Media and Project Communications Officers

JAM Recruitment Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Health assessments – annual

Cycle to Work scheme

Life assurance

Job summary

Thames Water in Reading is seeking a Media and Project Communications Officer to shape messaging for major infrastructure schemes, including a proposed Oxfordshire reservoir. Based in Reading, the role covers media relations, content creation and campaign delivery, with travel to project sites as needed.

The ideal candidate will have strong writing, stakeholder management and press handling abilities, and will support project milestones with clear, engaging communication across channels.

Qualifications

• Proven record of media handling and campaign planning.
• Ability to translate complex engineering updates into clear communications.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills.
• Strong stakeholder management and press handling capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Pitch stories to media and manage media enquiries.
• Develop and deliver project communications across channels (print, web, social).
• Create content including newsletters, briefings, presentations and reports.
• Plan campaigns and events to support project milestones.
• Coordinate site visits and project communications materials.
• Develop project communication plans aligned with milestones.

Skills

Media relations

Campaign planning

Content creation

Stakeholder management

Press handling

Excellent writing

Job description

Reporting to the communications team, the Media and Project Communications Officers will shape messaging for Thames Water's major infrastructure schemes, including a proposed reservoir in Oxfordshire and drought resilience work. Based in Reading, this full-time post suits skilled communicators who can translate complex engineering updates into clear, engaging stories for communities, stakeholders and the press. Duties cover media relations, campaign delivery, content creation and supporting project milestones. Strong writing, stakeholder management and press handling abilities are essential. The salary offered is £50,000 to £55,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

Help shape the future of water Record-breaking temperatures and increasingly frequent droughts are changing the way we think about water. As the UK adapts to changing weather patterns, Thames Water is at the forefront of keeping the taps flowing for millions of people across the South East. We’re investing in some of the country’s most significant infrastructure projects to meet the demands of a growing population, protect the environment and ensure water security for future generations. We’re looking for talented communications professionals to join our team and help bring these nationally significant projects to life. You'll play a key role in delivering high-quality, impactful communications for initiatives such as our proposed new reservoir in Oxfordshire and drought resilience schemes in London.

What you will be doing as a Media and Project Communications Officer

• Media Relations: Pitching stories to national, regional and trade media to generate positive coverage about SRO projects.
• Manage day-to-day enquiries from the media relating to SRO projects, working closely with colleagues in the corporate press office.
• Content Development: Produce clear, accurate and timely project communications materials, including newsletters, briefings, presentations, reports, website updates and social media content.
• Create, manage, and distribute high quality project communications across multiple channels, including print, website, intranet and social media platforms.
• Campaigns & Events: Plan and deliver communication campaigns to support project initiatives.
• Manage site visits and project events, including logistics and communications materials.
• Working closely with the Project Senior Communications Manager, develop and implement project communication plans aligned with project milestones.
• Develop handling plans for specific project issues.
• Management of project messaging, including narratives, message houses and lines to take.
• Monitor communication channels to ensure project responsiveness, communications impact and messaging relevance.
• Track and evaluate communication activities against agreed objectives and key performance indicators, and make recommendations to drive continuous improvement.

These roles will be based across our Reading and London offices. Regular travel to project sites will be required. Flexibility to support media relations and events outside normal working hours when necessary.

What you should bring to the role?

• Proven record of media handling and campaign planning.
• Experience of high-quality content development in across range of formats (print, social, web).
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills.
• Strong strategic communications management.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work in a fast paced environment.

What’s in it for you?

Join a company where your career can truly thrive, with opportunities to grow, develop and reach your full potential. There has never been a more exciting time to join Thames Water as we embark on the most significant transformation in our 100-year history. You’ll become part of a passionate, purpose-driven team committed to securing the UK’s long-term water future, working alongside talented colleagues who share a strong sense of collaboration, ambition and pride in making a meaningful impact.

Competitive salary of £50,000 - £55,000 per annum, depending on your experience.

• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (Plus bank holidays).
• Performance-related pay is directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of your and your family’s health and well-being, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment).

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

Why choose us?

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.