At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engagement with key stakeholders to enhance National Grid's reputation and influence.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in energy transition and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible working, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Flexible work locations across the Midlands, South West, and Wales with travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on energy policy while shaping the future of energy in the UK.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of UK politics and experience in public affairs required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Strategy & UK External Affairs function is responsible for protecting, preserving, and enhancing the reputation of the National Grid. Electricity Distribution Corporate Affairs (EDCA) acts as a dedicated support service to the Electricity Distribution Business (NGED), serving 20m customers across the Midlands, South West and Wales.
The External Affairs team is accountable for managing and leveraging relationships with political, business and media stakeholders across the region, telling NGED’s story and creating a favourable policy environment for the company’s priorities. The team is also responsible for providing tactical support to NGED project teams and managing high volumes of stakeholder queries, as well as providing direct support to the BU President and other Executives with briefings, speaking notes, and policy support.
The team is key to ensuring customer and stakeholder views are reflected in the strategic direction of the organisation, as well as that distribution policy positions are reflected in groupwide strategy and policy positions.
Key Accountabilities
- Lead the day-to-day engagement across the NGED region with external stakeholders such as MPs, MSs, Metro Mayors, Councillors, trade associations, and business groups to improve National Grid's reputation and influence.
- Build and maintain a network of influential political, policy and industry stakeholders to support the successful delivery of the company’s policy priorities.
- Provide leadership to NGED’s two Regional Engagement Officers, ensuring the effective delivery of regional external affairs strategies, stakeholder engagement programmes and reputational risk management activities.
- Lead the delivery, performance, and development of the team, including setting clear objectives, regularly reviewing performance, giving timely feedback, and supporting personal and professional development.
- Develop and deliver an external affairs strategy for each of NGED’s licence areas, including the planning and delivery of a programme of regional engagement aligned to NGED’s policy and reputational priorities.
- Support the Regional Policy Manager in the development of responses to Government, devolved and regional consultations.
- Advise leaders within NGED and the wider Group on political, policy and regulatory developments in NGED’s licence areas that may impact the business.
- Monitor and assess political, economic and stakeholder developments across NGED's licence areas.
- Oversee the delivery of stakeholder and external affairs support to specific NGED infrastructure projects.
- Manage the response to MP and MS casework, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and satisfactorily.
- Identify ‘hot spot’ areas in the region where reputational issues may arise and deploy strategies to address these.
- Represent NGED in its licence areas at events, conferences, and public meetings.
- Work with the Regional Policy Manager to support the business make representations to relevant select committees and parliamentary debates.
- Develop executive briefings and speeches where required.
- Work with the wider external affairs team to ensure alignment between public affairs, public policy and media activities.
- Position NGED as a trusted and influential voice with stakeholders across the areas NGED serves.
- Maintain an up-to-date stakeholder map of NGED’s licence areas.
- Support the wider work of the ED Corporate Affairs team.
Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of the UK political environment and machinery of Government.
- Strong understanding of regional politics and stakeholder networks within the NGED operational area.
- Demonstrable experience delivering high quality and effective public affairs activities.
- Understanding of regulated industry or infrastructure.
- Ability to build strong and effective networks, influencing and negotiation at the highest level externally.
- Experience coordinating responses to public policy consultations.
- Experience in using different communications channels and tactics to achieve positive outcomes.
- Strong track record of successfully communicating complex policy solutions.
- Experience of working with and influencing key internal stakeholders.
- Able to prioritise and manage competing issues.
- Strategic thinker with ability to contribute to key communications and decisions.
- Ability to communicate to a high level, highly articulate and a determined leader.
At National Grid, we’re at the heart of a major change in how energy is produced, delivered and used. We connect millions of people to the energy they need across Great Britain and the US, while investing to support a cleaner, more reliable system for the future.
This role is flexibly based within NGED’s licence areas of Bristol Avonbank, England; Castle Donington Herald Way, England; Warwick NGHouse, England; or Gwent Ty Coch Way, Wales, with regular travel within the Midlands, South West and South Wales.
As well as a base salary of £60k to £70k (commensurate with experience), you will receive a bonus of up to 30% based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme.
We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system.
Regional Engagement Manager, ED 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 Regional Engagement Manager, ED
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like National Grid, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like National Grid and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
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Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Engagement Manager, ED
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for National Grid and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with National Grid, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for National Grid.
