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- Tasks: Shape public engagement and manage key political relationships for impactful projects.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the UK's water industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, health benefits, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public affairs while influencing strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs or government relations with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for meaningful impact.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Durrington (hybrid working)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full time (flexible working and job share considered)
Salary: Up to ÂŁ50,000 per annum
About the role
Our Public Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement Team manages relationships with local and national government, parliament and civil society across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex and Kent. Public affairs sits at the heart of Southern Waterâs transformation, working closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to build trust, shape policy conversations and support the delivery of our commitments.
As Public Affairs Manager, you will play a key role in shaping how Southern Water engages with the political and public landscape. Reporting to the Senior Public Affairs Manager, you will help position the organisation as a credible, responsive and collaborative partner, building strong relationships with MPs, councils, government officials and other influential stakeholders. This is a handsâon, outwardâfacing role at the heart of our public affairs âengine roomâ â ideal for someone who enjoys delivery, pace and impact, and who wants to deepen their experience in a complex, highâprofile environment.
What you will be responsible for
- Taking ownership of key political and stakeholder relationships across our operating region, including MPs and local authorities
- Supporting the delivery of highâimpact public affairs projects, campaigns and engagement activity
- Preparing highâquality briefings, correspondence and political insight for senior leaders, including the CEO and Executive Team
- Helping to shape policy positions that balance business priorities with public and stakeholder expectations
- Monitoring political developments and translating them into clear, actionable insight for the business
- Supporting senior leaders ahead of meetings, visits and events with tailored briefing and advice
What youâll bring to the role
Essential
- Experience in public affairs, government relations, political engagement or stakeholder management
- Background gained in an inâhouse role, agency, the civil service or parliament, with experience beyond solely parliamentary work
- Strong political awareness and a good understanding of the UK political landscape
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, persuasive briefings
- Confidence working with senior stakeholders and representing an organisation externally
- A proactive, organised and solutionsâfocused approach in a fastâpaced environment
- Full UK driving licence and access to a reliable car
Desirable
- Experience working in a regulated or complex organisation
- Experience managing casework and coordinating stakeholder visits and engagement
- Ability to translate political and external developments into business insight
About Southern Water
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britainâs water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With ÂŁ7.8bn planned investment for 2025â30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where people can make a meaningful impact, influence strategic decisions, and help shape outcomes for customers, communities and the environment.
At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If youâre passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, weâd love to hear from you â even if you donât tick every box.
Our commitment to diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additional information:
In line with Southern Waterâs security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all preâemployment checks, including security vetting. Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.
Our Benefits
- Company and performance-related bonus
- Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution
- Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary
- Health benefits through a Cash Plan
- Two paid community volunteering days a year
- 25 days annual holiday
- Occupational health service
- Retail discount app
- We offer competitive maternity leave, and flexible return to work options
Public Affairs Manager in Worthing employer: Southern Water group
Contact Detail:
Southern Water group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Manager in Worthing
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the public affairs scene. Attend events, join relevant groups, and donât be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Southern Water and understand their role in the community. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your skills in public affairs.
â¨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, itâs a great chance to reiterate why youâre the perfect fit for the Public Affairs Manager position.
â¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, youâll have access to all the latest job postings and updates directly from us. Donât miss out on this opportunity to join a team making a real impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Manager in Worthing
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Public Affairs Manager role. Highlight your experience in public affairs and stakeholder management, and show how it aligns with what weâre looking for at Southern Water.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. Use persuasive language to demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality briefings and correspondence.
Research and Reflect: Take some time to understand Southern Waterâs mission and values. Reflect on how your background and skills can contribute to our goals, especially in shaping policy conversations and engaging with stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and youâll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water group
â¨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research Southern Water's key stakeholders and their recent initiatives. Understanding who they engage with and the current political landscape will help you demonstrate your awareness of the role's requirements.
â¨Prepare Impactful Examples
Think of specific examples from your past experience that showcase your skills in public affairs and stakeholder management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully built relationships or managed projects that had a significant impact.
â¨Craft Clear Briefings
Since the role involves preparing briefings for senior leaders, practice summarising complex information into clear, concise points. This will not only show your communication skills but also your ability to think critically about what matters most.
â¨Show Your Proactive Approach
Be prepared to discuss how you stay organised and solutions-focused in fast-paced environments. Share examples of how you've anticipated challenges and taken initiative to address them, which is crucial for a Public Affairs Manager.