External Affairs Manager

The External Affairs Manager will play a key role within the Community Investment and Communications team, reporting to the Community Investment and Communications (CI&C) Director and managing the External Affairs Coordinator. The role leads the development and delivery of external affairs, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, media relations and public affairs activity, supporting the enhancement of Bute Energy’s profile, reputation and the successful consenting and delivery of its onshore wind projects. Working closely with CI&C managers, including the Digital and Brand Manager and Community Investment Manager, and across project teams, the role ensures project communications, stakeholder engagement and external affairs activity are planned, coordinated and aligned to business priorities. The role also provides strategic advice and insight on external affairs, political developments, stakeholder relationships and reputation management, supporting the CI&C Director in delivering Bute Energy's external affairs objectives. Key Responsibilities Lead the development and delivery of external affairs strategic communications and stakeholder engagement activity supporting the CI&C Director in enhancing Bute Energy's profile, reputation and achievement of key business objectives. Lead the development and delivery of integrated communications, engagement and campaigning plans to support project delivery through effective communications, stakeholder engagement, planning and budget management. Monitor media activity, political developments in Wales to identify emerging trends, risks and opportunities, providing strategic advice to support informed decision making and project delivery. Support, promote and protect the Bute Energy brand and reputation through external communications, public affairs, media relations and proactive reputation management, supporting the wider Windward Group where required. Manage stakeholder mapping, engagement planning and information management to support Bute Energy’s profile and reputation with political, community, industry and media stakeholders. Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, policymakers, industry bodies and external stakeholders; act as spokesperson where required and support senior leaders with media engagement, briefings and external positioning. Manage communications and engagement budgets, external agencies and consultants, ensuring effective delivery, quality, consistency and value for money. Review and oversee external communications materials, consultation responses and stakeholder outputs to ensure accuracy, quality, consistency and alignment with brand and strategic objectives. Coordinate responses to media and stakeholder queries, ensuring accuracy, integrity and consistency across all activity. Prepare external affairs insights, reporting and analysis for the Board and Executive Team and support the CI&C Director in developing external thought leadership and influencing activity. Represent Bute Energy interests at political, industry and trade association forums, maintaining effective external networks and partnerships. Manage the External Affairs Coordinator and provide day-to-day leadership of external affairs activity ensuring alignment with business priorities. Support governance, committee and board activities through communications, stakeholder engagement reporting, evaluation and continuous improvement. Promote the safety, health, wellbeing and personal security of the team. Key Accountabilities: Deliver strategic external affairs, corporate communications and stakeholder engagement initiatives that enhance Bute Energy’s reputation and profile. Build brand awareness and confidence across political, media, community, industry and corporate audiences. Provide high-quality advice, insight and briefing to the Board, Executive Team, senior leaders and project teams on external affairs, media, stakeholder and communications matters. Manage communications and engagement risks and opportunities as projects reach key consenting, delivery and business milestones. Lead the external affairs coordinator, agencies and consultancies to deliver consistent, effective and measurable communications and engagement activity. Act as a strong ambassador for Bute Energy and the wider Windward Group. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise Knowledge & Skills Proven track record in delivering engagement and communications activities for infrastructure projects in the consenting and delivery stages. Proven track record in engaging and influencing important external stakeholders (such as community groups, elected members and Local Authority). Proven track record in media relations, sometimes dealing with those of a hostile nature and protecting and maintaining a company brand. Experience of developing effective external networks and relationships, as well as preparing and delivering communication strategies. Current, comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the industry. Demonstrable willingness to challenge ways of working, seek and deliver efficiencies and reduce project costs. Speaking and writing in Welsh to a high standard, such as being able to conduct media interviews and stakeholder conversations in Welsh is highly desirable. Experience & Qualifications Significant directly relevant experience. Background working for a communications agency or for an infrastructure company. Benefits Hybrid work available. Ability to work core hours and take time back in lieu throughout the week. Fridays are allocated as ‘no meeting’ days to ensure down time at the end of the week. 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays. Private Medical Insurance from day 1 with cover for immediate family including spouse or partner and children, including direct mental health pathways and support. Annual pay review and discretionary bonus. Employer pension contributions up to 7%. Electric car scheme via salary sacrifice. Cycle to Work Scheme Tech scheme – discounts on latest technology including laptops, phones, iPads for personal use Life assurance cover and income protection. Travel insurance. Suite of enhanced policies and provisions to support colleagues through all the moments that matter. Regular team socials, activities, sporting events and charity fundraisers.