Director of Corporate Affairs

About us

At National Grid, we are investing £70bn over five years in our networks in the UK and the US, with a range of ground-breaking projects to expand our networks.

We operate across six business units in the UK and the north-east of the US, with group revenue around £18bn.Our strategy is focussed on delivering the brilliant basics to lead on performance, driving big shifts to define our future, and building our delivery credibility to drive disciplined growth.

National Grid Ventures accelerates a clean, secure and affordable energy future through world-class interconnection and offshore assets 

Job Purpose

National Grid Ventures is at the forefront of shaping Europe’s future energy system, with interconnectors playing a critical role in enabling security of supply, affordability and decarbonisation across the North Sea and beyond.

We are looking for a Corporate Affairs Director to join the NGV UK Executive team, reporting directly to the NGV UK President. You will become part of a high calibre, curious, motivated, inclusive leadership team, in a role that has significant strategic leadership responsibilities.

The role operates at the centre of European market and system development, building and leading senior partnerships with governments, TSOs and industry leaders to unlock opportunities in complex, policy-driven environments. The role will play a critical part in shaping market design, regulatory frameworks and cross-border system architecture, positioning NGV as the partner of choice in the development of Europe’s future energy network.

This is a high-impact, externally facing leadership role, responsible for translating market opportunity into investable propositions — shaping not just individual projects, but the partnerships, frameworks and cross-border system integration that will define the next generation of Europe’s energy infrastructure.

The Director of Corporate Affairs acts as NGV UK’s senior Corporate Affairs lead and a trusted adviser to the President NGV UK and the wider leadership team.  Responsible for developing and implementing an integrated Corporate Affairs strategy for NGV UK, this role strengthens reputation, ensures clear and consistent communications, and builds effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders across the UK and Europe.  It works through influence across National Grid, NGV businesses and joint venture partner organisations, respecting each partnership’s governance, ownership and decision-making arrangements.

Key Accountabilities

Advise the NGV UK President and leadership team on business strategy, reputation, political and regulatory developments, stakeholder expectations and emerging risks across the UK and Europe.

Sit on the UK Director of Policy & Strategy leadership team.

Develop and deliver an integrated NGV UK Corporate Affairs and communications strategy aligned with National Grid’s purpose, strategy, standards and brand.

Lead media relations and ensure consistent messaging across all channels, working with Corporate Affairs Centres of Excellence ensuring all externally facing BU content aligns with group brand principles, messaging and guidelines.

External Representation & Thought Leadership - Represent National Grid at major European conferences, government summits, and international industry forums.

Serve as a recognised spokesperson, panellist, and thought leader on offshore coordination, hybrid grids, energy market design, and cross border system integration.

Build National Grid’s profile as a central actor in shaping the future of Europe’s offshore energy system.

Build and maintain trusted relationships with customers, communities, investors, suppliers, industry partners and other third parties across the UK and Europe

Collaborate with National Grid teams to design multi-channel influence campaigns, approach to stakeholder engagement, memberships, sponsorships, partnerships. 

 
Represent NGV UK with other National Grid business units and Group functions, connecting portfolio priorities to the wider Group narrative and agenda.

Lead community engagement and sustainability communications in coordination with relevant teams and partners, including environmental stewardship, employee volunteering and social impact activity

Develop and maintain crisis communications and issues-management plans for NGV UK, coordinating responses with Group, business and joint venture partners to support timely, accurate and effective stakeholder communication.

Knowledge and Technical Know-How

Deep experience in corporate affairs including a leadership role.

Extensive experience working in a large, complex, matrixed organisation and working collaboratively through influencing and challenge.

Experience working for a listed business in an issues-rich, politically charged, or regulated environment.

Experience gained in a complex organisation and the confidence and gravitas to influence and advise effectively at all levels.   

Proven track record of developing and executing successful corporate affairs strategies across diverse businesses.

Exceptional written and verbal communications. Proven storyteller with a well-honed news sense and first-class judgement.

Experience setting Corporate Affairs strategies aligned to business objectives.

Leadership Qualities and Business Skills

Strategic mindset, able to see the bigger picture, draw from multiple sources of insight to make macro conclusions and to make confident decisions and recommendations

Communicates a compelling business case to the whole organisation to gain buy-in for significant change.

Track record of delivering large scale and complex business transformation change initiatives.

Excellent judgement and the ability to provide sound and insightful counsel to senior leadership.

A naturally collaborative and engaging style. Demonstrated ability to articulate an appropriate vision and translate it into effective strategies and operational plans.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree or equivalent.

More Information

Hiring Manager: Rebecca Sedler, President NGV UK

Location: Ventures House, Warwick

Closing Date: October 26th