Go to website

Reference: 98647

Date Added: 24 February 2026
Closing Date: 6 March 2026

Job Title: Public Affairs Manager

Working For: Pennon Group

Location: Exeter, Devon

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000

Length of Contract: Permanent

Job Details

We’re recruiting a Public Affairs Manager to help shape and deliver our public affairs and policy engagement across the Group. This is a pivotal role within our Corporate Affairs team, supporting political and stakeholder engagement that influences policy, strengthens relationships, and helps deliver our long-term strategy. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the business, senior leaders and external partners to bring Pennon’s story to life with policymakers, regulators, and opinion formers.

Key Responsibilities

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with MPs, local authorities and think tanks
  • Develop and deliver a structured, proactive public affairs engagement plan
  • Support the design and delivery of policy-influencing campaigns at local and national level
  • Provide high-quality research, insight, and briefings to senior leaders on political and parliamentary activity
  • Coordinate site visits, meetings, and events with political stakeholders
  • Work closely with external public affairs agencies to shape and deliver engagement plans
  • Support senior leaders attending public meetings, events, and stakeholder forums
  • Respond to stakeholder enquiries professionally via correspondence and meetings
  • Collaborate with colleagues across Corporate Affairs to deliver team objectives

We’re looking for:

  • Experience working in a political, public affairs, or policy environment
  • An existing and relevant stakeholder or political network
  • Strong knowledge of local and national government
  • Excellent research and briefing skills, with the ability to translate complex issues clearly
  • Experience in a regulated, utilities, infrastructure, or commercially focused environment (desirable)
  • Outstanding written, interpersonal, and influencing skills
  • A proactive, creative approach with strong attention to detail
  • A collaborative team player who reflects Pennon’s values and behaviours

What's in it for you

  • Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
  • A discretionary Bonus
  • Competitive Contributory Pension
  • Share-save Scheme
  • Various health benefits
  • Wellbeing support programmes
  • A range of Group Discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme

Closing Date: 6 March 2026

Interview/Start Dates

Application Details

If you would like a confidential conversation about this role, please contact Simon Jupp, Director of Corporate Affairs on sjupp@pennon-group.co.uk 

Please apply via this link: https://careers.pennon-group.co.uk/jobs/7270257-public-affairs-manager 

Website: http://www.pennon-group.co.uk

Additional Notes