Press Officer

At
**Pennon Group**, we’re proud to be leading the way in the water industry. Alongside our subsidiaries - South West Water, Bournemouth Water and Pennon Water Services - we’re committed to delivering a sustainable future of our region. Because we know that by continually driving up our standards today, we’ll build a better tomorrow for our communities.

**Would you like to utilise your public affairs experience within one of the largest companies in the South West, where collaboration is championed?**

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We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled
**Press Officer** to join our Corporate Communications team at Pennon Group based in
**Exeter. **Joining us on a
**full-time permanent** basis, you will receive a competitive salary of
**£35,000 per annum **plus excellent benefits.

**About the role**

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As a Press Officer, you will play a vital role in managing our busy press office, handling various reactive and proactive media opportunities. You will work closely with a dynamic team, contributing to the development and implementation of our corporate communication strategies. This is an exciting opportunity to engage with the media, strengthen our brand presence, and promote the work of Pennon Group

**What you'll be doing**:
**Press Office Management**:

- Assist in the day-to-day operations of the press office, including answering media inquiries, managing media databases, and maintaining press contacts.
- Monitor news coverage and report on relevant industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging issues to inform communication strategies.
- Prepare press releases, statements, speeches, and other materials for distribution to the media.
- Coordinate and organise press conferences, media briefings, and other media events.
- Run part of the regular out of hours on call team, on a rota basis.

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**Media Relations**:

- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts, journalists, editors, and influencers.
- Act as a spokesperson for Pennon Group, responding to media inquiries and arranging interviews as required.
- Develop and pitch proactive media opportunities to enhance Pennon Group's profile and promote key messages.
- Provide media training and guidance to internal stakeholders, ensuring consistent and effective communication with the media.

**Crisis Communications**:

- Assist in developing and implementing crisis communication strategies to manage and mitigate potential reputational risks.
- Respond quickly and effectively to media inquiries during crisis situations, ensuring accurate information is disseminated.
- Collaborate with internal teams to develop key messages, holding statements, and Q&A documents for crisis scenarios.

**Team Collaboration**:

- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, public affairs, and investor relations, to align messaging and maximise media opportunities.
- Participate in regular team meetings and contribute to the development of corporate communication strategies and campaigns.
- Support the Corporate Communications team in other related projects and tasks as required.

**What we are looking for**:

- Proven experience in a press office or media relations role, preferably within a corporate environment.
- Strong understanding of media landscape and experience in building relationships with journalists.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for different audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience in crisis communications and managing sensitive issues is desirable.
- Knowledge of the utilities or environmental sectors is advantageous but not essential.
- Proficiency in media monitoring tools, social media platforms, and Microsoft Office suite.
- If you are a proactive and organised professional with a passion for media relations and corporate communications, we invite you to join our team at Pennon Group.

**What's in it for you**:
We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition.
**In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including**:

- 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
- Financial support services
- And plenty more

**Closing Date: Wednesday 14th June 2023**Be yourself, we like it that way.** Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate