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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage communities and stakeholders for major infrastructure projects shaping the UK's energy future.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in transforming energy systems for a cleaner tomorrow.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible benefits, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects that connect communities and power the future.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in stakeholder engagement or communications.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 55000 £ per year.
About the role
Help deliver The Great Grid Upgrade. Shape the conversation that powers our future. The UK’s energy system is transforming - and at National Grid, we’re leading one of the largest infrastructure programmes in a generation: The Great Grid Upgrade. As an External Affairs Advisor, you’ll play a critical role in how we engage, inform and build trust with the communities at the heart of this transformation. You’ll help ensure our projects are not only delivered - but understood, supported and shaped by the people they impact. This is your chance to work on nationally significant infrastructure projects that are vital to delivering a cleaner, more secure energy future. We offer hybrid working, with flexibility required for weekly travel to offices and sites across the North East and North West of England. Help us power the future - and build stronger connections with the communities we serve. Apply now and be part of something bigger.
What you’ll be doing
- Lead stakeholder engagement across a portfolio of major infrastructure projects - from early planning through to construction.
- Build trusted relationships with local communities, MPs, councils and key regional stakeholders.
- Develop and deliver compelling engagement and communications strategies that support project success.
- Manage external affairs and community relations agencies to deliver impactful, high-quality campaigns.
- Represent National Grid at public consultations, community events and stakeholder briefings.
- Ensure communications are clear, consistent and aligned with National Grid’s brand and purpose.
- Collaborate with media, digital and public affairs teams to manage reputational risks and opportunities.
- Manage budgets and resources effectively, ensuring value for money across engagement activities and external support.
- Oversee community feedback and enquiries, ensuring timely and effective responses.
- Help deliver positive social impact through community investment and socio-economic initiatives.
About you
- You’re a confident, credible communicator who thrives in complex, stakeholder-rich environments.
- Proven experience delivering stakeholder engagement or communications programmes.
- Experience creating effective multi-channel communications, including print, broadcast, social media and web content.
- Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Experience managing agencies or partners to deliver results.
- Able to balance community needs with project priorities in a fast-moving environment.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience in infrastructure, energy, planning or construction is a plus.
What you’ll get
A competitive salary between £48,000 - £55,000 - dependent on capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
About us
National Grid Strategic Infrastructure is a Business Unit created to propel our grid forward to deliver in 5 years, what has been achieved in the previous 30. By 2030 we aim to have 17 new major infrastructure projects live across England, Scotland and Wales. Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. We make sure the lights are on in schools, operating theatres, and sporting arenas; we’re thousands of people working on behalf of millions of people. Our investment in Strategic Infrastructure via The Great Grid Upgrade will mean more home‑grown power, greater energy security and a cleaner future. Whatever your role, wherever you work with us, you’ll help us hit stretching targets and achieve our far-reaching goal: to secure, clean energy that supports our world far into the future. Here, you will be at the heart of energy.
More information
This role closes on 24 May 2026 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. Interviews to be held week commencing 1 June 2026. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates - we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process. Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.
External Affairs Advisor - North East / North West employer: National Grid
Contact Detail:
National Grid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Affairs Advisor - North East / North West
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research National Grid and The Great Grid Upgrade. Understand their values, projects, and community impact. This will help you tailor your conversations and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, or local community meetings related to energy and infrastructure. Connect with people who work at National Grid or in similar roles. You never know who might give you a heads-up about job openings!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences align with the role of External Affairs Advisor. Highlight your stakeholder engagement experience and how you can build trust with communities. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t wait until the last minute; get your application in early!
We think you need these skills to ace External Affairs Advisor - North East / North West
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the External Affairs Advisor role. Highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement and communications, and show how your skills align with our mission at National Grid.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a confident communicator, it’s essential to demonstrate your written communication prowess. Use clear, concise language in your application, and don’t shy away from showcasing any multi-channel communication strategies you've developed.
Research and Relate: Familiarise yourself with The Great Grid Upgrade and our projects. Mention specific initiatives or values that resonate with you in your application to show us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our journey.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply through our website as soon as you can, as early applications may have a better chance of standing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key stakeholders National Grid engages with, such as local communities, MPs, and councils. Understanding their concerns and interests will help you demonstrate your ability to build trusted relationships and engage effectively.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully delivered multi-channel communications in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific campaigns you've managed and how they aligned with project goals, showcasing your excellent written and verbal communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Think about how you would develop and deliver compelling engagement strategies for major infrastructure projects. Be prepared to share your ideas on balancing community needs with project priorities, which is crucial for this role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing reputational risks or responding to community feedback. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making skills to show you're equipped to navigate complex environments.