Senior Associate Strategic Communications Adviser

Join Ofwat’s Strategic Communications team as a Senior Associate Strategic Communications Adviser

We have 1 Fixed Term contract until the end of December 2027 available

*Office Location: London (E14 4HD) or Birmingham (B5 4UA) with hybrid working*

About Us

We’re Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority – a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales. 

As the economic regulator of water and wastewater companies in England and Wales, our role is to enable, incentivise and hold companies to account for providing the very best for customers, communities and the environment. We also oversee the markets in the water sector to ensure they’re working for customers. Following the Independent Water Commission’s Final Report and subsequent White Paper - 'New Vision for Water', the UK government has set out a bold new direction - one that brings together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment.

The Role

At a time when Ofwat as an organisation is heading towards a period of great change, we are seeking a Strategic Communications Adviser to play a key role in setting the direction of our communication activity.

With a keen eye for finding ways to deliver impactful and effective communications to a diverse range of audiences, you will drive forward our story on how, as the economic water regulator, we are bringing about positive change for customers, communities and the environment and helping to shape the future of the water sector.

The Strategic Communications team is responsible for developing Ofwat's communications strategy and annual communications plan, ensuring that all activity is appropriately planned and evaluated. The team also leads on the development and delivery of strategic communications plans for key projects. You will act as a champion for strategic thinking both within the communications team and across the whole organisation, by actively demonstrating the value of strategy, planning, prioritisation and co-ordination. 

You’ll work across a number of projects and areas, developing strong and collaborative working relationships with colleagues across Ofwat. You will develop a thorough understanding of key areas of the organisation's business, horizon scanning for opportunities and risk, then developing plans which communicate our work to a range of stakeholders, using audience-based insight. Co-ordinating communications colleagues across a range of disciplines – media, stakeholder and internal engagement, digital and design – you will draw on the strengths and capabilities of the whole team to produce top-quality work.

Key deliverables

In this role you will be expected to:

• Work with colleagues from around Ofwat, understanding the scope and objectives of their work and providing communications advice.
• Develop and deliver communications strategies and plans based on audience insight which have clear objectives, targeted and effective tactics and specific measurable outcomes.
• Devise creative approaches so that our work has impact.
• Manage projects so that everyone involved understands the timeline and are clear on how and when they contribute.
• Ensure that work is reviewed and signed off at an appropriate level and in a timely fashion.
• Evaluate the outcome of all significant projects, identifying lessons learned.
• Lead on horizon scanning for your portfolio, including quarterly priorities and contribute to maintaining the forward planning communications grid.
• Work with communication and engagement colleagues in the other water regulators, Defra and Welsh government to chart a course through water reform developments and onto the new independent regulators for England and Wales.

About You

Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:

1. Lead criterion: Experience in developing and delivering communications plans which support delivery of corporate objectives.  

2. Deep experience in at least one core communications area – for example media relations, digital or stakeholder engagement. 

3. Creative thinking and approach to problem solving and delivery in different contexts. 

4. Strong communication skills – verbal, written and presentation skills, including the ability to write clearly and concisely for a range of different channels and media.  

Why You Should Join Us:

• People Centric: Our people are at the heart of Ofwat and everything we do - we ensure all voices are heard and treat each other with respect; you'll be given the autonomy and the support to do your role in the best way.
• Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile and new ways of working and have a culture build on trust, flexibility, and collaboration.
• Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with the benefits of in person collaboration in our Birmingham offices.
• Good employer pension contributions
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave.
• Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership.
• Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
• Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
• Recognition vouchers scheme rewarding your hard work.
• Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.