Public Affairs Manager

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.

• 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

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.

• 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

• 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

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays