Senior Communications & Public Affairs Manager

HR Dept; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water industry organization in London is seeking a skilled marketing & communications professional to develop and implement their strategy. The role involves managing stakeholder engagement, overseeing publications, and delivering compelling communications. Candidates should have significant experience in the industry, excellent project management skills, and a collaborative approach to inspire others. This position offers a competitive salary of around £45K pa with additional benefits.

Benefits

27 Days Holidays + BH

Workplace Pension (6% employer contribution)

Private Health Insurance

Life Assurance

Discretionary annual bonus of 15%

Qualifications

• Significant experience in communications, marketing, and/or public affairs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills with experience of working with government and industry.
• Proven experience managing websites, publications, events, and campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of UKWIR's communications strategy.
• Manage high-quality content publication and online presence.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Communications

Marketing

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Excellent written communication

Job description

Overview

Who are UKWIR?
UK Water Industry Research (UKWIR) was established in 1993 by the UK water industry to facilitate and manage collaborative research on 'one voice' issues. UKWIR's members comprise 18 water and wastewater companies in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Our objective is to procure, manage and disseminate delivery of a programme of research for our members.

The role (Reports to the CEO)

The role is a full-time position involving developing, delivering, and sustaining a communications strategy and coordinating the management, recording, approval and distribution of research reports for our members and the water sector. This is delivered with support from our website provider and an external communications agency.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of UKWIR's communications and public affairs strategy.
• Raise UKWIR's profile and ensure our brand and activities are visible across the water industry, government, and wider stakeholder groups.

Communications, Marketing & Public Affairs

• Manage and continually develop the UKWIR website to deliver an exceptional member experience.
• Oversee high-quality content for publication across digital, trade and mainstream press, and briefing materials for public affairs.
• Lead the production of newsletters, annual reports, case studies, and success stories.
• Organise and manage key events, including research programme reviews, online briefings, and conferences.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders inside and outside the water industry.
• Support the membership in recognising and realising the value of UKWIR's collaborative research.
• Ensure UKWIR is seen as the investment of choice for research in the sector.

Reports, Tools & Services

• Lead the dissemination plan and coordinate activities across our live projects and existing services and products to enable members to maximise the value of our work, and expand our reach across the sector
• Promote UKWIR's tools and services through targeted communications and support their development with web partners.

Governance & Secretariat Support

• Ensure our communication efforts are aligned to our ways of working, supporting all levels of our members understand the contribution that UKWIR can make to their organisation.
• Work with the CEO and the wider team to grow collaboration across the sector through impactful communication across all channels

Finance & Resources

• Manage and monitor the communications budget, ensuring cost-effective delivery.
• Identify opportunities for efficiencies and process improvements.
• Work closely with the wider UKWIR team to ensure effective resourcing and delivery of the strategic plan.

About You

We're looking for a skilled and motivated marketing & communications professional who can combine strategy with delivery. You'll be confident engaging at all levels, from government to technical specialists and be able to translate complex messages into clear, compelling communications.

You will bring

• Significant experience in communications, marketing, and/or public affairs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience of working with government and industry.
• Proven experience managing websites, publications, events, and campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational and project management ability.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to inspire and lead others.

Compensation Package

• C. £45K pa., plus discretionary annual bonus of 15%
• Mon - Fri (9am to 5pm) London/Hybrid
• 27 Days Holidays + BH
• Workplace Pension (6% employer contribution)
• Private Health Insurance
• Life Assurance