Strategic Communications Manager

About us

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.

To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

National Grid is hiring a Strategic Communications Manager in our London office.

Job Purpose

The Strategic Communications Manager will be responsible for creating and delivering strategic communications to enhance and protect National Grid’s reputation and operations. This role will focus on developing proactive communication strategies, responding to media enquiries, and ensuring that National Grid’s messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with corporate objectives. The Strategic Communications Manager will collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to effectively enhance the company’s public image.

Key Accountabilities

•    Support the Head of Strategic Communications to develop strategic communications strategies and campaigns. 

•    Support key strategic reputation projects and campaigns, helping to build cross-functional, integrated communications campaigns for National Grid that speak at a Group, Regional and Business Unit level.
•    Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Legal, to develop coordinated responses to media issues and inquiries.
•    Collaborate with colleagues across the broader UK media team and their work with National Grid business units to develop and implement a cohesive and comprehensive media strategy that aligns with National Grid’s corporate objectives and enhances the company’s reputation.
•    Monitor media issues, public sentiment and industry trends, identifying potential issues and opportunities for proactive engagement and strategic media coverage including thought leadership, interviews and events.

•    Manage reactive media handling, including horizon scanning, issues management and developing key messages.

•    Prepare and disseminate media statements, press releases, and other communication materials that effectively address media issues and convey National Grid’s position.
•    Build and maintain strong relationships with key journalists, media outlets, and third-party advocates to facilitate positive media coverage, influence public and stakeholder sentiment, and support for National Grid’s initiatives.
•    Facilitate knowledge sharing across teams to enhance the effectiveness of communications and help ensure a unified approach to communications.
•    Contribute to the successful running of the Corporate Communications function in the UK, fully utilising a full suite of project and stakeholder management tools to ensure effective team collaboration and minimise duplication and overlap of activities with other parts of the function.
•    This position may be required to attend UK emergency response team meetings/be included in an on-call rota out of hours as required/during a crisis.

Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s degree/ experience or equivalent qualification.
•    Strategic thinker with ability to plan and develop key communications by interpreting internal and external trends and changes.
•    Proven ability to develop and implement communications plans that align with corporate objectives and enhance brand reputation.
•    Proven experience in corporate communications or media relations, preferably within energy, another regulated industry or a political environment.
•    Strong understanding of media landscape, including relationships with key journalists and editors, and the ability to navigate complex media issues.
•    Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.
•    Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess media coverage and public sentiment to inform strategic decisions.
•    Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership.
•    Experience in managing communications during high-pressure situations.
•    Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with media monitoring tools and analytics platforms.

More Information