At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver public affairs strategy while engaging key stakeholders.
- Company: Join a vital utility company undergoing major development in the South of England.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Immediate start with a tight application deadline; dynamic and high-profile environment.
- Why this job: Play a central role in influencing policy-makers during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Expertise in public affairs with strong government networks and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Murray McIntosh is delighted to partner with a vital utility company serving the South of England for the appointment of an immediate Public Affairs requirement. We are supporting their search for a Senior Public Affairs Manager on a fixed‑term contract until March 2027, joining at a pivotal point for the organisation and providing senior‑level support to the public affairs function and executive team.
Under new leadership since 2022, the company is undergoing major development, with significant investment in infrastructure and services. Plans are in place to double investment to £7.8 bn over the 2025‑30 regulatory period, placing public affairs and political engagement firmly at the heart of the organisation's strategy.
As Senior Public Affairs Manager you will play a central role in shaping and delivering public affairs strategy during this dynamic period. You'll influence policy‑makers, help navigate a complex political and regulatory environment, and support the senior team – with regular interaction with the CEO and Executive Committee – as the business operates under intense public and political scrutiny.
Responsibilities- Develop and deliver public affairs strategy, engage key stakeholders, and deputise for the Head of Public Affairs.
- Advise the leadership team on external political, regulatory and legislative matters, supporting risk mitigation during a high‑profile transformation period.
- Oversee internal forums and foster collaborative working practices to ensure a coordinated approach across government, regulators and Water UK.
- Lead engagement with Westminster and Whitehall to land consistent messaging and strengthen the company's reputation.
- Develop political briefings, letters, speeches and presentations; maintain strong relationships with officials, politicians, regulators and industry bodies.
- Manage a Public Affairs Manager and a graduate trainee, ensuring strong inter‑team collaboration and information flow.
- Support the organisation's response to issues, incidents or periods of heightened scrutiny as required.
- Demonstrable expertise in managing public affairs at national and regional level, with strong government and stakeholder networks.
- Experience delivering integrated communications and public affairs activity within complex or regulated environments.
- Background in water, energy or other regulated sectors such as infrastructure or transport.
- Strong leadership and management skills, including experience of issues and crisis management.
- Highly organised, resilient and able to operate at pace in a dynamic, high‑profile environment.
- Understanding of current policy priorities and political parties' positions on the water sector is desirable.
The company offers a flexible, hybrid working environment, based from its office in Worthing, West Sussex, with office attendance required once per week and occasional travel to Westminster and across the region. Unfortunately, sponsorship for work visas is not available.
As this is an immediate requirement we are working to a tight time‑frame – application deadline is 12:00 Thursday 23rd April.
Murray McIntosh is proud to be an equal‑opportunity agency on behalf of its clients. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability or age.
Senior Public Affairs Manager (FTC) in Worthing employer: Murray McIntosh
Contact Detail:
Murray McIntosh Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Public Affairs Manager (FTC) in Worthing
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the public affairs space. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in managing public affairs and navigating complex political environments. We want to see how you can bring value to their team, so share specific examples of your past successes!
✨Prepare for the Spotlight
Since this role involves regular interaction with high-level executives, practice your communication skills. Be ready to discuss how you would handle public scrutiny and engage with key stakeholders. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so let’s get you that Senior Public Affairs Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Public Affairs Manager (FTC) in Worthing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public affairs, especially in regulated sectors like water or energy. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Public Affairs Manager, you'll be leading teams and engaging with high-level stakeholders. We recommend you emphasise your leadership experience and any successful projects you've managed that demonstrate your ability to navigate complex environments.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand, so keep it professional yet approachable.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Murray McIntosh
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current political landscape, especially regarding water and energy sectors. Brush up on recent legislation and how it impacts public affairs. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but are also informed about the industry.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Public Affairs Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. This will help convey your capability to lead during the company's transformation period.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach engaging with key stakeholders, including politicians and regulators. Be ready to discuss strategies you’ve used in the past to build relationships and influence policy. This will highlight your experience and strategic thinking.
✨Prepare for Crisis Management Scenarios
Given the nature of the role, be prepared to discuss how you would handle issues or crises. Think of specific examples where you’ve navigated complex situations and what the outcomes were. This will demonstrate your resilience and ability to operate effectively under scrutiny.