Head of Policy and Representation, UK Steel

This is an exciting opportunity to join EEF as Head of Policy and Representation for UK Steel. In this role you will lead the organisation’s policy work on a range of issues relevant to the steel sector, with the aim of influencing government policy and public debate in the interests of promoting the sector and supporting UK Steel’s member companies. You will be liaising with senior officials in relevant government departments, members and supply chain firms, trade unions, think-tanks and academia.

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 HR & legal, health & safety, climate & environmental advisory, training & consultancy.

EEF also support 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.

Key Responsibilities:

•        Identifying emerging issues relating to the steel sector and effectively communicating these to members and external stakeholders. 

•        Supporting the Director in analysing and determining, in detail, UK Steel’s policy agenda and campaign strategy.

•        Engaging with senior government officials, opposition figures, regional, EU and other stakeholder contacts to ensure UK Steel’s analysis and messaging remain at the forefront of the policy agenda.

•        Build strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders, particularly in BEIS and the APPG for Steel.

•        Represent UK Steel on relevant internal and external committees.

•        Possess an excellent working knowledge of key policy areas relevant to the steel sector.

•        Lead on a wide range of policy campaigns as agreed with the Director.

•        Coordinate and drive the development of a series of technical best practice guides.

•        Act as secretariat for one or more UK Steel committee.

•        Work closely with EEF’s policy and external affairs teams to fully maximise our visibility and effectiveness of our messaging.

•        Represent UK Steel in the media as appropriate.

•        Work with and support the Membership Manager with policy insight, to add value to the wider UK Steel offering.

•        Contribute to UK Steel’s wider business strategy and operational performance.

Technical Knowledge/Essential Skills:

•    Significant relevant professional experience, within the steel sector is essential.

•    Deep industry-specific knowledge of the steel sector is essential.

•    Experience and knowledge of working with and influencing UK national government, key political figures, EU institutions and regional stakeholders.

•    Able to demonstrate strong analytical ability.

•    Good written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues clearly, concisely and persuasively.

•    Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships and contribute to effective team-working in projects.

•    Ability to work in the context of a membership organisation, supporting boards and committees.

•    Direct relevant experience of national print and broadcast media is essential.

•    Experience and a successful track record of working in a complex and rapidly changing business and political environment and achieving lobbying success.

•    Educated to degree or equivalent level.

We require all job applicants to share our company-wide commitment of 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.