YES Energy Solutions is a Community Interest Company dedicated to tackling fuel poverty and helping households live in warmer, more affordable homes. With no shareholders, YES reinvests its profits into home energy improvements for low-income and vulnerable households across the country. Its work is guided by three values: Green, Great and Gracious.
The opportunity
This newly created role gives an experienced external affairs leader the chance to build YES’s public affairs and reputation function from the ground up, working closely with the CEO, Executive Team and Board. It is a rare opportunity to shape how a fast-growing, purpose-driven organisation is seen, heard and understood by government, regulators and the communities it serves.
Main responsibilities
- Develop and deliver a clear external affairs strategy aligned to YES’s purpose, five-year strategic objectives and commercial goals.
- Own YES’s approach to public affairs, political engagement and policy influence at national, regional and local level, building trusted relationships with Ministers, government officials and regulators.
- Lead corporate communications, media relations and crisis communications, acting as a trusted adviser to the CEO, Executive Team and Board.
- Develop and maintain a strategic stakeholder map, building insightful relationships across government, regulators, industry bodies, funders and community organisations.
- Own the corporate brand, reputation framework and organisational narrative for YES.
- Represent YES at external forums, conferences and industry groups where reputation, policy influence and organisational visibility are the goal.
Key skills and experience required
- Significant proven experience in external affairs, public relations, public affairs or communications, ideally within energy, energy efficiency or regional/local government.
- Strong understanding of UK politics and the policy landscape, with a track record of engaging senior political and policy stakeholders.
- Proven ability to advise and communicate effectively with senior executives and Board members.
- Excellent influencing, stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
- Experience managing reputational issues or crisis communications.
- Demonstrable commitment to social impact and the purpose and profit-for-purpose model of a Community Interest Company.
Additional information
- The role can be based from either Halifax or London but regular travel across both locations will be required.
There is openness to discussion around the working pattern, including whether this is a full-time or part-time appointment and around location, given the hybrid nature of the role. If you don't feel you meet every requirement but believe you could be the right fit, we would still encourage you to get in touch for a confidential conversation.
We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best.
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Head of External Affairs employer: YES Energy Solutions
YES Energy Solutions is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a positive impact on communities by alleviating fuel poverty and promoting energy efficiency. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer structured training and ongoing coaching, ensuring that our Energy Advisors not only excel in their roles but also contribute meaningfully to the lives of those they assist. Our supportive work culture, combined with benefits like a 5% pension contribution and generous annual leave, makes YES Energy Solutions a rewarding place to work for those passionate about helping others.
