Senior Public Affairs Manager

Southern Water•Worthington, MN

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Southern Water is investing billions to improve environmental performance and resilience across the South East. Public affairs sits at the heart of that effort — helping us explain our plans, manage political and regulatory risk, and build credibility with those who influence how we operate. We are looking for a Senior Public Affairs Manager to play a leading, hands‑on role in how Southern Water engages with MPs, government departments and other senior political stakeholders. This is a senior role combining deep public affairs expertise with a strong grasp of process and transformation. Alongside leading high‑profile political relationships, you will help ensure our engagement activity is joined‑up, effective and tells a cohesive story across national, regional and local government. Reporting to the Head of Public Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement, you will provide trusted counsel to senior leaders and act as a key part of the organisation’s political leadership capability during a period of significant change and scrutiny.

Requirements

Significant experience in public affairs, political engagement or a related role, either in‑house or agency.
A strong understanding of the UK political system and how organisations influence policy and decision‑makers.
A demonstrable track record of managing senior political relationships and advising senior leaders.
Experience operating confidently in politically sensitive, fast‑paced environments.
Strong judgement with the ability to balance risk, reputation and delivery.
Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly and persuasively.

Nice To Haves

Experience at Account Director level (or equivalent) within a public affairs or communications agency.
Experience working in a highly regulated or politically sensitive sector.
Experience of mentoring or guiding colleagues through complex issues.
An understanding of infrastructure, environment, public services or utilities policy.

Responsibilities

Strategic political engagement Lead Southern Water’s engagement with senior MPs, peers, advisers, government departments and other priority political stakeholders.
Act as a trusted adviser to the Executive team on the political landscape and its implications for the business.
Help shape public affairs priorities and approaches in response to emerging political, regulatory and media risk.
Briefings, advice and senior counsel Lead the preparation of high‑quality briefings, talking points and advice for the CEO, Executive Directors and senior leaders.
Provide clear, confident political advice that supports effective decision‑making and external engagement.
Sense‑check and assure public affairs outputs to ensure they are accurate, credible and proportionate.
Process, transformation and ways of working Support continuous improvement in how public affairs and stakeholder engagement activity is planned, coordinated and delivered.
Help drive consistency, clarity and effectiveness across engagement activity to ensure a cohesive narrative at all levels of government.
Contribute to shaping ways of working that enable the team to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑profile environment.
Leadership within the public affairs team Support and mentor Public Affairs Manager, providing oversight, challenge and guidance on complex or sensitive issues.
Lead by example within the Public Affairs team Act as a senior escalation point for high‑profile stakeholder concerns and politically sensitive casework.
Provide cover for the Head of Public Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement when required.
Political intelligence and issue management Lead horizon‑scanning and analysis of political and parliamentary activity relevant to Southern Water.
Translate external developments into clear internal insight with recommended actions.
Support issue management during incidents, regulatory challenges or periods of heightened scrutiny.
Partnership working Work closely with colleagues across Strategy, Regulation, Communications, Customer and Operations to ensure joined‑up engagement.
Build constructive working relationships with local authorities, regulators and sector partners where political interests intersect.