The Organisation

We are delighted to be partnering with Ofwat (The Water Services Regulation Authority) - a non-ministerial government department.

OFWAT regulate the water sector in England and Wales. Their role is to help the sector build trust and confidence with customers, the environment and wider society: keeping water flowing, bills affordable and helping ensure the health of our rivers and waterways. They push hard to improve day-to-day water company performance for customers, including on leakage, sewer flooding and customer service. OFWAT drive the sector to take a longer-term view and to take steps now to protect and enhance the environment, using digital and data innovations and making sure our water supplies are secure for future generations. 

The role

This is a very exciting opening for a Head of Media to join Ofwat's Communications Team. You will oversee and drive Ofwat’s media relations, leading a small team of corporate communications professionals. You will have the opportunity to develop and execute brilliant campaigns and programmes of work. With your expert knowledge, will you provide considered, sound advice on media handling to protect and strengthen Ofwat’s reputation.

You will work within a dynamic communications environment where stories move at rapid pace, and you will play a key part of Ofwat’s crisis communications response.

Main responsibilities:

• With the Director of Media, oversee and lead Ofwat’s media relations, identifying and delivering impactful media engagement and building relationships with key journalists and outlets.
• Provide advice and support to Ofwat’s senior leaders.
• Support Ofwat's senior leaders with positioning advice and preparation for speeches.
• Build constructive, collaborative relationships with colleagues across Ofwat. Use varied approaches to work in partnership with others, respecting different priorities.
• Bring a creative, innovative approach; with fresh thinking and ideas to help address new and existing challenges.
• Design and implement media and engagement plans that maximise our impact and influence.
• Lead a small team and maintain a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion, underpinned by Ofwat's SAILOR values.

Experience, skills and knowledge:

• Extensive experience managing media relations for high profile organisations within a dynamic environment.
• Experience of building effective relationships with external contacts and confidently briefing media at all levels to ensure accurate and informed reporting.
• Previous experience working with senior leaders and the ability to create clarity and influence stakeholders.
• Experience of developing and delivering proactive communications strategies that enhance the reputation of an organisation, as part of an integrated communications function.
• Knowledge and sound understanding of digital, broadcast and print media, and an ability to quickly spot issues that will be of media interest.
• Ability to rapidly brief on complex issues, presenting in a clear and concise manner and identifying key messages, using recognised insight and evaluation techniques to shape communications and provide measurable results.
• The ability to confidently build, lead, inspire and empower teams.
• Highly developed written and oral communications skills, with the ability to use different communication styles depending on the audience.