Strategic Communications and Engagement Manager

Are you ready to shape the future of London’s most exciting new public spaces? We’re seeking a dynamic and visionary Strategic Communications and Engagement Manager to spearhead communications and community engagement for a series of beautiful spaces along the iconic River Thames, right in the heart of the city.

These unique locations have been brought to life by the landmark London Tideway Improvements project and are set to become valued community hubs, with a lasting legacy for generations to come.

This newly created role sits in our Strategic Communications team, where you’ll be instrumental in crafting a compelling and inspiring narrative for these public spaces. You’ll drive awareness and champion the far-reaching benefits these places offer to local communities.

In this role, you’ll lead innovative communications across a range of channels, from engaging digital content for web and social media, to impactful campaigns and news stories. You’ll forge strong partnerships with charities and community organisations, bringing people together through events and creative initiatives, so these spaces become a much-valued part of each neighbourhood.

This is your chance to make a difference to communities and help connect Londoners with their river.

What you will be doing as Strategic Communications and Engagement Manager
Communication strategy 

• Execute and iterate a comprehensive communications and engagement strategy to promote the public spaces and connect them with local communities
• Play a central role in bringing the story of the Thames Tideway Tunnel to life by creating and delivering engaging content across a variety of communication channels.

Community Activation & Partnerships 

• Develop toolkits and promotional materials to support initiatives.
• Coordinate logistics and communications for events and activations.

Marketing and digital engagement 

• Work on digital content strategy for website and social media
• Engage with charities, local organisations, and stakeholders to use the public spaces for events and to connect them with their communities
• Experience building relationships with organisations and apps that market London to Londoners and visitors, to promote the public spaces and activities

Media 

• Work with in-house and partner media teams to deliver media engagement for the spaces, including drafting press releases and briefing documents
• Monitor media coverage and manage reputation

Project management and collaboration 

• Effectively manage a number of concurrent projects and events with competing deadlines, working collaboratively with stakeholders
• Manage projects and relationships with creative agencies

What you should bring to the role

• Extensive experience in communications or marketing
• Extensive stakeholder engagement experience
• Social media and event management experience
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
• A good eye for images – photos and graphics – and can see how they can help to tell a story
• Ability to instigate, control and deliver projects
• Good attention to detail
• Working with media, NGOs and government would be a benefit as would experience working within a fast paced environment

Location - Hybrid, Reading with some travel to sites in London

What’s in it for you?

An opportunity to join a company that offers its employees a rewarding career path, allowing individuals to reach their full potential. This is an exciting time to join Thames Water as we continue to deliver our innovative transformation plan.

• Competitive salary of £50,000 - £60,000 per annum, depending on your experience.
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related pay is directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of your and your family’s health and well-being, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job, and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values.

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. We’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.