Public Affairs Lead

Overview

In this role, you will own the public affairs function and shape Transport Focus’s influence with political audiences across the UK. You will develop strategy, build relationships with key political and stakeholder audiences, and ensure the voice of transport users informs decision making. The position sits at a pivotal moment as rail reform expands the organisation’s remit, offering scope, autonomy and impact. You will work with senior leaders to identify opportunities, manage risks and drive meaningful change for passengers and road users. Hybrid work from London or Manchester adds flexibility as you lead a growing function with clear impact.

Pay / Benefits

• excellent benefits package
• hybrid working (London or Manchester)
• salary up to £65,000pa
• civil service pension 28.9%
• opportunity to influence UK transport policy
• pivotal role in a respected, purpose-driven organisation

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement across Westminster, Whitehall, devolved governments and regional authorities to expand influence
• Develop and implement public affairs strategy in line with organisational goals
• Build and manage influential relationships with political and stakeholder audiences
• Own the public affairs function, collaborating with senior leaders to identify opportunities and mitigate risks
• Shape advocacy messages to ensure the voice of transport users informs policy decisions
• Drive cross-government collaboration and align activity with rail reform and passenger advocacy objectives
• Monitor political landscape and opportunities for meaningful change for passengers and road users
• Represent Transport Focus in high-level policy discussions to influence transport policy outcomes

Key requirements

• Background in public affairs, policy, government relations or related field
• Strong understanding of the UK political landscape
• Track record of building influential stakeholder relationships
• Strategic thinker who can deliver with autonomy
• Experience spanning national, regional and devolved politics
• Collaborative and pragmatic approach to influencing

• collaborative
• proactive
• strategic thinker
• stakeholder engagement
• policy analysis and development
• strategic planning

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