Head of Public Affairs

Head of Public Affairs

England Full-Time 90000 - 110000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead public affairs strategy and engage with policymakers to drive positive change.
  • Company: Join Phoenix Group, the UK's largest long-term savings and retirement business.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous salary, private medical cover, and 38 days annual leave.
  • Why this job: Shape policy dialogue on pensions while working in a supportive, purpose-driven environment.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in financial services public affairs and UK politics required.
  • Other info: Open to part-time and flexible arrangements; we value diverse backgrounds.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.

Job Description

We have an incredible opportunity to join us here at Phoenix Group as Head of Public Affairs to join our Public Affairs team.

Job Type: Permanent

Location: This role could be based in either our London or Edinburgh offices with time spent working in the office and at home.

Flexible working: All of our roles are open to part-time, job-share and other types of flexibility. We will discuss what is important to you and balancing this with business requirements during the recruitment process. You can read more about Phoenix Flex here.

Closing Date: 13/08/2025

Salary and benefits : £90,000 – £110,000 plus an indicative bonus range of 30%-60%, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days and much more.
Who are we?

We want to be the best place that any of our 6,600 colleagues have ever worked.
We’re the UK’s largest long-term savings and retirement business. We offer a range of products across our market-leading brands, Standard Life, SunLife, Phoenix Life and ReAssure. Around 1 in 5 people in the UK has a pension with us. We’re a FTSE 100 organisation that is tackling key issues such as transitioning our portfolio to net zero by 2050, and we’re not done yet.

The role

As Head of Public Affairs, Long-term Savings, you’ll be instrumental in shaping our voice on the policy stage—advancing dialogue around pensions, savings and advice issues. This is a strategic leadership role focused on engaging with government, industry bodies, and influential stakeholders to champion positive change for customers and the sector.

Key responsibilities:

  • Lead and evolve Phoenix Group’s long-terms savings public affairs strategy in alignment with purpose-led business goals
  • Build trusted relationships with policymakers, think tanks, and key opinion leaders
  • Track and respond to legislative developments affecting financial services and sustainability
  • Collaborate across teams to integrate public policy perspectives into strategic planning
  • Represent the Group at roundtables, working groups, and sector coalitions
  • Advise senior leaders on emerging opportunities and risks in the policy environment

The role has one and a half direct reports at Senior/Public Affairs Manager level.
What are we looking for?

  • Extensive experience in financial services public affairs
  • Experience developing and implementing public affairs strategies
  • Expert knowledge of UK politics
  • A confident advocate used to senior political engagement
  • Experience of people management

We want to hire the whole version of you.

We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels accepted and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If your experience looks different from what we’ve advertised and you believe that you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you.

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can help you to be at your best.

Please note that we reserve the right to remove adverts earlier than the advertised closing date. We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity.

Find out more about #LifeAtPhoenix

  • Guide for Candidates: thephoenixgroup.pagetiger.com/guideforcandidates
  • Find or get answers from our colleagues:

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Head of Public Affairs employer: Phoenix Group

At Phoenix Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including 38 days of annual leave and private medical cover, and a commitment to professional growth, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in either our London or Edinburgh offices and be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a positive impact in the financial services sector.
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Contact Detail:

Phoenix Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Public Affairs

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the financial services and public affairs sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences where you can meet key stakeholders and policymakers. Building these connections can give you insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on current legislative developments affecting financial services and sustainability. Follow relevant news outlets, subscribe to industry newsletters, and engage with thought leaders on social media. This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience in developing and implementing public affairs strategies. Think of specific examples where you've successfully influenced policy or engaged with senior political figures. Being able to articulate these experiences clearly will set you apart during discussions.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with Phoenix Group's mission and values, especially their commitment to sustainability and customer advocacy. Tailor your conversations to reflect how your background aligns with their goals, showing that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Public Affairs

Public Affairs Strategy Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Policy Analysis
Legislative Tracking
Relationship Building
Political Advocacy
Financial Services Knowledge
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Strategic Planning
Influencing Skills
Networking
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Public Affairs position at Phoenix Group. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your extensive experience in financial services public affairs. Provide specific examples of strategies you've developed and implemented, as well as any senior political engagement you've undertaken.

Showcase Your Knowledge: Demonstrate your expert knowledge of UK politics and legislative developments affecting financial services. This could be through a brief analysis or commentary in your cover letter on recent policy changes relevant to the role.

Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising it. Address how your values align with Phoenix Group's purpose-led business goals and mention your commitment to diversity and inclusion, reflecting their ethos of welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.

How to prepare for a job interview at Phoenix Group

✨Understand the Company’s Vision

Before your interview, take some time to research Phoenix Group's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to long-term savings and sustainability will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Public Affairs Expertise

Be prepared to discuss your extensive experience in financial services public affairs. Highlight specific strategies you've developed and implemented, and how they have positively impacted previous organisations. This will show that you have the necessary skills for the Head of Public Affairs role.

✨Prepare for Political Engagement Scenarios

Since the role involves senior political engagement, think of examples where you've successfully navigated complex political landscapes. Be ready to discuss how you built relationships with policymakers and influenced key decisions, as this will be crucial for the position.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's public affairs strategy and how it aligns with their business goals. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture and objectives resonate with your own professional aspirations.

Head of Public Affairs
Phoenix Group
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  • Head of Public Affairs

    England
    Full-Time
    90000 - 110000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-08-18

  • P

    Phoenix Group

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