Our client, a high-profile national public sector organisation, is seeking an experienced Senior External Affairs Advisor to help lead its external affairs function and strengthen relationships with government, political, industry and other key stakeholders. This is a varied and influential role, offering exposure to senior leadership, ministers and high-profile operational activities. Working closely with the External Affairs Lead, you will oversee stakeholder engagement, manage reputational risks, prepare senior-level briefings and ensure clear, consistent communications across the organisation.

A key priority is the day-to-day leadership and development of a team of three External Affairs Advisors. You will manage workloads, oversee performance, quality assure written communications and ensure the team balances proactive stakeholder engagement with often urgent and sensitive requests.
You will also contribute to parliamentary responses, stakeholder briefings and media enquiries, providing sound advice to senior colleagues and deputising for the External Affairs Lead when required.

We are seeking an accomplished people manager with experience in external affairs, government relations, public affairs or stakeholder engagement, ideally gained within government, policing, transport or another complex public sector environment. Excellent written communication skills, sound political judgement and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders are essential.

The role offers flexible UK working arrangements, with occasional office attendance (London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester or Glasgow), and travel to stakeholder meetings. Participation in a 24/7 on-call rota is mandatory, responding to journalists and incidents outside of office hours. The successful candidate will also be required to undergo security vetting.