Public Relations Manager

We're now looking for a Public Relations Manager to help shape our narrative and strengthen our public image. In this vital role, you'll be responsible for influencing public opinion by highlighting projects, communicating water-saving programs and sharing key accomplishments through press releases, blogs, social media, events and interviews. What you'll be doing

• As our Public Relations Manager, you'll lead the delivery of a bold and integrated PR strategy that elevates our brand, builds trust, and drives behaviour change.
• Developing and implementing strategic PR and media plans to enhance Affinity Water's public image.
• Crafting compelling press releases, byline articles, and blogs on topics including infrastructure projects, environmental initiatives, and crisis responses.
• Building strong relationships with national, regional, and trade media to secure high-profile coverage across print, digital, and broadcast platforms.
• Managing proactive and reactive media inquiries, including briefing and preparing senior leaders (CEO, Directors) for interviews.
• Monitoring social, political, and regulatory trends to anticipate issues and inform communications strategy.
• Producing monthly analytics reports and post-campaign evaluations using tools like Cision.
• Collaborating with Public Affairs, Marketing, and Internal Comms teams to ensure messaging is aligned and impactful.
• Supporting and advising internal spokespeople with on-brand messaging and media training.
  
  Proven experience in Public Relations, Media Relations, or Marketing Communications in a regulated sector.
• A strong track record of delivering impactful PR campaigns at both local and national levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex issues.
• Experience managing media relations, crisis communications, and brand storytelling.
• A deep understanding of social media platforms and how to integrate them into PR strategy.
• Outstanding organisational and time-management skills, with a strong eye for detail.
• Confidence working cross-functionally with senior stakeholders and external agencies.
  
  Affinity Water is on a mission to redefine how water companies engage with their customers and communities. Serving 3.9 million people across South East England, we're committed to delivering high-quality water sustainably whilst protecting the environment.
  
  Salary £40-45,000 per annum dependant on experience
• You'll also be required to be part of our fast-fire reactive crisis communications team on standby out of hours, working on a 1 week in 8 rota, ensuring a swift and effective response to challenges or emergencies. Separate payment on top.
• Hybrid role, with the expectations of a minimum two days a week in the office in Hatfield
• Annual leave from 26 days rising with length of service, and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days.
• A 'Celebration Day' in addition to public holidays that people can use to celebrate a religious festival or other occasion that is important to them.
• A generous 'double match pension scheme' that doubles the contributions you make (company contribution capped at 12%)
• We offer a range of family benefits including enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support Leave and up to 5 full or 10 half days of paid Carers Leave.
• Menopause policy and Reasonable Adjustment policy to help everyone perform at their best.
• Access to our Wellbeing Centre with support for looking after your physical and mental health.
• Discounts at a Range of Retail Outlets and on Dental and Medical Insurance through our Tap4Perks scheme.
• Up to 4 Affinity days a year to volunteer in the community.
• Life Assurance.
• Disability Confident