UK & Group Media Spokesperson

What's the role

The energy system is evolving rapidly, and Shell is adapting not only to keep pace but also to anticipate and shape a different future. The integrated Strategic Communications & Brand function is driven by a clear vision: we want our most important stakeholders to understand our investment case, our culture, and our values; to grasp the beliefs we hold, the decisions we make, and the actions we take.

Shell, with its global reach and impact, is the subject of intense media interest daily. It is crucial for the company to have experienced and passionate media spokespeople to represent Shell's ability to deliver more value with fewer emissions and to 'bring the outside in'. These spokespeople play an exciting role in building Shell's reputation by ensuring fair and balanced coverage. As the Media Spokesperson, you will need to convey clarity and understanding of Shell's strategy through print, broadcast, online, and social media, and work to address negative stories.

A strong background working for a significant time in corporate communications is essential. This could be within a complex organisation either in the public or private sector, or at an agency. Previous frontline experience dealing with the media or work in journalism would also be needed.

What you'll be doing

The Corporate & UK Media Relations team is accountable for telling Shell's story to the outside world with a key focus on Group priorities. It acts as a 24/7 global digital newsroom, managing relationships with leading UK and international print, online, social and broadcast media. It provides functional support and advice on strategic reputational and media issues to the business and has a 24/7 crisis response capability. The team works closely with Investor Relations to manage the disclosure of new external material.

• To be a member of the Press Office team at Shell helping to build trust and confidence in the company.
• To deliver consistent and proactive media engagement, story placement and effective issues management.
• To anticipate and manage stories reactively, to contain and wherever possible avoid, harmful media coverage that could damage Shell's reputation.
• To balance business, country and Group priorities to help build a reputation for Shell and be firm with strategic guidance in the face of competing internal pressures and viewpoints.
• To rapidly and effectively analyse developing situations and advise senior management on necessary courses of action, including crisis situations.
• To act on own initiative when representing the Group's policies and actions to media, and in determining appropriate tone and level of response.
• To filter incoming requests for interviews with senior management, appreciating the consequences of a positive or negative response, before advising the business.
• The ability to form and sustain relationships based on mutual trust and understanding with senior journalists, and business leaders.
• To organise press briefings, events and media site visits, and facilitate set-piece events such as quarterly results and management presentations.

What you bring

• Significant experience in corporate communications, within a complex organisation either in the public or private sector.
• To be resilient along with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and constantly changing environment where there may be high levels of uncertainty.
• Demonstrate and deploy good judgment.
• The ability to be creative, to identify compelling stories and have an external focus.
• Frontline experience dealing with the media, or previous work in journalism.
• Proven track record of working with business leaders, providing strategic support and guidance, developing trusted partnerships to support business outcomes.
• Good writing skills and proven track record in development of creative, engaging content.
• A hunger for and insight about news, for the external landscape and the interaction of traditional, social and broadcast outlets.
• A commitment to the highest standards in communications practice.
• Having a learner mindset and being curious to learn from mistakes and successes.
• Integrate and collaborate across boundaries to maximise commercial value for Shell as a whole.

If you don't see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on the posting above, we still encourage you to reach out and apply. Research has shown that not everyone often applies when they do not feel 100% qualified. We are committed to creating a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse company and we strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply. We look forward to receiving your application.

Flexible working

We are keen to support flexible working arrangements, subject to local regulations and legislative frameworks. If this is of interest to you, please describe in your application the type of flexible working arrangements for which you would like to be considered (e.g., part-time, job share).

What we offer

You bring your skills and experience to Shell and in return you work with talented, committed people on one of the most important challenges facing our planet. You'll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to grow in an environment where we value honesty, integrity, and respect for one another. You'll be able to balance your priorities as you become the best version of yourself.

• Progress as a person as we work on the energy transition together.
• Continuously grow the transferable skills you need to get ahead.
• Work at the forefront of technology, trends, and practices.
• Collaborate with experienced colleagues with unique expertise.
• Achieve your balance in a values-led culture that encourages you to be the best version of yourself.
• Benefit from flexible working hours, and the possibility of remote/mobile working.
• Perform at your best with a competitive starting salary and annual performance-related salary increase - our pay and benefits packages are considered to be among the best in the world.
• Take advantage of paid parental leave, including for non-birthing parents.
• Join an organisation working to become one of the most diverse and inclusive in the world. We strongly encourage applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientation, and life experiences to apply.
• Grow as you progress through diverse career opportunities in national and international teams.
• Gain access to a wide range of training and development programmes.

We'd like you to know that Shell has a bold goal: to become one of the world's most diverse and inclusive companies. You can get to know more about how we're working towards that goal, click here.

Shell in The United Kingdom

Shell UK remains one of the North Sea's biggest producers, supplying around 10% of the UK's total oil and gas needs. But perhaps the most recognisable face of Shell in the UK is our network of over 1,000 Shell-branded service stations.

In the years ahead, as the UK looks to strengthen energy security and deliver its 2050 net-zero goal, Shell UK aims to play a crucial role. We aim to be a major investor in the UK energy system by helping our customers decarbonise with a focus on transport and industry.