Head of Public Affairs

Permanent
Policy
London

We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Public Affairs, to join our specialist campaigning team in London, reporting to our Director of External Affairs.  In this position you will plan and deliver effective government and stakeholder engagement programmes and initiatives, and lead the work of the government relations team. 

We are the UK’s leading trade body focused in the Manufacturing and Engineering Sector. We offer a range of professional services to our members and also to non-member organisations - principally regarding HR & legal, health & safety, climate & environmental advisory, training & consultancy.

We also support our members by representing them at Government, ensuring that industry views remain in both the Government and media spotlight. We champion the issues that affect manufacturing businesses and celebrate the achievements of the industry.

Responsibilities for the role will include:

  • Develop and deliver co-ordinated Government and stakeholder engagement plans
  • Provide accurate and well-informed intelligence on all aspects of Government business including parliamentary activity, party engagement, and relevant policy issues
  • Circulate timely and relevant briefings on all relevant aspects of Government and political activity relating to the business’ sphere of influence
  • Lead and co-ordinate the work of the government affairs team
  • Liaise closely with relevant colleagues, to align national engagement with devolved authorities and other relevant organisations
  • Maintain a detailed and updated stakeholder map of key decision-makers and influencers
  • Prepare briefings for relevant ministerial and other engagement meetings supporting, and as directed, leading advocacy on behalf of the company.
  • Manage the overall engagement programme with ministers, opposition groups and other stakeholders
  • Provide strategic advice and input into organizational planning
  • Work closely with policy colleagues to maintain a broad understanding of the policy environment as it relates to manufacturing
  • Liaise with our members to ensure full engagement in government relations activity
  • Lead the organization of stakeholder activity with relevant groups, including the Government Affairs Group, the Manufacturing Alliance.
  • Provide support to corporate events including the annual conference and dinner, party political conference activity and other relevant events and activities
  • Manage and organise member roundtable dinners, together with parliamentary receptions/panels
  • Support and represent the work of the policy and external affairs directorate inside and outside the organization. 

Skills & Knowledge Required

  • High level of awareness and understanding of UK parliamentary processes and procedures, based on solid experience working in the UK parliament or in a related role within another organisation
  • Excellent appreciation of current affairs and demonstrable knowledge of political issues relating to business
  • Adhere to stated policies and procedures relating to health and safety, and quality management.
  • Strong management experience and demonstrable ability to manage small inter-disciplinary teams in a fast-moving and pressurized environment
  • Ability to analyse and assess complex issues and information at pace and provide clear and relevant insight and advice
  • Well-developed influencing and engagement skills, together with a strong team-working ethic.
  • Ability to hold an argument, challenge the status quo and navigate complexity
  • Accountable through the Executive Director to the Executive Board providing accurate and timely data and reports on progress against objectives
  • Highly engaged and aware individual with enthusiasm and resilience; strong entrepreneurial skills and personal integrity

 

We require all job applicants to share our company-wide commitment to putting the Customer First.

If you are invited to an interview, you will be required to demonstrate a good understanding and provide examples of having delivered high levels of customer service.

This opportunity is closed to applications.