Senior Manager Communications

About the Role

At SSEN Distribution, we have a critical role to play in keeping over 3.9 million homes and businesses connected to a safe and reliable supply of electricity whilst also developing the flexible electricity networks that are vital to achieving net zero. We are commencing our ED2 price control period, (2023 - 2028) during which we will be spending more than £3.5bn to power communities to net zero.

Base Location: Perth, Glasgow, Reading or London

Salary: Up to £80,000 depending on skills and experience + car / car allowance + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

We're looking to recruit a highly motivated, energetic and experienced Senior Manager, Communications to lead a busy communications and media function within our Corporate Affairs team.

As Senior Manager, Communications you'll be skilled at managing both planned strategic and reactive media engagement in a fast-paced environment and will be responsible for managing all communications activities including leading on crisis communications during emergency situations and adverse weather events.

Key responsibilities for this role will include:

- Reporting to the Head of Corporate Affairs, you will own SSEN Distribution's core communications strategy, leading a small team of communications professionals to develop and deliver robust proactive and reactive communications to protect and enhance the reputation of SSEN Distribution.

- As Corporate Affairs' lead for crisis communications, you will coordinate and lead Corporate Affairs' support for SSEN Distribution during emergency situations and adverse weather events across both licence areas, acting as the key liaison for storm and crisis planning and winter campaign activity.

- Identifying media and communications activities aligned with SSEN's strategic objectives and working alongside the Policy and Public Affairs Team, you will deliver coordinated activities to positively influence key stakeholders and target audiences to achieve sustainable business outcomes.

- Acting as a key spokesperson, you will represent SSEN Distribution in the media and, with the support of a focused team, produce engaging and effective integrated content that enhances the reputation of SSEN Distribution and the critical role it plays in the net zero transition.

- Proactively building and enhancing relationships with key journalists and publications including online, print and broadcast outlets, ranging from national media to local publications.

- Providing strategic counsel to SSEN Distribution on all matters relating to communications and external reputation, working closely with senior leaders across the business.

What do I need?

To be considered for this role, we would love you to have:

- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with confidence in presenting and advising at senior executive level.

- Experience in key communications and media-facing roles with ability to fulfil spokesperson duties.

- Proven track record interfacing with senior officials, senior public representatives, and senior executives with the goal of influencing decision making.

- Ability to grasp and translate complex information and understand how, and when, to use it in SSE's public interest when communicating to internal and external audiences.

- Ability to develop project or team plans which establish objectives for others, set timetables, allocate accountabilities and co-ordinate resources.

- Ability to act under pressure and mange difficult situations calmly, providing considered response to key communications challenges.

- Knowledge of energy and related issues (such as strategy and sustainability) as they affect the SSE Group and SSEN Distribution. Confident in appropriately challenging senior internal stakeholders' thinking and decisions.

What's in it for you?

We offer an excellent package with 34 days annual leave entitlement, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, discounted healthcare, salary sacrifice car leasing and much more, view our full benefits package on our careers site.

As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments you need during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for 'Inclusion & Diversity at SSE' to find out more.

Next Steps

All applications should be made online, and I'll be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know the outcome.

If you would like to discuss any working flexibly requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact Laura on 01738 341814.

Before commencing your role with SSE, you'll need to complete our pre-employment screening process. This will consist of a criminality and credit check.