Head of Public and Government Affairs

We are seeking an experienced Head of Public Affairs to lead government and public affairs campaigns at the National Composites Centre (NCC).

Part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the NCC is an independent, open-access technology centre focused on addressing some of the world’s most complex engineering challenges. You will join this dynamic organisation as it embarks on implementing its new 5-year strategy, one that is growth and impact focused.

Reporting to a member of the Leadership Team, you’ll build the NCC’s external profile with national government, as well as with business and industry networks. You’ll contribute to the delivery of the NCC’s growth ambitions in priority sectors: low-carbon energy, defence, space, aerospace, digital & HPC, and advanced materials.

Key responsibilities:

1. Proactively develop and deliver a Government and Public Affairs strategy that builds the NCC’s profile in Westminster, Whitehall and with business and industry networks.
2. Develop and lead influencing and engagement strategies that maximise the impact of sector campaigns (e.g. aerospace, energy, defence) to deliver on business growth ambitions.
3. Deliver thought leadership and the development of robust policy positions on e.g. innovation and industrial strategy. Gather, maintain and use knowledge from across the innovation policy and political environment, developing insights to inform NCC’s activities and organisational strategy.
4. Act as Strategic Account Manager with HM government departments (e.g. Dept. Business and Trade, Dept. Energy Security and Net Zero), national funding organisations (e.g. Innovate UK), arms-length government bodies and business networks.
5. Develop and embed a strategic approach to MP, APPG, Select Committee and wider Parliamentary activity and lead on Ministerial briefings, visits, and events.
6. Work collaboratively with colleagues across the High Value Manufacturing Catapult to ensure a coherent, impactful messaging strategy.
7. Develop proactive long-term stakeholder handling strategies, and provide regular media handling advice on briefs to Chief Executive Officer and the senior leadership team, including on sensitive, complex and high-profile issues.
8. Anticipate and react to breaking news stories, issuing swift, robust and appropriate responses at short notice and under pressure.
9. Work effectively with the ‘Head of Public Affairs – Regional and Research Partnership’ to ensure national-local alignment and join up NCC teams and communications colleagues to deliver an aligned, organisation-wide approach.

So, what are we looking for?

1. Good knowledge of the workings of national and regional government and a proven record of facilitating conversations to promote positive change.
2. Demonstrable professional experience and knowledge of public affairs including liaison with the political and policy environment; producing high quality briefings and supporting senior visits.
3. Developed understanding of strategic account management principles and experience in driving their adoption for key stakeholder relationships.
4. Exceptional written and oral communications, able to assimilate complex information for a wide audience.

The post involves regular travel to Bristol and London.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 23rd March 2025

What do we offer in return?

Hybrid and flexible working as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development, this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.

We see your future in ours. Apply now.

About The Company

Not sure you meet all the requirements? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs if they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do. At the NCC we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We ensure that all hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other protected characteristics, and will treat all applications with the strictest confidence. We’re always open to hearing how we can support flexible working in different ways, including part-time work. Please don’t be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered. We wish you every success in your job search.

Why the NCC?

We see our success in yours. The future of composites manufacturing relies on the NCC, and we rely on the right individuals to make it happen, whether they’re engineers or not!

Diverse challenges: The NCC isn’t just about aerospace. We’re working with over 16 sectors and a variety of customers, from private ventures to the global tier 1 companies, providing variety to your experience.

Innovation: A world-leading research and development centre, the work we do brings novel and innovative solutions to industry, with the future firmly in mind. So we need innovating thinking not just in Engineering, but across all support functions.

Development in composites, and you: If the scope of exciting work isn’t enough to sway you, our ethos of continued learning and development and flexible working patterns will.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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