Head of Corporate Communications & External Affairs

At Highland Spring Group, everything starts with nature. Our natural source water is drawn from protected organic land in Scotland's Ochil Hills, where we are proud guardians of 2,500 acres of natural, untouched landscape. We care deeply about our hills, our environment, our people and the communities around us. As the UK's leading natural source water producer, we are proud of our brand, our product and the role we play in helping people enjoy healthy hydration every day. We are also operating in an increasingly important external environment, where sustainability, packaging, recycling, health policy, responsible business and corporate reputation are high on the agenda.

This is a part‑time role, working 3‑4 days per week, based in Scotland with regular presence at our Blackford site in the Ochil Hills and travel as required. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a senior, strategic and highly visible role, working closely with our Executive Team and colleagues across Sustainability, Marketing, Operations, Legal and other key business areas.

You will lead our external affairs, corporate communications, stakeholder engagement and reputation agenda, helping us tell our story clearly, credibly and with confidence.

The role

• You will be responsible for developing and leading Highland Spring's corporate communications and external affairs strategy, aligned to our business priorities, long‑term brand objectives and values.
• You will shape compelling corporate narratives around our market leadership, sustainability commitments, responsible stewardship and positive role in health and hydration.
• You will also provide trusted counsel to senior leaders, helping the business identify external opportunities, manage reputational risk and respond confidently to sensitive issues.

This is a role for someone who is politically and commercially astute, calm under pressure and able to build trusted relationships across government, industry, media, community and internal audiences.

What You Can Expect

• Develop and lead Highland Spring Group's external affairs and corporate communications strategy, aligned to business priorities and long‑term brand objectives.
• Strengthen Highland Spring's reputation across corporate, political, media, industry and stakeholder audiences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Scottish and UK Government representatives, MPs, MSPs, local authorities, regulators, trade associations, industry bodies, community groups and other key stakeholders.
• Represent Highland Spring in relevant external forums and trade association discussions, advocating for our interests and contributing constructively to policy areas including Deposit Return Scheme, packaging and recycling, environmental regulation, water stewardship, natural resource management, sustainability, health and hydration.
• Lead corporate media relations, external communications and press office activity, working closely with Marketing and specialist agency partners where appropriate.
• Develop proactive storytelling, thought leadership and executive profiling opportunities that enhance understanding of who we are, what we stand for and the positive impact we want to make.
• Oversee strategic stakeholder and community engagement, including our on‑site visits programme, external events and charitable and community activity.
• Provide trusted reputation management advice to the Managing Director and Executive Team, identifying external opportunities, risks and response strategies.
• Lead external issues and crisis communications, developing clear frameworks, escalation routes and media handling guidance.
• Work closely with Legal, Sustainability, Operations and senior leadership to prepare for and respond to reputational, operational or regulatory matters.

About You

• You will bring significant senior‑level experience in Corporate Affairs, External Affairs, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs or a similar discipline.
• Experience in FMCG, food and drink, retail, sustainability or another regulated sector would be particularly valuable.
• You will have a strong understanding of the UK and Scottish political, regulatory, stakeholder and media landscape, ideally with exposure to sustainability, packaging, recycling, environmental policy, health or hydration‑related issues.
• You will be a confident communicator with excellent writing, judgement and news instinct.
• You will know how to shape a clear narrative, handle complex issues, brief senior leaders and build trust with a wide range of audiences.
• You will be comfortable operating at Executive level, while remaining pragmatic and hands‑on when needed.
• You will bring sound judgement, discretion and resilience, particularly when dealing with sensitive issues or fast‑moving external matters.
• Most importantly, you will be a credible ambassador for Highland Spring Group: collaborative, low ego, values‑led and passionate about representing a business that cares deeply about its people, its product, its communities and the natural environment.

How You'll Make An Impact

• We're a Team — you will bring people together, connect priorities across the business, listen well, build trusted relationships and help us make confident decisions.
• We're Proud — you will take pride in telling our story, raising our external profile and helping others across the business understand the part they play in protecting and strengthening our reputation.
• We Care — you will show empathy, judgement and respect in how you engage with colleagues, communities and external stakeholders, creating space for different voices and helping the business navigate change responsibly.

What You'll Get In Return

You’ll join a proud, values‑led business with a unique heritage, an iconic brand and a genuine commitment to responsible growth and environmental stewardship. You can expect a competitive reward package, including a competitive salary, car allowance/bonus, 34 days' holiday per annum inclusive of Christmas and New Year public holidays, pension contribution, life assurance, company sick pay and access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Platform.

If you are excited by the opportunity to shape the voice and reputation of Highland Spring Group as our next Head of Corporate Communications & External Affairs, we would love to hear from you. Please apply today.