Social Media Manager

Social media isn’t just about posts and platforms. Social media at Southern Water is about trust, transparency, and telling a story that really matters. We’re looking for an experienced, strategic social media professional to lead our social presence and help shape how we’re seen, understood and trusted by the communities we serve. This is a senior, hands-on role at the heart of Corporate Affairs – owning our social media strategy, strengthening our online reputation, and helping the organisation navigate complex and fast-moving issues with confidence and clarity. Make your impact on the world — water is essential to life. The work we do today affects rivers, coastlines, communities and future generations. Your work will directly influence how that story is told.

Responsibilities

• Strategy, narrative and direction: You’ll set and own Southern Water’s social media strategy – defining how our channels support wider Corporate Affairs, reputation and stakeholder objectives. You’ll lead a strategic approach to improving our online reputation, amplifying positive narratives, strengthening trust, and driving meaningful, authentic engagement. You’ll shape and maintain a proactive, insight‑led content calendar across multiple platforms, aligned to corporate priorities, stakeholder interests and customer needs. You’ll create high‑quality, engaging content tailored to audience and platform – switching tone and approach confidently, whether you’re explaining complex issues, celebrating progress, or responding under pressure.
• Content planning and channel management: You’ll lead channel planning, scheduling and publishing to maximise impact, reach and relevance. You’ll optimise content for platform functionality and behaviour – from video and Reels to Stories, threads and carousels – always keeping pace with how audiences actually engage.
• Issues monitoring and reputational risk: You’ll monitor all social channels for emerging issues, using sound judgement to spot risks early and recommend (or deliver) the right response. Working closely with Corporate Affairs, Press Office and Public Affairs colleagues, you’ll help ensure responses are aligned, timely and protect the integrity of the Southern Water brand. You’ll provide clear, trusted advice to senior stakeholders on the social media implications of developing stories.
• Insight, performance and continuous improvement: You’ll track performance, analyse sentiment and engagement, and turn insight into practical recommendations to improve reach, transparency and trust. You’ll continually refine content and cadence based on analytics, customer insight and platform changes. You’ll lead horizon scanning – keeping the organisation informed of emerging trends, risks and opportunities in social media and digital communications.
• Collaboration and best practice: You’ll champion social media best practice across Southern Water, supporting colleagues to raise the quality and consistency of their content. You’ll build strong relationships across Corporate Affairs, Customer Operations and leadership teams to source powerful stories and deliver joined‑up messaging.

What We’re Looking For

• You’ll already be operating confidently in a senior social media role, ideally within a complex, high‑profile or highly scrutinised organisation.
• You’ll Bring 5+ years’ experience in social media roles, with a strong strategic edge.
• A deep understanding of the corporate affairs, political and media landscape – and how that plays out on social.
• Proven experience handling reputational issues and sensitive communications.
• A track record of growing engagement and strengthening social presence for brands or organisations.
• A versatile writing style, adaptable across platforms, audiences and moments.
• Strong knowledge of platform algorithms and optimisation tactics.
• Confidence building relationships and influencing at multiple levels.
• Calm, resilient decision‑making under pressure and in fast‑moving situations.

You’ll Also Be

• Genuinely obsessed with social media and always scanning for what’s next.
• Creative, curious and proactive, with a drive to keep improving standards.
• Passionate about content that resonates, engages and builds trust.
• Highly organised, able to juggle multiple priorities in a demanding environment.
• Collaborative, constructive and comfortable working across disciplines.
• Experience of press office or public affairs environments is highly beneficial.