About this role
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. 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.