning and Development Opportunities. A hybrid working environment with the opportunity to work 2/3 days a week from home.