Head of Media Relations in Reading

Thames Water - Lead our story. Shape our reputation. We’re looking for an exceptional Head of Media Relations to set the strategic direction of our media activity and act as a key ambassador for Thames Water’s Communications function. This is a high‑impact leadership role – ideal for someone with sharp strategic thinking, strong news instinct, financial acumen and the confidence to counsel senior leaders on complex issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead the media relations strategy and set a clear, compelling vision for the team.
• Ensure a consistent, high‑quality approach to media engagement across the organisation.
• Drive a proactive media plan that supports our business priorities and long‑term strategy.
• Manage and build Thames Water’s reputation across business, finance, political and national media.
• Lead the development of hyper‑local digital communications to better engage our customers.
• Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders, including the CEO and Executive team.
• Partner with Finance and Investor Relations to shape impactful results and performance communications.
• Act as a senior spokesperson for Thames Water.
• Develop a high‑performing Media Relations team and embed best practices.

Qualifications and Experience

• A passion for the water and waste industry.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to see the bigger picture.
• Strong experience in planning, budgeting, and integrated stakeholder communications.
• Proven ability to advise senior leaders on sensitive and complex issues.
• Outstanding writing skills and the ability to simplify complex messages.
• Solid financial communications experience and understanding of listed environments.
• A track record of handling sensitive issues, crises, and incident response.
• Experience leading high‑performing teams.
• Deep knowledge of media strategy, channels, and techniques.
• Ability to collaborate across teams and influence effectively at all levels.
• Strong budget management skills and a results‑focused mindset.

About Thames Water

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job, and we need passionate and skilled people committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come. We are a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference. As part of our family you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. We’re committed to being a great, diverse and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments – extra time, accessible formats or anything else – just let us know. We’ll help and support you. When a crisis happens, we all rally to support our customers. As part of Team Thames you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for an incredibly rewarding experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary £90,000 – £120,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Annual leave – 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Car allowance – £5,800.
• Annual bonus.
• Private medical health care.
• Contributory pension – defined contribution, maximum of 12% – 2x employee contribution.
• Personal medical assessments – open to all once a year.
• Access to a wide range of benefits to help you care for yourself and your family’s health and well‑being, including annual health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle‑to‑Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.