Head of Communications

n exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Communications to establish and lead Future Energy Networks (FEN’s) communications function with responsibility for the creation and delivery of its communication strategy.

Reporting to FEN’s Chief Executive, you will be a strong leader with extensive media relations experience and skill, proven experience in managing crisis communications and the ability to operate and influence in complex pan-industry environments at a senior level.

You will line manage permanent and interim members of the communications team and coordinate agency support to ensure the gas networks’ perspective is heard in key national policy debates. You’ll be able to be a key spokesperson for FEN on the national stage including radio and TV interviews and taking part in conference panel events.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead on national crisis and incident communications, ensuring seamless operation with wider industry, regulatory and Government bodies and stakeholders.
• Oversee FEN’s proactive and reactive press office, building and maintaining relationships with key industry and energy journalists and providing journalist briefings as appropriate.
• Work closely and effectively with senior communications and strategy stakeholders from member companies and key industry organisations/Government departments (Eg. DESNZ, NESO, Ofgem)
• Create and deliver FEN’s communication strategy and communications planning diary
• Create compelling narratives to showcase FEN and Britain’s gas networks through various mediums such as copy, email, photography, video, illustrations, and infographics
• Shape and execute the website development roadmap and web content plans and take ownership of FEN’s social media and channel management strategy, analysis and reporting.

• Degree or equivalent experience, with a proven track record in a senior communications role managing a high-performing team.
• Demonstrable experience in managing crisis communications and handling issues effectively.
• Proven ability to influence and build strategic working relationships with senior manager, colleagues, and third-party stakeholders.
• Good understanding of the energy sector or similar industries.
• Exceptional writing skills with the ability to distil complex information into engaging and accessible materials including press releases, blogs and Op-Eds. Demonstrates strong analytical, oral, and written communication skills.
• Able to act as a spokesperson for FEN, with experience of providing broadcast media and print/online interviews.
• Skilled in using social media and content creation to advance reputational goals and respond to crises.
• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills.

What FEN will offer you in return:

• A competitive salary of £85,000 - £100,000 based on experience
• 37 hours per week
• Hybrid working - London-based with flexible working arrangements
• 28 days paid holiday, plus bank holidays and a day off for your birthday
• An annual health check, provided through BUPA
• Life assurance
• LoveElectric electric vehicle leasing scheme
• Access to our "Health Assured" health and well-being support
• 4 weeks paternity leave at full pay (for eligible employees) and 39 weeks of maternity leave, with 20 of those weeks at full pay (for eligible employees), as well as shared parental leave and equivalent policies for adoption leave

What is Future Energy Networks?

FEN represents those in the energy industry seeking to understand and enact the changes needed to deliver the energy networks of the future. FEN’s current members include the owner and operator of the GB gas transmission network, National Gas, and the four Gas Distribution Networks (GDNs) - Cadent Gas, Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales & West Utilities.

FEN is a company within the Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM), which is the global professional engineering institution for the gas industry. Our two organisations work closely together, benefiting from the shared expertise of both teams, members and the end-to-end industry supply chain.

Next Steps. Please apply by filling in the relevant steps on Reed.co.uk.

Once the advert has closed on Wednesday 16th October, we will contact you within one week to let you know if you have progressed to the next stage. We are looking to hold interviews for this role throughout October. We look forward to receiving your application for the role.

If you require adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process, we want to hear about how we can help. Any applicant that requires reasonable adjustments from initial application through to interview, please do make us aware. We're more than happy to accommodate.