Public Affairs Manager - 12 month Fixed Term Contract

About the role

National Grid sits at the heart of Britain’s energy system, connecting millions of people and businesses safely, reliably, and efficiently to the energy they use every day. At National Grid we are embarking on the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations and over the five years to 2031, we will be investing £40 billion to upgrade and transform our electricity networks. This role will work across National Grid whilst providing specific support for National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) which owns, operates and maintains the high-voltage electricity transmission network across England and Wales. NGET’s role is critical to delivering a secure, reliable and affordable energy system while enabling the transition to a cleaner, more electrified economy.  

The Public Affairs Manager will be responsible for supporting efforts to build and enhance National Grid's reputation as NGET delivers the network investment, upgrades and customer connections needed for Britain's future energy system. From connecting new sources of generation and growing demand onto the network, to delivering major transmission infrastructure and substation upgrades, NGET is playing a critical role in enabling economic growth, strengthening energy security and supporting the UK's clean energy ambitions. You will be responsible for influencing key stakeholders externally, including parliamentarians, government officials, lobbying groups, think tanks, trade associations and academics, ensuring that National Grid effectively communicates its strategic objectives.

Key accountabilities

•    Lead and deliver public affairs activity that enhances National Grid's reputation and supports NGET's strategic priorities, including customer connections, network investment, infrastructure delivery, energy security and economic growth, working closely with colleagues across media, external affairs and the wider business
•    Build and maintain strong relationships with parliamentarians, government officials, public bodies, political advisers, trade associations, think tanks, academics and other influential stakeholders, helping to shape the external environment in which National Grid operates.
•    Develop and execute stakeholder engagement plans that support National Grid's policy, regulatory and corporate objectives, identifying opportunities to build understanding and advocacy for the company's priorities.
•    Support National Grid's external engagement on customer connections and connections reform, helping build understanding of the critical role the transmission network plays in connecting new generation, storage and demand to Britain's electricity system.
•    Support stakeholder engagement relating to major network investments, transmission infrastructure and substation.
•    Provide high-quality political intelligence, horizon scanning and strategic insight, anticipating emerging issues, risks and opportunities and advising senior leaders on their potential impact.
•    Work collaboratively across the wider business to develop coherent positions on key policy and regulatory issues, supporting consultation responses, external submissions and advocacy campaigns.
•    Support engagement between National Grid leaders and key external stakeholders, providing advice, briefing materials and strategic counsel to maximise the impact of political and stakeholder interactions.
•    Act as a trusted advisor to NGET leadership, helping to shape messaging and external positioning on matters relating to transmission network investment, customer connections, infrastructure delivery and the future electricity system.
•    Identify and manage reputational, political and policy risks, working with colleagues across Corporate Affairs and the wider business to develop effective mitigation strategies and responses.

Qualifications

• Experience in public affairs, government relations, policy, stakeholder engagement or corporate affairs, ideally within a regulated industry, infrastructure, utilities, energy or related sector.
• At least five years of experience working within the UK political landscape, including engaging with political, policy, or public affairs matters.
• Strong understanding of UK political and governmental structures, including Parliament, Whitehall, regulators and the policy-making process.
• Experience building and maintaining effective relationships with external stakeholders, including politicians, government officials, trade associations, think tanks, businesses and other influential organisations.
• Experience providing insight and analysis on political, policy and regulatory developments, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, actionable advice.
• Strong influencing and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage credibly with senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to develop briefing materials, correspondence, presentations and stakeholder engagement plans for a range of audiences.
• Knowledge of the role electricity transmission networks play in connecting new generation, storage and demand to the energy system, and the policy and regulatory environment associated with doing so would be advantageous.

About us

At National Grid, we’re at the heart of a major change in how energy is produced, delivered and used. We connect millions of people to the energy they need across Great Britain and the US, while investing to support a cleaner, more reliable system for the future. 

Joining us means working on challenges that matter. You’ll help shape how the energy system evolves, supporting the transition to net zero while helping keep energy affordable and reliable. 

This role is based in The Strand, London or Warwick, UK with hybrid working.

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