Murray McIntosh is delighted to partner with a vital utility company serving the South of England, for the appointment of an immediate Public Affairs requirement.

We are supporting their search for an Senior Public Affairs Manager on a fixed-term contract until March 2027, joining at a pivotal point for the organisation and providing senior-level support to the public affairs function and executive team.

Under new leadership since 2022, the company is undergoing major development, with significant investment in infrastructure and services. Plans are in place to double investment to £7.8bn over the 2025-30 regulatory period, placing public affairs and political engagement firmly at the heart of the organisation's strategy.

As Senior Public Affairs Manager, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering public affairs strategy during this dynamic period. You'll influence policy-makers, help navigate a complex political and regulatory environment, and support the senior team - with regular interaction with the CEO and Executive Committee - as the business operates under intense public and political scrutiny.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver public affairs strategy, engage key stakeholders, and deputise for the Head of Public Affairs.
• Advise the leadership team on external political, regulatory and legislative matters, supporting risk mitigation during a high-profile transformation period.
• Oversee internal forums and foster collaborative working practices to ensure a coordinated approach across government, regulators and Water UK.
• Lead engagement with Westminster and Whitehall to land consistent messaging and strengthen the company's reputation.
• Develop political briefings, letters, speeches and presentations; maintain strong relationships with officials, politicians, regulators and industry bodies.
• Manage a Public Affairs Manager and a graduate trainee, ensuring strong inter‑team collaboration and information flow.
• Support the organisation's response to issues, incidents or periods of heightened scrutiny as required.

Requirements:

• Demonstrable expertise in managing public affairs at national and regional level, with strong government and stakeholder networks.
• Experience delivering integrated communications and public affairs activity within complex or regulated environments.
• Background in water, energy or other regulated sectors such as infrastructure or transport.
• Strong leadership and management skills, including experience of issues and crisis management.
• Highly organised, resilient and able to operate at pace in a dynamic, high-profile environment.
• Understanding of current policy priorities and political parties' positions on the water sector is desirable.

The company offers a flexible, hybrid working environment, based from their office in Worthing, West Sussex, with office attendance required once per week and occasional travel to Westminster and across the region.

Unfortunately, sponsorship for work visas is not available.

As this is an immediate requirement we are working to a tight time-frame - application deadline is 12:00 Thursday 23rd April.

Murray McIntosh is proud to be an equal opportunity agency on behalf of its clients. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability or age.