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Murray McIntosh

Contract REF: #BBBH12440

Senior Public Affairs Manager (FTC)

Overview

Murray McIntosh is delighted to be partnering with Southern Water, a critical public utility serving the South of England, as they appoint a Senior Public Affairs Manager on a fixed‑term basis until March 2027, during a transformative period for the organisation.

Under new leadership since 2022, Southern Water is delivering a high‑profile turnaround, alongside ambitious plans to invest £7.8bn between 2025-30. Public affairs, communication and political and stakeholder engagement sit at the heart of this transformation.

This role goes beyond traditional public affairs delivery. It is a hands‑on, senior role focused on integrating national public affairs with regional stakeholder engagement, ensuring that intelligence from MPs, councillors and communities is effectively translated into strategic engagement with central government and regulators.

You will work closely with the Head of Public Affairs, senior leaders and the Executive Committee (including regular interaction with the CEO), operating in a fast‑paced, highly scrutinised environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Play a leading role in developing and delivering public affairs activity during a critical operational period
  • Integrate stakeholder engagement insight (local / regional / MPs) into national public affairs and government relations
  • Advise senior leaders on political, regulatory and reputational risk
  • Lead engagement with Westminster and Whitehall on priority issues
  • Oversee MP correspondence and casework, ensuring timely, credible and consistent responses
  • Develop briefings, speeches, letters and materials for senior stakeholders
  • Line management of one Public Affairs Manager
  • Support continuous improvement of systems, processes and use of digital tools to improve efficiency
  • Contribute to issues and crisis response as required

What We're Looking For

  • Strong public affairs experience at national and regional level
  • Comfortable operating in high‑pressure, operational environments
  • Experience managing teams and senior internal stakeholders
  • Exposure to issues or crisis management
  • Background in water, energy, infrastructure, transport or other regulated sectors helpful, but not essential
  • Open‑minded approach to technology, automation and new ways of working
  • Credible, resilient, calm and trusted - able to handle difficult conversations with integrity

Additional Information & How to Apply

Southern Water offers a warm, inclusive and collaborative environment working on a hybrid model from their head office in Worthing (once per week on Mondays).

There will also be occasional travel to Westminster and across the region. Access to a car/ being able to drive is helpful.

As this is an urgent requirement, the application deadline is 12:00 Thursday 23rd April.

No cover letter required, but please ensure all relevant experience is highlighted on your CV.

Full UK right to work required. Sponsorship not available.

Immediate start preferred.

Murray McIntosh is proud to be an equal opportunities employer on behalf of their 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.

Murray McIntosh is a specialist Policy, Public Affairs, Strategic Communications and Economics recruitment consultancy, recruiting positions at all levels and across all sectors. Our team boasts over 20 years of experience in this space, with expertise spanning all manner of industry and subject areas.

Anna Kelly avatar

Anna Kelly

Managing Consultant – Policy, Public Affairs & Strategic Communications

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