At Pennon Group, we're proud to serve communities while protecting the environment. Together with our subsidiaries, South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water, SES Water, Pennon Water Services and Pennon Power, we're leading the way in water and renewables.
We're proud to be recognised as a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.
Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
At Pennon Group, we're committed to delivering essential water and environmental services while creating positive outcomes for customers, communities, and the environment. Our Corporate Affairs team plays a vital role in protecting and enhancing our reputation, influencing public policy, and building trusted relationships with key stakeholders at local and national level.
The Role
We're recruiting a Public Affairs Manager to help shape and deliver our public affairs and policy engagement across the Group. This is a pivotal role within our Corporate Affairs team, supporting political and stakeholder engagement that influences policy, strengthens relationships, and helps deliver our long-term strategy.
You'll work closely with colleagues across the business, senior leaders and external partners to bring Pennon's story to life with policymakers, regulators, and opinion formers.
Key Responsibilities
Build and maintain strong relationships with MPs, local authorities and think tanks
Develop and deliver a structured, proactive public affairs engagement plan
Support the design and delivery of policy-influencing campaigns at local and national level
Provide high-quality research, insight, and briefings to senior leaders on political and parliamentary activity
Coordinate site visits, meetings, and events with political stakeholders
Work closely with external public affairs agencies to shape and deliver engagement plans
Support senior leaders attending public meetings, events, and stakeholder forums
Respond to stakeholder enquiries professionally via correspondence and meetings
Collaborate with colleagues across Corporate Affairs to deliver team objectives
About You
You'll be a confident and well-organised public affairs professional with a strong understanding of the UK political landscape and the ability to build credibility quickly with a wide range of stakeholders.
We're looking for:
Experience working in a political, public affairs, or policy environment
An existing and relevant stakeholder or political network
Strong knowledge of local and national government
Excellent research and briefing skills, with the ability to translate complex issues clearly
Experience in a regulated, utilities, infrastructure, or commercially focused environment (desirable)
Outstanding written, interpersonal, and influencing skills
A proactive, creative approach with strong attention to detail
A collaborative team player who reflects Pennon's values and behaviours
Why Join Us?
The opportunity to influence real-world policy and public outcomes
A supportive and professional Corporate Affairs team
Exposure to senior leadership and high-profile external stakeholders
A role with purpose, impact, and visibility across the Group
What's in it for you
Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
A discretionary Bonus
Competitive Contributory Pension
Share-save Scheme
Various health benefits
Wellbeing support programmes
A range of Group Discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme
Closing Date: Friday 6th March 2026
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be 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.
Department
Business, Corporate and Support Functions
Locations
Exeter (Peninsula House)
Monthly salary
£55,000 - £65,000
Employment type
Full-time
About Pennon Group
Founded in 1989, Pennon is a FTSE 250 listed company and one of the leading businesses in the UK water sector.
Serving a population of c.3.5million people and c.380,000 business customers, we're committed to supporting the lives of people and the places they love for generations to come.