At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with media, create compelling content, and manage Pennon's reputation.
- Company: Join Pennon Group, a leader in water and renewables, committed to a greener future.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, competitive pension, health benefits, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public policy and corporate reputation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in media relations or journalism, with strong writing and communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
At Pennon Group, we are committed to building trust, protecting our reputation and telling our story with clarity and impact. We’re looking for a Media Relations Specialist to play a critical role in shaping and safeguarding Pennon’s corporate reputation.
Working closely with the Lead Media Relations Manager and the Press Office and Incident Media Manager, you’ll handle reactive media enquiries, develop compelling narratives and build strong relationships with journalists at both local and national level. You’ll also create high-quality, proactive media content - supported by photography and video - that enhances Pennon’s reputation and aligns with our strategic objectives and vision. This is a fast-paced, high-profile role requiring excellent judgement, outstanding communication skills and a strong understanding of the UK media landscape. The role includes driving to incident locations as required and participating in an on-call rota to respond to incidents outside of normal working hours.
What you’ll be doing
- Media engagement and relationship building
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with key local and national journalists.
- Act as a primary point of contact for media enquiries, providing timely, accurate and confident responses.
- Position Pennon as a credible, trusted source of expertise and information.
- Content creation and storytelling
- Write and edit high-quality press releases, media statements and briefing materials, supported by engaging multimedia content.
- Identify and develop compelling stories that reflect Pennon’s values and strategic priorities.
- Translate complex business and technical information into clear, accessible language for diverse audiences.
- Reputation management
- Respond proactively to media enquiries, ensuring alignment with Pennon’s messaging and tone of voice.
- Support the ongoing management and protection of Pennon’s reputation, particularly in reactive or sensitive situations.
- Collaboration and internal engagement
- Work closely with Public Affairs, Customer Service and other internal teams to ensure consistent and joined-up messaging.
- Provide expert media advice and guidance to internal stakeholders and senior leaders.
- Crisis communication support
- Assist in managing complex or challenging media issues, including during incidents or breaking news.
- Help develop clear strategies and responses to mitigate reputational risk in high-pressure situations.
What we’re looking for
Essential experience and skills
- Proven experience in media relations, journalism or corporate communications.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a strong portfolio of impactful press releases and media materials.
- Demonstrable experience building and maintaining relationships with journalists at local and national level.
- Ability to perform calmly and effectively under pressure and respond to challenging media enquiries.
- Strong understanding of the UK media landscape across print, broadcast and digital platforms.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English or a related discipline.
Desirable
- Experience within regulated industries such as utilities or other highly regulated sectors.
- Familiarity with media monitoring tools and platforms.
Why Join Us?
- The opportunity to influence real-world policy and public outcomes.
- A supportive and professional Corporate Affairs team.
- Exposure to senior leadership and high-profile external stakeholders.
- A role with purpose, impact, and visibility across the Group.
What’s in it for you
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays.
- A discretionary Bonus.
- Competitive Contributory Pension.
- Share-save Scheme.
- Various health benefits.
- Wellbeing support programmes.
- A range of Group Discounts.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
Closing Date: Monday 9th March 2026. Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values which are essential to our success are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Media Relations Specialist in Plymouth employer: Pennon Water Services
Contact Detail:
Pennon Water Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Media Relations Specialist in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the media industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out to journalists on social media. Building those relationships can really help you stand out when applying for roles like Media Relations Specialist.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your storytelling skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best press releases and media content. Make sure it reflects your ability to translate complex information into engaging narratives. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the latest media trends! Follow industry news and understand the current landscape. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you’re passionate about the role and ready to tackle any challenges that come your way.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and the company culture, which can help you tailor your approach and ace that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Media Relations Specialist in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Writing Skills: As a Media Relations Specialist, your writing needs to shine! Make sure your application showcases your best writing samples, whether it's press releases or media statements. We want to see how you can craft compelling narratives that resonate.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in media relations and how it aligns with our mission at Pennon Group. We love seeing candidates who understand our values and goals.
Highlight Your Media Connections: We’re looking for someone who can build relationships with journalists. In your application, mention any relevant connections you have and how you've successfully engaged with the media in the past. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pennon Water Services
✨Know Your Media Landscape
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the UK media landscape. Familiarise yourself with key journalists and outlets that cover water and environmental issues. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your ability to build relationships and position Pennon as a credible source.
✨Craft Compelling Narratives
Prepare examples of impactful press releases or media statements you've created in the past. Be ready to discuss how you identified compelling stories and translated complex information into accessible language. This will showcase your writing skills and storytelling ability.
✨Showcase Your Crisis Management Skills
Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed media enquiries during high-pressure situations. Be prepared to discuss your approach to crisis communication and how you maintained a positive reputation for your previous employers.
✨Engage with Internal Collaboration
Highlight your experience working with various internal teams, such as Public Affairs or Customer Service. Discuss how you ensured consistent messaging across departments, which is crucial for a role that requires collaboration at Pennon Group.