External Communications Lead

External Communications Lead – London, hybrid: c£50,000 DOE

National Gas is securing Britain’s energy.

Gas is an essential part of a secure energy supply in Britain and will continue to play a vital role in the energy system for decades to come. More than ever, we need the security that gas brings to keep the lights on, businesses running, and homes warm. National Gas provides that security.

We are responsible for transporting gas to power stations, major industries, storage facilities, and more than half a million businesses and 24 million homes through nearly 5,000 miles of pipes across Britain. National Gas is also proud to lead the way in transforming the energy network for a clean energy future.

Gas provides the energy security to support renewable electricity generation, and we are developing our infrastructure to transport hydrogen and carbon dioxide across the country. We are Britain’s national gas network, providing secure energy to power the country, achieve net zero and maintain our industrial competitiveness.

As our External Communications Lead (reporting to the Head of External Communications), you will play an instrumental role in our Corporate Affairs function, using strategy, creativity and insights to tell our story in a compelling way.

As an exceptional communicator, you will develop and deliver the multi-disciplinary strategies, utilising both traditional and digital media, that will ensure our campaigns gain traction with our key audiences.

On a day-to-day basis, you will lead communications planning and delivery, taking a data-driven and outcomes-based approach, to drive results and empower us to deliver on our mission.

Join us, and help be the energy behind the change.

Key accountabilities:

• Lead the development and delivery of a suite of multi-disciplinary, integrated strategic communications campaigns to increase awareness of our role, build advocacy for our vision and promote our business as an employer of choice.

• Lead on the day-to-day planning and delivery of our external communications requirements, including media relations, corporate communications, brand, website management and digital communications.

• Drive increased digital footprint and engagement through a data-driven Content and Channel Strategy to ensure National Gas campaigns deliver tangible outcomes.

• Lead an effective proactive and responsive media relations service, building relationships with key media stakeholders, managing press office enquiries in a timely and professional manner, to enhance, maintain and protect National Gas’s reputation.

• Provide Out-of-hours crisis communications support, including on-call rota, supporting emergency communications.

About you:

You have strong, demonstrable experience in multi-disciplinary external communications, including media relations, corporate and digital communications.  You’re adept at planning, developing and delivering impactful strategic communications campaigns, and have detailed knowledge of the UK external communications landscape (including the latest media, digital and corporate communications trends and best practice). 

Proven experience of working with print and broadcast media is essential, including securing media coverage through proactive pitches, managing reactive media enquiries and cultivating positive media relationships.  Proficiency in website management and Content Management Systems is required, and experience in crisis communications would be highly advantageous.

What we can offer you:

• Salary c£50,000 DOE
• Bonus of up to 6%
• 26 days’ holiday plus 8 statutory holidays – plus option to buy 5 additional days,
• Double-match pension - for every £1 you put in, we add £2 (max company contribution 12%),
• Opt-In flexible benefit scheme, including salary sacrifice private healthcare, dental insurance, technology plans and more,
• Financial protection with 10x salary death in service and financial support if you're unable to work due to long term illness or injury,
• Excellent family friendly provisions - maternity/paternity/adoption/surrogacy/ shared parental leave,
• Employee assistance programme offering free confidential professional counselling 24/7,
• Financial support to cover the cost of relevant professional membership subscriptions
• Appreciate scheme and retail offers.

Other 'nice to knows':

• Hybrid working – flexible working arrangements, with an option of two days at week at home.
• Based in a bright, spacious and modern central London office (St James's).

Further information:

• Advert close: 10th August 2025
• Interviews: 14/15 August and 20/21 August 2025
• We want to set you up for success.  If you require any reasonable adjustments, please let your recruitment partner know.
• We reserve the right to close this advert early if we have enough applications, therefore please apply as soon as possible!

At National Gas, we’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities that we serve. We celebrate the different experiences our colleagues bring and encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply. To that end we want to support you during the interview process, please advise your recruitment partner if you require any reasonable adjustments.

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