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Senior Public Affairs Manager (FTC)

Job Posted: 10 days ago

Salary: £ Competitive
Job Type: Temporary
Location: Worthing, West Sussex

Expire in: 17 days

Job Description

Murray McIntosh is delighted to be partnering with Southern Water, a critical public utility serving the South of England, as they appoint a Senior Public Affairs Manager on a fixed‑term basis until March 2027, during a transformative period for the organisation.

Under new leadership since 2022, Southern Water is delivering a high‑profile turnaround, alongside ambitious plans to invest £7.8bn between 2025-30. Public affairs, communication and political and stakeholder engagement sit at the heart of this transformation.

This role goes beyond traditional public affairs delivery. It is a hands‑on, senior role focused on integrating national public affairs with regional stakeholder engagement, ensuring that intelligence from MPs, councillors and communities is effectively translated into strategic engagement with central government and regulators.

You will work closely with the Head of Public Affairs, senior leaders and the Executive Committee (including regular interaction with the CEO), operating in a fast‑paced, highly scrutinised environment.

Key Responsibilities

Play a leading role in developing and delivering public affairs activity during a critical operational period
Integrate stakeholder engagement insight (local / regional / MPs) into national public affairs and government relations
Advise senior leaders on political, regulatory and reputational risk
Lead engagement with Westminster and Whitehall on priority issues
Oversee MP correspondence and casework, ensuring timely, credible and consistent responses
Develop briefings, speeches, letters and materials for senior stakeholders
Line management of one Public Affairs Manager
Support continuous improvement of systems, processes and use of digital tools to improve efficiency
Contribute to issues and crisis response as required

What We're Looking For

Strong public affairs experience at national and regional level
Comfortable operating in high‑pressure, operational environments
Experience managing teams and senior internal stakeholders
Exposure to issues or crisis management
Background in water, energy, infrastructure, transport or other regulated sectors helpful, but not essential
Open‑minded approach to technology, automation and new ways of working
Credible, resilient, calm and trusted - able to handle difficult conversations with integrity 

Additional Information & How to Apply

Southern Water offers a warm, inclusive and collaborative environment working on a hybrid model from their head office in Worthing (once per week on Mondays).

There will also be occasional travel to Westminster and across the region. Access to a car/ being able to drive is helpful. 

As this is an urgent requirement, the application deadline is 12:00 Thursday 23rd April. 

No cover letter required, but please ensure all relevant experience is highlighted on your CV.

Full UK right to work required. Sponsorship not available. 

Immediate start preferred. 

Murray McIntosh is proud to be an equal opportunities employer on behalf of their clients. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

Murray McIntosh is a specialist Policy, Public Affairs, Strategic Communications and Economics recruitment consultancy, recruiting positions at all levels and across all sectors. Our team boasts over 20 years of experience in this space, with expertise spanning all manner of industry and subject areas

Before You Apply

Do not include the following in your job application, CV, or cover letter:

Bank details.
National Insurance number.
Date of birth.

You should not be asked for payment or irrelevant information. If you have concerns about a job advert or employer, seek guidance on how to proceed.

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