External Relations Manager

Base Location: Dublin or Belfast

Salary: €65,300 - €97,900 + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: 12 Months Fixed Term Contract | Full Time  | Flexible First options available

The role

The success of SSE across its Renewables and Thermal portfolios, as well as its SSE Airtricity customer supply business, relies on understanding and influencing key external stakeholders.

The External Relations Manager (Ireland) is responsible for creating, developing, and delivering effective plans for external engagement with key stakeholders, including local communities, elected representatives and project and industry partners. For relevant issues, you'll lead cross-cutting stakeholder engagement plans that contribute to delivering the priorities of SSE’s businesses. You'll report into the Head of External Relations (Ireland) and will work with business leaders and teams across SSE to articulate the external stakeholder landscape and provide effective and reasoned counsel to support and deliver on strategic objectives.

You will

• Establish strong relationships with external stakeholders including: local communities and organisations, local politicians, and trade associations. Manage these relationships alongside and/or on behalf of the Head of External Relations (Ireland).
• Provide strategic counsel to the business on all matters relating to reputation and key stakeholder relationships, advise business teams on the most appropriate strategies and messaging for relevant stakeholders, and lead this engagement once agreed.
• Manage all engagement with key stakeholders at local level for allocated SSE projects in development as well as existing assets. 
• Develop and deliver, in conjunction with Project Managers, integrated communications and stakeholder engagement plans for SSE’s projects in development and construction.
• Work with others within Corporate Affairs and SSE to identify the key business issues requiring External Relations support.

You have

• First-class interpersonal skills to initiate, build, improve and maintain external contacts and establish strong internal relationships.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage a varied workload with motivation to take on challenging issues and problems.
• Desire to work collaboratively to ensure the delivery of key objectives.
• Ability to bring thought leadership and foresight and can provide informed advice, rigour and challenge.
• An understanding of the energy sector and all main issues and developments impacting upon SSE’s businesses as well as understanding the position of SSE relative to competitors; you'll have risk, governance and reputation management experience.

About SSE

SSE has a bold ambition – to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We're investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future. Our investment will see us build the world's largest offshore wind farm and transform the grid to deliver greener electricity to millions.

Our Corporate Affairs, Regulation & Strategy (CARS) teams play a vital role in sharing SSE's strategy and achievements with our employees, communities, media, governments, investors and more. They advise our teams on complex political and regulatory changes, and influence industry stakeholders to drive positive change.

Flexible benefits to fit your life

Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.

Work with an equal opportunity employer

SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact laura.morrison@sse.com / 01738 341814 to discuss how we can support you.

We're dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.

Ready to apply?

Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We'll be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we'll be taking your application further.

If you're offered a role with SSE, you'll need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.

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