Head of Public Affairs
Application Deadline:
28 February 2025 Department:
Strategy, Sponsorship and External Affairs Employment Type:
Permanent Location:
Milton Keynes
Description
A little bit about us:
East West Rail is an infrastructure programme linking communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix that – improving prosperity for people and places along the way. East West Railway Company (that’s us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way. At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple – to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.
Role Summary:
This role will be responsible for developing and executing the public affairs strategy to enhance the organisation’s reputation and influence policy decisions. This role leads a team of senior stakeholder managers and works closely with other departments, including Strategic Communications and Media, Stakeholder Engagement, and Community teams, to ensure coherent and effective advocacy.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement proactive public affairs strategies to support EWR Co. Work with the Director of Communications to support wider strategic priorities and work closely with DfT. Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers, government officials, and industry stakeholders. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that may impact the project. Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences, and meetings. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated efforts. Prepare briefing materials, position papers, and policy submissions. Lead and mentor the public affairs team, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Oversee the management of relationships with businesses as well as local and national political figures. Responsible for managing and supporting direct reports including coaching and developing team members to drive individual growth and operational excellence. Leading continuous improvement through regular performance management and ensuring compliance with organisation policies and updating relevant systems. Take responsibility for your own and others’ health and safety by adopting and working to the EWR Co Health and Safety principles. Demonstrate a cost-conscious mindset, keeping taxpayers’ money at the forefront of decisions. Show a commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities. Act as a role model for EWR Co’s vision and behaviours, working in ways that are aligned with EWR Co’s Ways of Working, as well as encouraging and supporting others to do so too.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Extensive experience in public affairs, government relations, or a similar role within a large infrastructure project. Experience of working with government or an ALB. Strong network of contacts within government and industry. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Proven ability to develop and execute effective public affairs strategies.
Benefits
What we offer: Competitive base salary Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution 36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy Life assurance Employee Assistance Programme Perks platform with hundreds of discounts and freebies On-the-spot and annual awards Advanced learning and development programmes Great work-life balance and flexible working opportunities Enhanced family-friendly policies Exceptional IT tools EWR Co strives to embrace a flexible working environment, where a degree of flexibility is maintained to accommodate both the needs and preferences of employees and what is required to achieve business objectives. EWR Co will always work with any individual to assess and accommodate an individual’s work life balance and style.
Diversity and Inclusion:
To discover the best solutions, it’s important we embrace diversity of thought. That’s why we aim to ensure our colleagues feel included, engaged and valued. Inclusiveness is not a buzzword, but a way of being. Our approach to diversity is simple – a workplace where everyone is welcome and everyone is encouraged to be themselves. It helps fuel our innovation and connects us with the customers and communities we serve. If you want to connect lives and unlock the future, then we’d love to hear from you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Application Deadline:
28 February 2025 Department:
Strategy, Sponsorship and External Affairs Employment Type:
Permanent Location:
Milton Keynes
Description
A little bit about us:
East West Rail is an infrastructure programme linking communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix that – improving prosperity for people and places along the way. East West Railway Company (that’s us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way. At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple – to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.
Role Summary:
This role will be responsible for developing and executing the public affairs strategy to enhance the organisation’s reputation and influence policy decisions. This role leads a team of senior stakeholder managers and works closely with other departments, including Strategic Communications and Media, Stakeholder Engagement, and Community teams, to ensure coherent and effective advocacy.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement proactive public affairs strategies to support EWR Co. Work with the Director of Communications to support wider strategic priorities and work closely with DfT. Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers, government officials, and industry stakeholders. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that may impact the project. Represent the organisation at industry events, conferences, and meetings. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated efforts. Prepare briefing materials, position papers, and policy submissions. Lead and mentor the public affairs team, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Oversee the management of relationships with businesses as well as local and national political figures. Responsible for managing and supporting direct reports including coaching and developing team members to drive individual growth and operational excellence. Leading continuous improvement through regular performance management and ensuring compliance with organisation policies and updating relevant systems. Take responsibility for your own and others’ health and safety by adopting and working to the EWR Co Health and Safety principles. Demonstrate a cost-conscious mindset, keeping taxpayers’ money at the forefront of decisions. Show a commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities. Act as a role model for EWR Co’s vision and behaviours, working in ways that are aligned with EWR Co’s Ways of Working, as well as encouraging and supporting others to do so too.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Extensive experience in public affairs, government relations, or a similar role within a large infrastructure project. Experience of working with government or an ALB. Strong network of contacts within government and industry. Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Proven ability to develop and execute effective public affairs strategies.
Benefits
What we offer: Competitive base salary Up to 12% employer’s pension contribution 36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy Life assurance Employee Assistance Programme Perks platform with hundreds of discounts and freebies On-the-spot and annual awards Advanced learning and development programmes Great work-life balance and flexible working opportunities Enhanced family-friendly policies Exceptional IT tools EWR Co strives to embrace a flexible working environment, where a degree of flexibility is maintained to accommodate both the needs and preferences of employees and what is required to achieve business objectives. EWR Co will always work with any individual to assess and accommodate an individual’s work life balance and style.
Diversity and Inclusion:
To discover the best solutions, it’s important we embrace diversity of thought. That’s why we aim to ensure our colleagues feel included, engaged and valued. Inclusiveness is not a buzzword, but a way of being. Our approach to diversity is simple – a workplace where everyone is welcome and everyone is encouraged to be themselves. It helps fuel our innovation and connects us with the customers and communities we serve. If you want to connect lives and unlock the future, then we’d love to hear from you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
