​​​Communications and External Affairs Lead

We are the largest London-listed independent oil and gas company, with a diversified UK asset base and an attractive global footprint. Our purpose is to play a significant role in meeting the world’s energy needs through the safe, efficient and responsible production of hydrocarbons while creating value for our stakeholders in accordance with key global standards and strong corporate governance.

Ours is an inclusive workplace where individuals can bring their whole selves to their job and feel recognised for the value they add. We are committed to creating a genuinely inclusive and supportive working environment to ensure everyone has a positive experience at work.

At Harbour Energy, we aim to recruit, retain and promote our people based on their unique skills, regardless of race, gender or background. We need excellent people to help shape and develop the future of our company. Could this be you? If so, we want to hear from you.

Work Location - Aberdeen

Purpose of Role:

• ​​The Head of Communications and External Affairs is responsible for the communications and external affairs strategy to support the North Sea Business Unit. This will involve managing external and internal communications, government and industry affairs, external stakeholder work, events, corporate giving and sponsorship and leading the emergency communications response for North Sea Business Unit.
• ​The role will be the senior communications and external affairs adviser to the EVP North Sea and his leadership team, providing expert counsel and support across a wide range of issues.
• ​The role will involve writing press releases, statements, social posts, and briefing journalists on North Sea Business Unit issues. It will also represent Harbour Energy at external forums and events and develop valuable stakeholder relationships in line with business priorities - including politicians, Scottish Government officials, industry partners, NGOs.
• ​The role will work closely with the HQ Communications and Government Affairs teams based in London and from time to time with the communications teams in international BUs.
• ​The role may require working at weekends and/or evenings. ​

Areas of Accountability, Responsibility and Competence Level:

• ​​​Senior adviser to the EVP North Sea and his Leadership Team on internal and external communications issues, projects and campaigns.
• ​Provides expert counsel on government and industry affairs and other external stakeholder issues. This will include accompanying the EVP North Sea to senior government and other stakeholder meetings.
• ​Line management responsibility for the communications team in Aberdeen, setting the comms plan, approving content and coaching team members.
• ​Develops and manages a communications and external affairs plan for the North Sea Business Unit that aligns with the wider global corporate communications and government affairs strategy.
• ​Manages relationships and correspondence with external stakeholders, including politicians, Scottish Government officials, policy makers, industry partners, NGOs to promote Harbour’s policy agenda.
• ​Represents Harbour Energy at external forums and events.
• ​Delivers well-informed briefing materials for use by senior leaders in connection with media and stakeholder engagements.
• ​Maintains proactive external focus to ensure attention to emerging debates, opportunities and reputational issues.
• ​Ensures corporate compliance with all governmental rules on disclosure for meeting and engaging public officials.
• ​Develops and implements a content plan to actively promote (internally and externally) the work, stories and profiles of colleagues in North Sea Business Unit, aligned to the global communications plan.
• ​Advises the EVP North Sea and BU colleagues on charitable events and sponsorship initiatives and manages the NSBU corporate giving and sponsorship budgets.
• ​Manages local communications and external affairs work for Harbour’s interest in the Acorn CCS project, working with HQ teams.
• ​Manages the NSBU leadership engagement plan, advising the EVP North Sea and his leadership team.
• ​Writes articles, presentations, blogs, quotes and speeches for the EVP North Sea and his leadership team.
• ​Writes materials for the media as required about North Sea Business Unit issues, including statements, Q&A, press releases, working with the HQ comms team and other stakeholders.
• ​Briefs journalists about NSBU issues and advises and facilitates interviews/briefings with North Sea Business Unit leaders.
• ​Oversees the use of Harbour’s brand across the North Sea Business Unit.
• ​Develops the right channels to communicate with operational colleagues offshore. Oversees the NSBU community on Viva Engage, driving an increase in usage.
• ​Approves content for company literature, brochures, reports, presentations and partner and supplier press releases for the North Sea Business Unit.
• ​Advises on company conference participation and exhibiting, speaker or panel opportunities.
• ​Plans and oversee the running of events, for example, supporting EVPs with village halls and charitable events.
• ​Budget holder for NSBU communications and external affairs activities and manages local agencies which provide brand, design, emergency response and event support.
• ​Manages crisis communications procedures for the North Sea Business Unit, working in partnership with local organisations. Plays a leading role in the local crisis management team during an incident, advising the EVP North Sea and incident commander, working closely with HQ comms team.
• ​Any other activities which the Company may reasonably require.​​

Critical Skills* Qualifications Experience, etc.:

(* Indicate either preferred or essential.)

• ​​Relevant degree or NUJ qualification is essential.
• ​Proven experience leading communications teams, managing both internal and external comms activities in a fast-paced environment.
• ​Proven experience advising directors and leadership teams, providing comms and external affairs counsel, responding to operational issues and challenges and managing reputation.
• ​Strong interest and understand of the energy industry and related policy environment.
• ​Strong understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes in the UK, with experience working with policymakers and government agencies.
• ​Self-motivated and credible professional.
• ​Significant internal and external operational communications experience, handling high-profile announcements and incidents.
• ​Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively articulate complex policy issues to diverse audiences. Proven experience of producing content for executive teams, for example, drafting speeches, announcements, blogs, scripts and media statements.
• ​Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials and industry partners.
• ​Strategic thinker with the ability to analyse policy trends, anticipate challenges, and develop proactive solutions.
• ​Strong internal communications experience, overseeing strategy, and running leadership engagement programmes and other events.
• ​Significant senior level emergency response communications experience, advising operational leaders, working with external organisations, directing PR agencies and managing media interviews/press conferences.
• ​Proven experience of writing and publishing on social media channels, in particular LinkedIn and Twitter.
• ​Ability to judge the tone and appropriateness of content.
• ​Strong digital skills.
• ​Ability to work effectively as part of a team, with strong collaboration and influencing skills.
• ​Ability to adapt and be flexible to changing situations.

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Reports to:

• ​​VP Communications ​

Inclusive recruitment is a vital part of our diversity, equity and inclusion strategy. Whatever your background, if you feel you need an adjustment during our selection process to suit your needs, please let us know, and we will be happy to help.