Title:  Public Affairs Manager - NESO

About the role

National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.

We are seeking a dynamic and self-starting Public Affairs Manager to be a leader within our organisation’s government relations, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement work. 

This role is responsible for creating compelling plans and tactics that can further build trust and credibility in NESO, amplify our successes and manage reputational risks. The work of the role holder will be central to advancing NESO’s mission and to organisational success.

The role will require a skilled communicator with an excellent understanding of both the  political and media landscape, and a proven track record of advocacy, issue management and reputational development.

This role is full-time and can be based from our Warwick or Wokingham office, with an expectation that the postholder will need to build strong relationships with NESO staff to be successful. The role holder will also benefit from working at our satellite London office.

Key Accountabilities

• Work with the Head of GB & International Public Affairs to enhance external engagement across Westminster, Whitehall and with other stakeholders within political circles to further build NESO’s external reputation.
• Work with subject matter experts across NESO, using a data driven approach to influence key external stakeholders through coordinated bi-lateral engagement and external communications campaigns, working with the External Engagement Strategy Manager, Media Managers and Strategic Planning.
• Manage a set of defined relationships with politicians, advisors, think-tanks and trade associations, developing a pool of intelligence of mutual benefit to NESO and the stakeholders it works with.
• Support the Head of GB & International Public Affairs to pro-actively advise senior leaders on political developments, feeding intelligence across Corporate Affairs and the wider organisation to influence planning and decision-making.
• Maintain a network of external contacts including UK government and other stakeholders to share and educate on NESO’s roles and responsibilities, as well as key NESO-led developments.
• Contribute to running of the NESO Public Affairs team and supporting the management of the Corporate Affairs communications grid, working with the Strategic Communications manager to avoid duplication and overlap of activities.
• Anticipate and identify current and future strategic issues and political trends in the UK & Europe, working closely with the wider Corporate Affairs and Policy and Strategy teams pro-actively providing this insight and intelligence to senior leaders, to help shape business commercial decisions.
• Hold senior level internal relationships, acting as the liaison between Corporate Affairs and other directorates as necessary, advising on external communications approaches and reputational development.

About you

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who: 

Knowledge

• Expert understanding of the UK political and media environments.
• Understanding of the energy sector or other utilities is welcome but not essential.

Experience

• 5+ years relevant experience (e.g. parliament, in the media, agency).
• Active and extensive external network across Westminster and Whitehall.
• Proven experience of delivering, successful communications campaigns at a senior level.
• Experience of successfully working and influencing internal stakeholders in a large complex organisation.

Skills

• Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills.
• Strong strategic thinking capability.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and understanding when to escalate.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced professional environment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

About what you’ll get

A competitive salary between £59,000 – 68,000 – dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 15% of your salary for stretch performance, 28 days annual leave as standard, and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work-life balance. Enjoy fit for purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.

About us

National Energy System Operator (NESO) has a key role to play in tackling climate change by transitioning GB’s electricity system to net zero. We already operate the fastest decarbonising electricity system in the world, with an ambition for zero carbon power operation by 2030 when there is sufficient renewable generation. We are also providing advice to the Government on achieving a decarbonised power system by 2030.

So, join the energy transformation and help shape the future.

Your energy, our future, together.

About the National Energy System Operator (NESO)

In Autumn of 2024, the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator is the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system.  

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, are now at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them.

The organisation is set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As was the ESO, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all.

The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

More information

This role closes on 09/07/2025 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. Interviews will be held w.c 14th July. 

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. 

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.

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