Title:  Executive Communications Manager - NESO

About the role

National Energy System Operator (NESO) recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

We are seeking a strategic, detail-oriented and highly skilled Executive Communications Manager to support the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and other executive team members.

This role is responsible for crafting compelling communications that amplify the voice of the CEO, strengthen NESO’s brand and support both internal and external stakeholder engagement. This is a high-trust, high-impact role at the intersection of executive leadership, political affairs and reputation management.

The role holder will manage executive speeches, thought leadership content, will assist with media events and select committee appearances, ensuring consistent messaging aligned with NESO’s priorities, vision and values. Your work will shape their voices, their external presence, and your collaboration with team members across Corporate Affairs, the Executive Offices and subject matter experts will guide how your leaders engage externally.

The role will require flexibility, with the post holder expected to share responsibility for the work of Public Affairs team, using their political knowledge and external lens to deliver high impact political engagement as part of existing communications campaigns.

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.

Key Accountabilities

Executive Communications

• Manage the executive speaking calendar and identify key external events and thought leadership opportunities for the CEO, COO and Executive Leadership Team (ELT).
• Write, edit, and manage high-impact content including keynote speeches, panel talking points, op-eds and support internal CEO communications.
• Prepare executive briefings and brief the CEO/ELT for both internal and external engagements.
• Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including media representatives, industry partners, and community leaders, to enhance the effectiveness of executive communications.
• Develop briefing materials, Q&As and any other materials needed for executive appearances and events. 
• Develop messaging that aligns with strategic priorities, cultural tone, and organizational goals
• Coordinate with internal communications, subject matter experts, and Corporate Affairs colleagues to align and amplify executive messaging.
• Monitor external issues, narratives and trends, proactively shaping messaging that positions leadership effectively.
• Develop the executive communication strategy in partnership with the Corporate Affairs team, in alignment with NESO’s priorities.
• Be an active member of the Corporate Affairs directorate, providing support and leadership to Public Affairs and Corporate Communications when required.

Public Affairs

• 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.

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 in supporting executives or senior leaders, including speechwriting.
• Experience of working in a political environment.
• Track record of building and maintaining an 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.
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity
• 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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