Public Affairs Lead

Join us as a Public Affairs Lead
• We're looking for motivated and experienced Public Affairs Lead to promote the bank's interests to political and government stakeholders
• You'll be holding a pivotal position in the public affairs team, allowing you to broaden your network and develop relationships with key external stakeholders and senior executives
• You’ll help develop and deliver the bank’s public affairs strategy, advising senior leaders on the political environment and building the bank’s reputation with political stakeholders across the UK
• This strategic leadership role will support one of our key business areas with responsibility for leading on all relevant political engagement and advocacy
What you'll do

You’ll be using your expert knowledge of the UK political environment to liaise with and advise senior stakeholders of any potential impacts on the bank. Supporting the strategic communication activity and planning, you'll be identifying and working with opinion formers to help communicate the bank's strategy.

Working closely with the wider public affairs team and across the Corporate Affairs function, you’ll be leveraging activity and ensuring a consistent approach to issues management and external engagement.

Your responsibilities will include:
• Protecting and enhancing the bank's reputation with political stakeholders
• Supporting the Head of Public Affairs in the delivery of the bank’s broader political and policy engagement strategy
• Preparing detailed political analysis and research, and supporting senior political engagement
• Analysing and interpreting the content of legislation, issues and proposals that may affect the bank's interests, and proactively advising the business on potential impacts and strategic opportunities
• Distributing well structured information to relevant internal stakeholders in a timely manner
• Working with UK industry working groups and associations to make sure they are aware of the bank’s positions and are able to influence policy to that effect
• Representing the bank at external UK trade associations and consumer policy committees and events
The skills you'll need

We're looking for someone with a strong history of working with or within government, Westminster or any of the devolved legislatures, with a well-developed understanding of the UK and devolved legislative processes, political process and public policy formation.

You’ll be engaging with high profile stakeholders, so you’ll need the ability to network and influence effectively.

You’ll also need:
• A broad understanding of financial and economic trends and issues, with the ability to communicate complex information to non-specialist audiences
• Excellent and nuanced communication and research skills, the ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• A good understanding of the political environment across the UK’s devolved settings and how these interact with the wider UK political landscape
• The discretion to deal prudently with high profile and sensitive subjects
• A proven track record of planning ahead, managing conflicting priorities and engaging key stakeholders in a timely fashion
• Significant experience in public affairs, government relations or public policy either in government, consultancy or regulated corporate environment
• Experience of managing public policy risks and issues and in providing strategic counsel to senior leaders
• An established network of contacts within the political and business community
• Familiarity with public policy issues related to financial services