Assistant communications officer

82443 - Assistant Communications Officer

This Assistant Communications Officer position wil report to the Media Relations Manager and will work within our Human Resources directorate based in either our London or Ipswich offices this role will require some occasional travel across our UKPN patch. You will be a permanent employee.

You will attract a salary of up to £38,000 - depending on skills, qualifications and experience, and a bonus of 7.5% This role can also offer blended working after probationary period (6 months) - 3 days in the office and 2 remote.

• Your application will only be considered if submitted with a covering letter stating why you would be a good match for this position within UK Power Networks and what you can bring to the role. Please submit your CV and examples of any communications content you may have produced – including links to any videos you have made.

Close Date: 11/05/2026

We also provide the following additional benefits

• 25 Days Annual Leave plus bank holidays.
• Reservist Leave – Additional 18 days full pay and 22 unpaid
• Personal Pension Plan – Personal contribution rates of 4% or 5% (UK Power Networks will make a corresponding contribution of 8% or 10%)
• Tenancy Loan Deposit Scheme, Season Ticket Loan
• Tax efficient benefits: Cycle to Work, Home & Tech, and Green Car Leasing Schemes
• Occupational Health support
• Switched On – scheme providing discount on hundreds of retailers' products
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme

This is an excellent opportunity to launch a career in communications and build experience within a varied press office and communications environment.

You will be based in our London or Ipswich office with occasional travel to other locations across the East, South East and London regions.

UK Power Networks keeps the lights on for 8.5 million homes and businesses across London, the East and South East of England, powering commerce, the NHS, public transport, entertainment and tourism - all while adapting to the changing ways electricity is generated, distributed and used.

UK Power Networks is a Top 25 'Best Big Companies to Work For', a Platinum-level Investor in People, and a multiple winner of Utility of the Year. With the UK moving towards Net Zero and increasing adoption of electric transport and heating, this is a great time to join the dynamic energy sector.

Job purpose

How would you bring to life the work that happens behind the scenes at the UK's leading electricity distribution network?

We are looking for a confident and enthusiastic communicator with an instinct for storytelling. You will have video-making skills alongside a pre-requisite of excellent writing. You will create content for our digital channels and traditional media and for our 6,500 employees.

No two days are the same. You might film teams that support vulnerable customers, updating our website during a storm, or live tweeting from a national energy conference. You'll collaborate with some of the country's leading engineers and turn complex projects into clear, engaging content.

Experience in media or the energy sector is welcome but not essential. We offer a comprehensive training programme, including recognised courses and on-the-job development.

You will meaningfully contribute to a company that helps keep communities and essential services running smoothly every day.

Principal responsibilities

1. Create high-quality content for internal and external communications
2. Monitor breaking news, respond to journalists' questions, and raise brand awareness
3. Research and write press releases to support enhance UK Power Networks' reputation among customers and partners
4. You will respond quickly to storms and other major incidents and be prepared on those occasions to travel to site outside of normal working hours
5. You will collaborate across the business to inspire content ideas and ensure consistent experiences and messaging.

Skills

• Educated to degree level or equivalent
• Strong news sense and the ability to identify compelling stories
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Able to network and build relationships at all levels of seniority

Personal Qualities

• Self starter
• Calm under pressure
• Attention to detail
• Team player
• Willing to 'go the extra mile' when required

Health & Safety Responsibilities:

Managers and supervisors carry both legal and company responsibilities for ensuring the health and safety of their employees, those under their control and those who might be affected by the work undertaken, i.e. public, visitors and employees of other organisations. This includes briefing individuals working for them and ensuring there is the necessary understanding, competence and application of requirements to work safely and without harming the environment.

Employees will ensure they understand the health and safety risks involved in their work activities and their responsibility to apply the controls needed to manage those risks to acceptable levels. Similarly where work activities can have an adverse impact upon the environment, and where there are legal requirements, employees will understand those impacts and the controls they must ensure are applied.

If in doubt ask!

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Where applicable, this role is subject to safer recruitment processes and robust pre‑employment checks

If you have any queries in connection to this vacancy or your application, please contact us at careers@ukpowernetworks.co.uk quoting the vacancy reference number and a member of the team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.