Pennon Group
Lead Internal Communications & Engagement Manager
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Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose
South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.
Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
Lead Internal Communications & Engagement Manager
Are you an experienced communications leader who can shape how colleagues understand, engage with and contribute to organisational success?
We're looking for a Lead Internal Communications & Engagement Manager to lead the development and delivery of our internal communications strategy across the organisation. Working in partnership with senior leaders and stakeholders, you'll ensure colleagues receive clear, timely and meaningful communications that support organisational priorities, transformation and business performance.
This is an opportunity to combine strategic leadership with operational delivery, leading a high-performing team while driving communication excellence across a complex organisation.
What you'll be doing
- Define and deliver a strategic internal communications and engagement framework that supports organisational objectives, enhances leadership communication and strengthens understanding of key business priorities.
- Working closely with senior stakeholders, develop compelling communication approaches that bring organisational strategy to life, ensuring messages are clear, consistent and tailored to diverse audiences.
- Lead employee listening and engagement activity, using insight, feedback and data to inform decision-making, shape communication plans and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Establish effective governance, planning processes and communication standards, creating a coordinated approach that enables high-quality communications across the organisation.
- Acting as a trusted adviser, provide expert guidance to senior leaders on communication, engagement, transformation and change, helping to deliver successful outcomes across key strategic programmes.
- Lead, coach and develop the Internal Communications team, creating a collaborative environment focused on delivering high-quality support and measurable impact.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of communication activity through data and insight, using evidence-based recommendations to improve channels, content and communication performance.
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What we're looking for
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Proven experience developing and delivering organisation-wide internal communications strategies, frameworks and governance models.
- Experience providing expert communication advice to senior leaders within complex organisations.
- Demonstrable success leading communications for organisational change, transformation and business improvement initiatives.
- Significant experience designing and delivering employee engagement and listening programmes.
- Experience using survey results, colleague feedback and organisational insight to inform communication strategies and priorities.
- Experience developing communication planning frameworks, annual communication calendars and governance processes.
- Experience partnering with HR or People teams to deliver integrated people communications.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge constructively at all levels.
- Experience measuring communication effectiveness and translating insight into continuous improvement.
- Experience managing crisis, incident or operational communications.
- Experience within water, utilities, infrastructure or other highly regulated sectors would be advantageous.
Qualifications
Essential
- Degree-level qualification in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
- Extensive experience in internal communications and engagement leadership roles.
- Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills.
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
Desirable
- CIPR, IoIC or equivalent professional communications qualification.
- Leadership, coaching or mentoring qualification.
- Change management qualification or accreditation.
- Experience using engagement measurement and analytics tools.
About You
- You'll be a credible communications professional with the ability to build strong relationships, influence senior stakeholders and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- You'll bring outstanding storytelling skills, commercial awareness and sound judgement, with the ability to translate complex organisational priorities into clear and engaging communication.
- You'll be comfortable providing challenge, driving continuous improvement and leading through change, whilst maintaining a collaborative and inclusive approach.
- Most importantly, you'll be passionate about delivering communications that help people understand organisational priorities, support business performance and contribute to a positive working environment.
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If you're looking for an opportunity to lead strategic communications, influence organisational direction and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
We recognise and reward the commitment, expertise and impact our people bring to the business.
As our Lead Internal Communications & Engagement Manager, you'll benefit from a comprehensive package that includes:
- Competitive Salary – Reflecting your experience, skills and contribution
- Company Car or Car Allowance – Supporting your professional mobility
- Performance Bonus Scheme – A rewarding and competitive incentive structure
- Pension Scheme – Helping you plan confidently for the future
- Private Healthcare Benefits – Including private medical insurance and access to employee assistance programmes
- Professional Development Opportunities – Ongoing training and support to help you grow your career
- Employee Discount Programme – Savings across a range of products and services
- Generous Annual Leave Entitlement – Giving you time to rest, recharge and enjoy life outside of work
Closing Date: 16th September 2026
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
- Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
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