Hybrid Press Office and Incident Media Manager

at South West Water

• Job title: Press Office and Incident Media Manager
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Mid level, Senior
• Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per year
• Degree requirement: No Education Requirement
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Exeter, United Kingdom

About the role

• Press Office and Incident Media Manager for Pennon Group's external communications team. Leading media relations and incident communications while based in Exeter on a hybrid basis.

Responsibilities

• Leading our busy press office, ensuring timely, consistent and accurate responses to media enquiries.
• Managing crisis communications and coordinating effective incident response to protect the organisation’s reputation.
• Acting as the lead comms support during operational incidents, both in and out of hours (on a shared rota).
• Building and maintaining trusted relationships with key journalists, editors and commentators.
• Leading reactive communications, including drafting statements, Q&As, and lines to take on emerging issues.
• Working closely with internal teams to quickly understand stories and ensure fact-based communications.
• Monitoring the media, political and regulatory landscape daily – identifying risks, opportunities and reputational threats.
• Providing regular media coverage insight and analysis to senior stakeholders.
• Working with senior leaders and partners to deliver effective crisis communications and incident response.
• Working as part of a collaborative communications team – ensuring reactive work enables space for proactive storytelling in line with business needs.

Requirements

• Proven experience in media relations, corporate communications or journalism.
• Extensive experience in crisis communications and incident response.
• A strong track record in managing media engagement.
• Experience working directly with senior leaders to shape and deliver clear, strategic messages.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics under tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Confidence in building and maintaining trusted media relationships to protect and enhance Pennon’s reputation.
• The ability to craft compelling, purposeful narratives that align with corporate priorities.
• A calm, resilient mindset with sound judgement — especially when the pressure is on.
• A proactive approach to spotting reputational risks and opportunities before they arise.
• Experience managing a forward-looking calendar of potential risks and mitigations.

Benefits

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• A discretionary Bonus
• Competitive Contributory Pension
• Share-save Scheme
• Various health benefits
• Wellbeing support programmes
• A range of Group Discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Financial support services
• And plenty more!