Junior External Affairs Manager

Hemiko are recruiting for a Junior External Affairs Manager reporting to the External Affairs Manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for strengthening Hemiko’s relationships with all external stakeholders to support the Growth and Project Development Teams. This is a junior-level role within the business.

Principally, their role is focused on ensuring that Hemiko can develop and grow its heat networks by:

• Building strong relationships with local stakeholders, grounded in meaningful communications, community benefit, and social value;

• Raising Hemiko’s local and national profile across media and government to create a supportive environment for the development of heat networks.

We appreciate that no one’s circumstances are the same and having the flexibility in working environments work is essential to our wellbeing. If this is significant to you let us know when you apply, and we will discuss how this could work in your role.

We recognise that no candidate will meet every requirement listed above. If you have most of the skills, experience and enthusiasm to succeed in this role, we'd encourage you to apply. Hemiko strives to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from anyone regardless of ethnic origin, gender, gender expression, disability, age, trade union activity, marital status, religious belief, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic background.

We are Armed Forces friendly. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, armed forces veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.

About Hemiko

Hemiko is a leading UK heat networks investor and developer.

We are a fast-growing, innovative business, backed by CVC DIF, looking to invest in and deliver over £1bn of heat network projects. These are major infrastructure projects that will decarbonise heating for towns and cities.

We are leading the decarbonisation of heating in towns and cities through heat networks, one of the most cost-effective pathways to net zero. This is where we are focusing our investment, expertise and growth. We are an innovative, intelligence-led company looking for people who are curious, solutions-focused and excited by the opportunity to help shape a rapidly growing sector.

Hemiko is absolutely committed to an honest and collaborative approach to all our work, always looking for better ways to do things. We put communities and people at the heart of what we do.

We are a friendly, approachable business in the very rapidly growing low carbon energy sector, which provides significant opportunities for career flexibility and development.

The Role

Hemiko are seeking a Junior External Affairs Manager to work in the Growth Department. We are seeking an ambitious and proactive external affairs professional to support the development and delivery of Hemiko's stakeholder engagement, communications, public affairs, and social value programmes.

The role provides a unique opportunity to work on some of the UK's most significant heat network projects, helping to secure political, community and business support for major infrastructure that will decarbonise towns and cities.

Working closely with the Head of External Affairs and colleagues across the business, the successful candidate will develop skills in strategic communications, public affairs, community engagement, social value delivery, and stakeholder relationship management. As a fast-growing business, Hemiko offers significant opportunities for professional development and career progression.

Candidate

We are looking for someone who is friendly, approachable, highly organised and an excellent communicator. They need to be comfortable writing compelling narratives, speaking publicly, and working with senior stakeholders in a fast paced and challenging environment.

Key responsibilities:

The Junior External Affairs Manager will support the delivery of stakeholder engagement, communications and social value activity across multiple heat network projects, helping to build trust and support for Hemiko in the communities where we invest.

With support from the External Affairs Manager, the role will involve working with our Connections, Project Development, and Construction Teams, as well as liaising with external advisors and consultants. The role is expected to encompass two key areas:

Stakeholder Engagement

• Supporting the development and delivery of stakeholder engagement plans across heat network projects.
• Building and maintaining relationships with local authorities, elected representatives, businesses, community organisations and other key stakeholders.
• Monitoring stakeholder activity and maintaining stakeholder records and databases.
• Identifying and escalating emerging stakeholder issues, risks and opportunities.

Communications and Public Affairs

• Supporting communications activity across development and construction projects.
• Drafting press releases, briefings and content for Hemiko's digital channels.
• Coordinating stakeholder, community and business engagement events.
• Managing project communications channels and responding to enquiries.
• Supporting engagement with political stakeholders, including local authorities, councillors and MPs.
• Providing communications and engagement support to project teams.

Social Value and Community Engagement

• Supporting the development and delivery of Social Value and Community Engagement Plans.
• Coordinating social value initiatives and community benefit activities across projects.
• Representing Hemiko at community forums, meetings and events.
• Supporting social value reporting, bid submissions and budget tracking.

Supporting Business Growth

• Supporting relationship-building activities in locations where Hemiko may develop future heat networks.
• Attending industry events and networking opportunities on behalf of Hemiko.
• Undertaking other duties as required.

Desirable Profile

• 1+ years communications, social value, community engagement, and/or public affairs experience.
• Demonstrable experience or strong interest in energy, infrastructure and/or the built environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage effectively with external stakeholders and partners.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability under changing circumstances.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including social media and content management systems.
• Relevant degree or equivalent qualifications are a plus.

Remuneration and Info 

• Remuneration: £35,000 + depending on experience.
• Discretionary bonus based on individual and business performance.
• An inclusive culture that promotes diversity.
• Holidays 25 days a year plus statutory holidays - with an option to purchase, or sell, up to an additional 5 days per annual leave year.
• Pension plan provision.
• Private health care scheme available.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Electric Car lease scheme.
• Health and well-being support.
• Continuing learning and development opportunities.
• Company PC/laptop, etc.

Application

To apply, please complete the online application form on BambooHR. However, for an informal chat please contact Joseff Reed, Head of External Affairs: [email protected].