Strategy and Public Affairs Manager

Overview

In this role you shape Sheffield’s policy direction by leading the Strategy & Public Affairs Team and aligning cross‑government engagement to deliver the city’s ambitions. You’ll work at the interface of local, regional, and national government on high‑profile projects and turn complex issues into practical policy actions. You’ll build a new team and partners to broaden Sheffield’s influence while solving real city challenges. This is a chance to craft policy leadership and drive measurable impact for residents.

Pay / Benefits

• guaranteed interview for disabled, care leavers, or armed forces veterans
• flexible working options
• reduced hour contracts or job share
• generous holiday entitlement

Responsibilities

• Lead the Strategy & Public Affairs Team and steer policy work
• Maximise Sheffield’s influence with regional and national government
• Build a new team with the Head of Policy & Partnerships to create a policy leadership centre
• Tackle complex policy challenges and translate ideas into action
• Brief senior leaders on government announcements and engage Ministers and national partners
• Coordinate engagement with regional and national partners to amplify Sheffield’s voice

Key requirements

• ability to grasp complex issues
• ability to make sense of evidence
• creative thinking
• strong relationship-building skills
• ability to turn ideas into action
• experience across public services, local government, Civil Service, consultancy or voluntary sector
• not required to be a career policy professional

• curious
• collaborative
• relationship-focused
• innovative
• adaptable

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