Job Title
Engagement Manager - Major Projects
Location
Durrington (Hybrid, 2 days in the office, mix of travel to sites and WFH)
Contract Type
12 months FTC with view to become permanent
Hours
37 hours per week
Salary
£50,000- £60,000 per annum DOE
Job Overview
We're seeking a proactive and strategic Engagement Manager to join our Major Projects directorate, supporting the development and delivery of stakeholder and public engagement plans for key water resources schemes. You will work closely with the Senior Engagement Manager - Major Projects and a small, dedicated team to help develop and deliver the overarching engagement strategy and materials to promote the creation of new water sources including reservoirs, water recycling plants and new water supply pipelines, all of which are vital solutions to the challenge of water scarcity.
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and lead engagement plans for large water projects, working closely with environmental groups, local stakeholders, politicians, and Southern Water teams.
* Support planning applications, draft regulatory submissions, host site tours and give briefings on projects as they develop.
* Build strong, trusted relationships with diverse groups such as environmental organisations, local authorities and industry partners.
* Help enable colleagues across Southern Water to engage confidently on these critical projects, aiming to secure advocacy and public acceptance for sustainable sources of supply.
* Develop and deliver strategic engagement programmes across a number of projects.
* Support advocacy efforts to build stakeholder support for new, sustainable water sources.
* Manage reactive media and stakeholder enquiries, collaborate with the media team on press releases, ensure web content is up-to-date, and foster idea-sharing across the business.
* Create compelling content for digital and traditional communications channels.
* Collaborate on marketing plans promoting water scarcity awareness, water recycling technology and project benefits.
* Monitor, track and report on engagement metrics to inform strategy.
* Contribute to out-of-hours on‑call support within the wider Corporate Affairs directorate.
Qualifications and Skills
* NCTJ or equivalent PR qualifications (preferred).
* Proven ability to develop and deliver successful engagement strategies.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills across multiple media formats.
* Strong presentation skills and the ability to simplify complex information for varied audiences.
* Experience working collaboratively with stakeholders at all levels and managing tight deadlines.
* Proactive approach, including availability to respond to issues outside of office hours where required.
* Confidence to independently drive progress.
* Experience in media, public affairs, or major project engagement.
* Strong background in communications with an emphasis on sustainability and water resources.
Benefits
* Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
* 25 days annual leave
* Life assurance equal to 4x salary
* Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
* Health Cash Plan
* Full funded eye tests
* Two paid volunteering days a year
* Occupational health service
* Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
* Digital GP service
* Study support may be available for job-related qualifications
* Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
* Cycle to work scheme
Other Information
All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility and current proof of address as part of the recruitment process.
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