Communications Officer

Overview

We’re champions of the North West and we’re proud that it’s our electricity network that connects communities and helps keep the electricity flowing every minute of every day, from when you wake up to when you fall asleep and all the hours in between. A key part of the UK’s journey to net zero carbon is the revolution of our electricity industry to enable clean, green economic growth.

As the North West’s electricity network operator, it’s our responsibility to lead the way, help the region decarbonise and pave the way for the growth of renewable energy and a sustainable energy future for all. We’re proud that in December 2024 we were named Utility of the Year by Utility Week magazine who said we punched above our weight and used innovation to solve some of the industry’s most difficult challenges.

Come and be part of our team and make a difference. Together we have the energy to transform our communities. We are switched on. We are adaptable. We take pride.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Communications Officer to join our Distribution System Operation (DSO) team who are responsible for getting our business ready for net zero.

Based in central Manchester, the purpose of the DSO Communications Officer role is to provide communications, event and stakeholder management support to the DSO team, reporting to the DSO Stakeholder and Communications Manager.

As a result of expansion in this key area we are seeking a communications all-rounder, able to understand both internal and external demands and support a variety of tasks across the team including the organisation and delivery of engagement events and meetings (online and face to face), the coordination of monthly reporting and newsletter production and other communications material development.

This role involves researching, collating and producing multi‑channel communications for both internal and external audiences, while supporting the delivery of PR activity. The postholder will produce marketing materials and work closely with graphic designers and printers, as well as assist in the creation of photography and videography content. They will support the DSO team by coordinating and delivering external stakeholder advisory panels, internal steering groups and wider engagement sessions.

The role also includes managing events from planning through to communication and delivery, editing and proofing presentations, and providing administrative support in meetings. In addition, the postholder will work with the stakeholder team to maintain an accurate and up‑to‑date stakeholder mapping and engagement database, recording key contacts and tracking activity. They will also contribute to the maintenance, creation, production and distribution of stakeholder and responsible business communications, including newsletters and digital materials.

Who We Are Looking For

The DSO Communications Officer will be results and solutions focused, and take pride in delivering high quality stakeholder engagement communications.

• Capability to manage large workloads to tight deadlines, often under pressure
• Good organisational skills and ability to prepare, minute and record meetings in an accurate and timely way
• Multi-channel communications experience
• Experience of working closely with other communications disciplines including press office, internal communications, marketing and research and public affairs.
• Proficient in Office applications including Word, PowerPoint and Excel and ability to use them to collate, manage and report meeting records, databases etc
• Proficient in online meeting and webinar delivery including engagement techniques such as polling and chat room management etc
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills including ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, external stakeholders and agencies
• Influencing skills
• Outcome focused
• Confident and proactive, with a passion for challenges and own development

Desirable Stakeholder engagement, stakeholder mapping and relationship building experience
Event management experience (online and in person)

What We’re Offering

As a vital team member and in return for your…