Communications Manager - Strategic Programmes

Turn complex programmes into clear communications that make a difference.

Are you a strategic thinker, a hands-on communicator and someone who enjoys working collaboratively to deliver meaningful change? We're looking for a Communications Manager, Strategic Programmes to join our close-knit team and help shape the communications that support long-term improvement programmes across the business retail water market in England and Wales.

This is an opportunity to work alongside experts, engage with a diverse range of stakeholders and turn complex information into clear, compelling messages that drive understanding, collaboration and progress.

About the opportunity

This is more than a communications role. It's a chance to help shape how strategic programmes are understood, delivered and experienced by the people they impact.

Working closely with programme teams and senior communications colleagues, you'll develop and deliver communications that support strategic objectives, build stakeholder confidence and help programmes achieve successful outcomes.

What you'll be doing

As Communications Manager, Strategic Programmes, you'll play a key role in ensuring stakeholders are informed, engaged and supported throughout the lifecycle of complex, long-term improvement programmes.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Stakeholder engagement: Identify key stakeholder groups, understand their needs and develop communications that build engagement and support successful delivery.
• Communications delivery: Plan and deliver both scheduled and ad-hoc communications, from regular stakeholder updates to participation in relevant forums and industry events.
• Strategic planning: Work closely with Project Managers, the Communications Lead and the Head of Market Engagement and Communications to develop clear, effective communications plans.
• Clear storytelling: Translate complex concepts, technical information and programme developments into simple, accessible and impactful messages.
• Quality assurance: Ensure communications are accurate, engaging, consistent and aligned with brand guidelines.
• Strategic challenge: Use your understanding of stakeholder perspectives and professional experience to identify potential challenges, question approaches and recommend improvements.
• Risk and issue management: Provide communications advice on potentially challenging situations and help develop approaches that reduce or mitigate negative impacts.
• Consistent messaging: Help ensure that the wider programme narrative is clear, coherent and aligned with strategic objectives.

You'll need to think strategically while remaining close to the detail. No two days are likely to be the same, and you'll be expected to adapt to changing programme priorities and stakeholder needs.

What we're looking for

We're looking for someone who takes initiative, enjoys collaboration and is passionate about delivering high-quality communications.

You have strong writing, presentation and interpersonal skills, with exceptional attention to detail and grammar.

Strategic thinking

You can understand the bigger picture, interpret complex information and identify the communications implications of programme decisions.

Stakeholder and influencing skills

You build effective relationships, understand different perspectives and confidently influence approaches when needed.

You enjoy working as part of a close-knit team, bringing ideas together and supporting colleagues to achieve shared goals.

You're a self-starter who can identify opportunities, take ownership and deliver quality work on time.

Experience and qualifications

• Around five years' experience in a communications role or similar.
• Strong analytical and interpretational skills.
• Technical awareness and the ability to work with systems or data-related programmes are desirable, but not essential.
• Experience in water, energy or another regulated industry would be an advantage.
• A degree-level qualification is preferable, but not essential.

We're interested in what you can bring to the role. If you meet most of the requirements and have the motivation to learn and grow, we'd love to hear from you.

Why join us?

Make an impact

Your work will help stakeholders navigate complex improvement programmes and support the delivery of positive changes for the business retail water market.

Work with experts

We're a small organisation with a wide reach. You'll work closely with colleagues across the business, gaining exposure to different areas of expertise and developing a broad understanding of our work.

Learn and grow

We are a genuine learning organisation. Your ideas will be heard and valued, and you'll have opportunities to develop your experience and contribute in meaningful ways.

Be part of a close-knit team

We value people who are hands-on, collaborative and willing to share ideas. You'll be part of a team where everyone can make a difference.

Our commitment to inclusion

We believe in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to contribute, develop and thrive.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to inclusion throughout our attraction, recruitment and development processes.

As a Disability Confident employer, we're happy to discuss any support you may need during the application and selection process as part of our reasonable adjustments commitment. Please let us know at the time of your application so we can support you throughout your recruitment journey.

Ready to make a difference?