At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate communications strategy and manage media relations for National Grid.
- Company: Join a leading energy company investing £70bn in innovative projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with executives and drive impactful communications.
- Why this job: Shape the future of corporate communications in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in corporate communications and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
About us
At National Grid, we are investing around £70bn over five years in our networks in the UK and the US, with a range of ground‑breaking projects to expand our networks. We operate across six business units in the UK and the north‑east of the US, with group revenue around £18bn. Our strategy is focussed on delivering the brilliant basics to lead on performance, driving big shifts to define our future, and building our delivery credibility to drive disciplined growth.
Job purpose
Reporting to the Director of Corporate Affairs, the person in this role will be responsible for developing and implementing a corporate communications strategy to strengthen National Grid’s reputation, ensuring consistent and effective corporate communications, including world‑class media relations, executive communications, enterprise financial communications, and issues / crisis management. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Director of Corporate Affairs as we transform National Grid’s corporate affairs function into a world‑class team that can play a critical role in the company’s strategic success. This person will lead a high‑performing team, and support and advise the CEO and other executive committee members on a broad range of communications matters, including issues management, corporate media relations, and financial communications.
Key accountabilities
- Drive development and implementation of an integrated and effective corporate communications strategy aligned to National Grid’s strategy and purpose.
- Partner with relevant teams to set the Group messaging and tone of voice.
- Lead Plc / UK Media Relations for maximum impact, building strong relationships and ensuring the organisation is known as connected and transparent with target media.
- Own an annual corporate communications plan, including a strategic engagement approach for the CEO and Group Executive.
- Collaborate with functional partners in Investor Relations, Company Secretary, and Sustainability to deliver world‑class financial communications and company reporting.
- Lead executive communications for the CEO and Chair, including speech writing.
- Partner Public Affairs & Policy to ensure clear and consistent messaging to key audiences, that furthers National Grid’s policy aims.
- Use reputation insight to monitor the effectiveness of activity, and refine and optimise external communications.
- Role model effective use of AI - across identified use cases - as we continue to increase AI use in Corporate Affairs in service of both efficiency and effectiveness.
- Play a central role in crisis communications, and act as a primary point of contact for UK media during crises.
- Provide guidance, mentorship and performance management to media relations professionals in the UK, ensuring a high‑performing team, and partner closely with US peers for high quality outcomes.
Candidate profile
- Extensive experience in corporate communications and/or public relations in a large corporate environment, ideally in a regulated industry.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful communications strategies that enhance corporate reputation and stakeholder engagement.
- Deep experience of media relations and crisis communications.
- Financial communications experience in a plc.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to develop a high‑performing team.
- Adept at building senior‑level relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, up to CEO and Board level.
More Information
Location: the role will be based in London, with the person on‑site around 2-3 days per week on average. Salary: competitive base salary plus commensurate benefits. The role will close for applications on Monday 3rd August at 23:59 BST. 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.
Head of Corporate Communications employer: National Grid
Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration in the telecoms sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while providing opportunities for professional growth within the dynamic environment of the South West and South Wales. Our supportive culture encourages teamwork and ensures that you play a vital role in delivering secure and resilient communication solutions for the high-voltage electricity network.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Corporate Communications
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like National Grid. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like National Grid, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research National Grid inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Corporate Communications
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of National Grid. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at National Grid.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
