Chief Communications & Reputation Leader

Bristol Water plc; Exeter; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Company Car or Car Allowance

Performance Bonus Scheme

Pension Scheme

Private Healthcare Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Employee Discount Programme

Generous Annual Leave Entitlement

Job summary

Pennon Group is seeking an exceptional Director of Communications to lead its corporate communications function across Pennon and its operating businesses. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery in a highly visible, regulated environment.

You will develop and execute the Group's communications strategy, steer media relations, manage incidents, and build a high-performing team while guiding senior stakeholders and collaborating across Public Affairs, Regulation and

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in corporate communications.
• Proven media relations expertise.
• Crisis, incident and issues management capability.
• Strong digital and social media expertise.
• Ability to influence Executive leaders and senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Willingness to participate in out-of-hours standby (on-call) rota.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering communications strategies that enhance reputation and support organisational priorities.
• Leading proactive and reactive media relations activity, including ownership of the media office and newsroom operation.
• Personally managing high-profile, complex and reputation-sensitive media issues.
• Leading communications during major incidents, crises and operational events, including leadership of the Communications Cell within incident management structures.
• Providing expert communications counsel and constructive challenge to Executive leaders and senior stakeholders.
• Leading communications planning and delivery for major corporate announcements, campaigns and milestones.
• Driving the development and delivery of Pennon's digital and social media strategy, strengthening audience engagement through owned channels.
• Owning and developing the Pennon corporate website as a key communications platform.
• Leading community communications and community relations activities across Pennon's operating areas.
• Overseeing executive media briefing, preparation and support for interviews, events and significant announcements.

Skills

Senior leadership

Media relations

Crisis & incident management

Digital & social media

Executive influence

Strategic communications

Team development

Job description

Pennon Group is seeking an exceptional Director of Communications to lead its corporate communications function across Pennon and its operating businesses. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery in a highly visible, regulated environment.

You will develop and execute the Group's communications strategy, steer media relations, manage incidents, and build a high-performing team while guiding senior stakeholders and collaborating across Public Affairs, Regulation and