Exclusive opportunity for an experienced Senior Government Affairs professional to lead public policy and advocacy for a large, complex organisation operating in a highly regulated, high-profile environment.
You will be responsible for shaping and delivering government affairs and policy strategy, safeguarding and enhancing organisational reputation, and leading high-impact engagement with national and devolved political stakeholders. Acting as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, the role plays a critical part in issues management, external affairs and long-term market access.
Based in the South East, hybrid working model (2 days in office, 3 from home).
Key Responsibilities
Lead the organisation’s government affairs and policy engagement strategy in line with corporate and commercial objectives
Provide senior-level counsel to leadership on political, legislative and regulatory developments impacting the business
Build, protect and promote organisational reputation through credible, high-impact advocacy and stakeholder engagement
Develop and deliver integrated public affairs strategies that support business priorities and major programmes
Build and maintain strong relationships with key national, regional and devolved political stakeholders
Represent the organisation in external forums including trade bodies, parliamentary groups and industry associations
Lead proactive outreach to elected representatives and policy influencers across the UK and devolved administrations
Ensure consistent external positioning across all government and policy touchpoints
Build strong internal relationships to ensure timely, accurate and aligned external affairs activity
Lead on reputational issues management in the political and policy arena when required
Establish robust processes to manage advocacy materials, approvals and compliance
Oversee agency partnerships and manage government affairs budgets
Ensure all activity aligns with organisational values, governance and risk frameworks
Skills & Experience
Proven experience in a senior government affairs, public affairs or policy leadership role
Strong understanding of the UK political system and devolved administrations, with experience operating in complex stakeholder environments
Demonstrable track record of shaping policy outcomes through strategic advocacy and engagement
Significant experience operating in a regulated, politically sensitive or high-profile sector
Confidence advising senior leaders on political risk, opportunity and reputation
Outstanding communication skills with the ability to translate complexity into clear, persuasive messaging
Strong relationship-building capability across government, industry and third-party stakeholders
Experience leading external representation through trade associations and parliamentary forums
Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritise and deliver under pressure
Proven ability to work collaboratively across matrixed organisations
Experience managing agencies and budgets
High levels of judgement, resilience and discretion
Alignment with leadership behaviours and values expected of senior leaders
Benefits
Performance bonus
Remuneration elements in lieu of benefits
Hybrid working (2 days in office, 3 from home)
Highly flexible working options
Wide range of other benefits
If you have the experience and are interested in discussing further, please get in touch ASAP with your current CV: gcharles@vmagroup.com
Due to a high volume of applicants, we are unable to respond to everyone. We will get in touch if you are successful in your application.
