External Affairs Manager

About the role

To effectively lead communication, consultation and engagement activities on capital projects to help deliver projects effectively and efficiently and protect and enhance the reputation of National Grid.

What you'll be doing

Lead on communications, consultation and engagements activities as required on capital projects, involving:

• Liaison with the project team, comms agency and key stakeholders to oversee and be responsible for ensuring the delivery of engagement that is compliant with Government legislation and processes, and is considered first class by stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice to the project team including how project decisions impact the delivery of the wider programme deliverables, and the effect on National Grid’s reputation.
• Manage Community Relations Agencies, including finances, quality of delivery and their performance.
• Develop and prepare consultation strategies and resources to engage with and influence external stakeholders, which align with other major projects and the broader NGET messages.
• Represent National Grid in engagement activities/briefings with MPs, elected members, and parish councils in project briefings.
• Lead on behalf of the National Grid External Affairs team at public consultations.
• Media spokesperson on behalf of projects when needed.
• Remain current on the external environment and engage with external stakeholder to have a positive impact on NGET where possible.

Collaborate closely and effectively with the Lands, Planning and External Affairs Team, Corporate Affairs, Legal and project teams to deliver on:

• The wider objectives of the business.
• Needs of construction projects.

Promote and ensure the enduring safety, health and well-being, and personal security of the team

What you'll need

• Proven experience in leading, managing and developing a high-performing professional stakeholder engagement and communications team.
• Proven track record in conducting hostile media interviews, defending controversial construction schemes (desirable).
• Proven track record in influencing key external stakeholders, such as government, local authorities, parish councils, environmental groups, NGOs, etc.
• Current, comprehensive knowledge and understanding of planning/consenting and associated disciplines, energy project development and construction.
• Demonstrable willingness to challenge ways of working, seek and deliver efficiencies and effectively manage project costs.
• Competent in project management – strong planning, organisation and delivery / execution skills.
• Ability to write for a range of different audiences and stakeholders using different channels and platforms.
• Experience in contracting strategies and procurement seeing contracts through the end to end project life cycle.
• Drawing on analysis and highlight reports from the commercial teams to make decisions for financial control.
• Understanding of RIIO mechanisms and the way that National Grid delivers revenue under the regulatory framework.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent or significant directly relevant experience.
• Qualification and professional membership in town planning, environmental assessment, or related discipline desirable but not essential

What you'll get

A competitive starting salary of £54,000 - £70,000 PA dependant on experience

At National Grid, we care about your well-being and offer various perks such as 28 days leave plus 8 statutory days, a generous pension scheme, financial support for professional development, family care benefits, and access to health and fitness apps. If you're passionate about climate change and ready to contribute to a commodity that affects everyone, apply now for a rewarding career that combines purpose and impact.

Apply now.

#LI-TO1

More Information

This role closes on 6th of March 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. 

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.