Stakeholder Engagement Manager

Southern Water; Chichester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water services company in the UK is seeking a Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager to enhance relationships with local authorities, community groups, and NGOs. This pivotal role involves leading engagement programs and managing complex issues. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of local governance, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. This position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, alongside a hybrid working approach between the office and home.

Benefits

Company and performance-related bonus

Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution

Health benefits through a Cash Plan

25 days annual holiday

Occupational health service

Qualifications

• Expert understanding of local government and NGOs, ideally gained through direct experience.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including MPs and council leaders.
• Experience in regulated industries or infrastructure sectors is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver proactive engagement programmes to build understanding and trust.
• Act as relationship owner for stakeholders in your region.
• Monitor local political and stakeholder activity.

Skills

Expert understanding of local government and NGOs

Strong relationship-building with senior stakeholders

Excellent communication skills

Ability to manage complex issues under pressure

Job description

Southern Water is committed to building strong, trusted relationships with the communities we serve. As a Senior Stakeholder Engagement Manager, you'll be the face of Southern Water in your region, acting as an ambassador and single point of contact for key stakeholders across local authorities, community groups, NGOs, regulators, and more. This is a pivotal role in our Corporate Affairs team, ensuring our plans and priorities are clearly understood, and that stakeholders have the opportunity to shape and co-deliver solutions. You'll lead proactive engagement programmes, manage complex issues, and collaborate with colleagues across Public Affairs, Major Projects, Capital Delivery, and Communications to protect and enhance our reputation.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver proactive engagement programmes to build understanding and trust.
• Act as the relationship owner for stakeholders in your region, building strong personal connections with council leaders, senior officers, and community representatives.
• Coordinate engagement across multiple teams and projects, ensuring consistent, evidence-based messaging.
• Oversee reactive engagement on local operational issues, including councillor casework and site visits.
• Monitor local political and stakeholder activity, providing insight to inform business decisions.
• Line manage a Stakeholder Engagement Manager and work collaboratively across Corporate Affairs.

Qualifications

• Expert understanding of local government and NGOs, ideally gained through direct experience.
• Proven ability to build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, including MPs and council leaders.
• Experience in regulated industries or infrastructure sectors is desirable.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage complex issues under pressure and deliver to tight deadlines.

Why Southern Water?

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain's water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025‑30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed. You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long‑term value creation. At Southern Water, diversity and inclusion are core values. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an environment where every individual is empowered to succeed. This is more than a role; it's an opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Apply now to be part of our transformational journey.

Package

This role is full time Monday to Friday with a hybrid approach to working between our Sussex‑based offices and home. We are offering a competitive salary commensurate to experience as well as other benefits including:

• Company and performance‑related bonus
• Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution
• Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary
• Health benefits through a Cash Plan
• Two paid community volunteering days a year
• 25 days annual holiday
• Occupational health service
• Retail benefits offering discounts and savings on several products and experiences
• Study support may be available for job‑related qualifications
• We offer competitive maternity, paternity and parental leave, and flexible return to work options