At Pennon Group, we’re proud to be leading the way in the water and renewables industries. Alongside our subsidiaries - South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water, SES Water, Pennon Water Services and Pennon Power - we’re committed to delivering a sustainable future of our region. Because we know that by continually driving up our standards today, we’ll build a better tomorrow for our communities. Great opportunity for a Press Office and Incident Media Manager to join Pennon Groups external communications team on a permanent basis for a salary of £50,000 - £55,000 plus amazing benefits. You will be based out of the Exeter office, working on a hybrid basis. About the role:As Pennon's Press Office and Incident Media Manage, you’ll play both a strategic and hands-on role in leading our media relations and external communications at a critical time. Reporting to the Group Director of External Relations, you’ll manage key media relationships, craft compelling narratives and leading on both proactive and reactive media responses — including incident and crisis communications. It’s a crucial time for our business and sector and this role puts you at the heart of it.
What you’ll be doing:
1. As our Press Office and Incident Media Manage you will be:
2. Leading our busy press office, ensuring timely, consistent and accurate responses to media enquiries.
3. Managing crisis communications and coordinating effective incident response to protect the organisation’s reputation.
4. Acting as the lead comms support during operational incidents, both in and out of hours (on a shared rota).
5. Building and maintaining trusted relationships with key journalists, editors and commentators.
6. Leading reactive communications, including drafting statements, Q&As, and lines to take on emerging issues.
7. Working closely with internal teams to quickly understand stories and ensure fact-based communications.
8. Monitoring the media, political and regulatory landscape daily – identifying risks, opportunities and reputational threats.
9. Providing regular media coverage insight and analysis to senior stakeholders.
10. Working with senior leaders and partners to deliver effective crisis communications and incident response.
11. Work apart of a collaborative communications team – ensuring reactive work enables space for proactive storytelling in line with business needs.
What we’re looking for:
12. Proven experience in media relations, corporate communications or journalism.
13. Extensive experience in crisis communications and incident response.
14. A strong track record in managing media engagement.
15. Experience working directly with senior leaders to shape and deliver clear, strategic messages.
16. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics under tight deadlines.
17. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
18. Confidence in building and maintaining trusted media relationships to protect and enhance Pennon’s reputation.
19. The ability to craft compelling, purposeful narratives that align with corporate priorities.
20. A calm, resilient mindset with sound judgement — especially when the pressure is on.
21. A proactive approach to spotting reputational risks and opportunities before they arise.
22. Experience managing a forward-looking calendar of potential risks and mitigations.
£50,000 - £55,000 a yearWe know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidaysA discretionary BonusCompetitive Contributory PensionShare-save SchemeVarious health benefitsWellbeing support programmesA range of Group DiscountsCycle to Work SchemeFinancial support servicesAnd plenty more!Closing date: 6th November 2025Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.Our core values which are essential to our success are:Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.