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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 South East and Central 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.
- 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. 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 - South East / Central England employer: National Grid
Contact Detail:
National Grid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land External Affairs Advisor - South East / Central England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research National Grid and understand their projects, especially The Great Grid Upgrade. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help shape community engagement and stakeholder relations. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly communicate your experience and how it aligns with the role of External Affairs Advisor. Keep it concise but impactful – think of it as your personal brand statement that highlights your strengths.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, send a quick thank-you note. It shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace External Affairs Advisor - South East / Central England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of External Affairs Advisor. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role is all about engaging with stakeholders, demonstrate your excellent written communication skills in your application. Share examples of how you've successfully communicated complex information in the past.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to mention any experience you have in stakeholder engagement or communications programmes. We want to see how you’ve built relationships and managed projects in similar environments.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team!
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 strong 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, highlighting your experience in stakeholder engagement.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex situations. Prepare for scenarios where you might need to manage reputational risks or respond to community feedback. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.