Engagement Manager – (Major Projects)
Location: Durrington (Hybrid, 2 days in office, mix of site travel and WFH) – Contract Type: 12 months FTC with view to become permanent – Hours: 37 – 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 vital solutions to water scarcity.
Responsibilities
* Develop engagement materials, support planning applications and draft regulatory submissions.
* Host site tours and build strong, trusted relationships with diverse groups such as environmental organisations, local authorities and industry partners.
* 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, host site tours and give briefings on the projects as they’re developed.
* 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
* Strong background in communications, ideally with experience in media, public affairs, or major project engagement.
* 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.
* Proven ability to develop and deliver successful engagement strategies.
* Proactive approach, including availability to respond to issues outside of office hours where required.
* NCTJ or equivalent PR qualifications (preferred).
* Confidence, integrity, resilience and the ability to manage sensitive and complex issues independently.
Package
This role will be full time Monday to Friday with a hybrid approach between our Durrington and Falmer offices, visiting sites and working from home.
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
Privacy Statement
Please note: If you are an existing Southern Water employee, you will need to confirm within your application that your Manager is aware of your application. All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK and must provide evidence of eligibility (e.g., passport or long birth certificate and proof of NI) and current proof of address.
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