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This range is provided by South West Water. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
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.
Great opportunity for a Press Office and Incident Media Manager to join Pennon Group’s 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 Manager, 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 lead 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
* Leading our busy press office, ensuring timely, consistent and accurate responses to media enquiries
* Managing crisis communications and coordinating effective incident response to protect the organisation’s reputation
* Acting as the lead comms support during operational incidents, both in and out of hours (on a shared rota)Building and maintaining trusted relationships with key journalists, editors and commentators
* Leading reactive communications, including drafting statements, Q&As, and lines to take on emerging issues
* Working closely with internal teams to quickly understand stories and ensure fact‑based communications
* Monitoring the media, political and regulatory landscape daily – identifying risks, opportunities and reputational threats
* Providing regular media coverage insight and analysis to senior stakeholders
* Working with senior leaders and partners to deliver effective crisis communications and incident response
* Working as part of a collaborative communications team – ensuring reactive work enables space for proactive storytelling in line with business needs
What we’re looking for
* Proven experience in media relations, corporate communications or journalism
* Extensive experience in crisis communications and incident response
* A strong track record in managing media engagement
* Experience working directly with senior leaders to shape and deliver clear, strategic messages
* Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics under tight deadlines
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
* Confidence in building and maintaining trusted media relationships to protect and enhance Pennon’s reputation
* The ability to craft compelling, purposeful narratives that align with corporate priorities
* A calm, resilient mindset with sound judgement – especially when the pressure is on
* A proactive approach to spotting reputational risks and opportunities before they arise
* Experience managing a forward‑looking calendar of potential risks and mitigations
Closing date: 6th November 2025
Core Values
* 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.
Benefits
* Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
* A discretionary bonus
* Competitive contributory pension
* Share‑save scheme
* Various health benefits
* Wellbeing support programmesA range of group discounts
* Cycle to work scheme
* Financial support services
* And plenty more!
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