Public Affairs & Government Relations Lead

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water; Rhyl; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

34 days annual leave (pro rata)

Excellent pension contributions – up t

Employee benefits programme

On-site parking

Health cash back

Cycle to work

Discounts at Welsh Water attractions

Job summary

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is seeking an experienced Public Affairs professional to shape and deliver the Welsh WaterPublic Affairs strategy across Wales and Westminster. You will build influential relationships with political stakeholders and provide timely policy insights to senior leaders.

The role requires strong writing, stakeholder engagement and the ability to operate across a complex regulatory environment. Based in Wales with standby rota and a competitive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification in community engagement, communications, social impact, marketing, public engagement or a related discipline.
• Professional accreditation or membership of a relevant body (e.g. CIPR, CIM, IAP2) desirable.
• Experience of working in a communications environment in a customer focused organisation/industry.

Responsibilities

• Support with the development and delivery of the Public Affairs strategy aligned with Welsh Water’s corporate strategy, regulatory priorities and business objectives.
• Build and maintain relationships with political stakeholders, including Members of the Senedd, MPs, local authority leaders, councillors, UK and Welsh Government officials, and key policy influencers.
• Monitor and analyse political and policy developments across Wales and Westminster, providing timely insight, risk assessments and strategic advice to senior leaders.
• Coordinate engagement with elected representatives, ensuring enquiries are handled professionally, consistently and within agreed service standards.
• Prepare high-quality briefing materials, including ministerial briefings, speeches, Q&As, consultation responses, parliamentary correspondence and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Represent Welsh Water externally at political events, conferences, stakeholder forums and meetings, building the company’s profile and strengthening relationships with key decision-makers.
• Work closely with Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Community Engagement, Regulation and Operational teams to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated responses on high-profile issues and incidents
• Evaluate and report on public affairs activity, measuring the impact of stakeholder engagement, identifying opportunities to influence policy and recommending improvements to support Welsh Water’s long-term objectives.
• Provide essential 24/7 service as part of the on-call out of hours press office service.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Written communication

Public affairs

Crisis communications

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification in communications

Professional accreditation or membership (CIPR/CIM/IAP2)

Job description

Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water is seeking an experienced Public Affairs professional to shape and deliver the Welsh WaterPublic Affairs strategy across Wales and Westminster. You will build influential relationships with political stakeholders and provide timely policy insights to senior leaders.

The role requires strong writing, stakeholder engagement and the ability to operate across a complex regulatory environment. Based in Wales with standby rota and a competitive benefits package.