Summary
As our External Communications Officer, you’ll help shape how the world sees South East Water. Supporting our External Communications Manager, you’ll help us stay consistent and proactive in everything we do. Whether you’re identifying fresh media opportunities or drafting engaging press releases, your goal will be to create impactful coverage that highlights our commitment to our customers. It’s a chance to use your PR skills to make a positive, visible difference!
Main responsibilities
Support the External Communications Manager in the delivery of the Turning the Tide strategy, rebuilding South East Water’s reputation amongst its customers and stakeholders. Be adept at pivoting between multiple projects, sometimes with competing needs, to produce appropriate and high quality communications outputs to deadline. Competent in drafting accurate customer, media and stakeholder communications materials required for a project or event, including, but not limited to; communications plans and evaluations, briefing notes, statements, press releases, presentations, exhibition materials, articles, advertising, website copy, FAQs and social media content such as videos. Competent in turning complex information into appropriate and easy to understand materials for public consumption. Keen to learn, develop as well as try new ideas and communications methods as they arise. Competent at identifying potential risks to company reputation and have confidence in raising these with appropriate managers. Identify opportunities for positive media coverage, crafting press releases, arranging media events, managing interviews and briefing spokespeople. Be responsible for organising, managing and attending a range of in-person and virtual community and stakeholder events which open our audiences’ eyes to water. Be part of the Communications out-of-hours service on a shared rota basis (approximately one in four weeks) where you’ll help manage crisis communications both in and out of office hours, escalating where appropriate. Confident at liaising with designers, photographers, videographers and other contractors to achieve desired outcomes when creating communications materials and arranging events.
Skills / Qualifications / Experience
- Degree-level qualification in a communication or PR related discipline or relevant experience.
- Full driving licence.
- At least three years’ experience in either a field related to journalism (newspaper/online/TV/radio) or public relations/communications, either agency or in-house.
- Media relations, press office management, relationship building, media monitoring & optimisation, media interview management, statement & briefing development, media training, presentation/briefing skills, strategic communications planning, copywriting, proofreading, creative input & ideation, quality control, campaign execution, crisis communications.
- A working experience and knowledge of the media, together with the ability to deal confidently with customers and stakeholders is essential.
- Social media skills would be desirable.
- Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities.
Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities. The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.
Grow a career with a meaningful purpose. We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity.
You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.
Benefits package
- Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
- Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Health cash plan.
- Life assurance.
- Wellbeing related benefits.
It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water. Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.
Compensation package
Up to £40,000 p.a. (dependent on experience)
Culture & values
Be you, belong and valued. Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.
We supply top-quality drinking water to 2.3 million customers in the southeast of England. Through a network of 9,000 miles of pipe, we deliver 544 million litres of water every day. It's the skill and expertise of our employees that ensures our water meets the highest standards. We make sure we can meet the needs of our customers both now and in the future. Grow a career with a meaningful purpose. Come to work to be safe, valued, and trusted. We'll encourage you to create and pursue new opportunities for personal growth. A place to be the real you, build deeper connections and enjoy a sense of belonging. Be invested in helping us to create a sustainable water supply for now, and in the future.
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External Communications Officer in Snodland employer: South East Water Limited
South East Water Limited is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture in the heart of Farnborough, Hampshire. With a commitment to technical excellence and innovation, employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities, a supportive environment, and a competitive shift allowance, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the field of microbiology.
