Head of Public Affairs

We are seeking an experienced Head of Public Affairs to join a leading, multi-award-winning agency that is recognised for its innovative and integrated approach to communications. This is a fantastic opportunity for a politically engaged professional with proven consultancy experience to advise high-profile clients, deliver impactful multi-market campaigns, and help shape policy conversations.

The ideal candidate will be an astute, strategic thinker with strong consultancy experience, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for shaping public policy and stakeholder engagement, looking to help shape a team within an established agency.

Responsibilities :

• Provide strategic counsel and expert advice, delivering innovative and commercially successful public affairs solutions while supporting and mentoring the wider team.
• Lead crisis management strategies, advising clients on responses to political or reputational risks.
• Monitor political, regulatory, and industry trends, proactively shaping client strategies to anticipate challenges and opportunities.
• Identify and convert new business opportunities, leading pitches and contributing to the division’s commercial growth.
• Build and nurture long-term relationships at senior levels within client organisations, ensuring exceptional client service and retention.
• Manage budgets effectively, balancing profitability with high-quality client delivery, and demonstrating clear added value.
• Contribute to business planning by assessing market trends, risks, and opportunities, supporting leadership in shaping the division’s future strategy.
• Define and monitor KPIs for client work and team performance, using insights to drive continuous improvement.
• Lead, motivate, and develop account teams, ensuring the right skills and experience are in place to deliver exceptional results.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the consultancy’s network to leverage expertise and enhance integrated client service.
• Build and maintain a personal network of political, industry, and media contacts to support client work and new business development.
• Stay ahead of industry and political developments, sharing insights to enhance the team’s collective knowledge and expertise.

Ideal Candidate:

• Commercially astute, with a proven ability to secure and grow new business.
• Strong strategic understanding of politics, policy development and regulatory processes.
• Digitally fluent, with experience integrating digital channels into public affairs campaigns.
• Creative and strategic problem solver, able to simplify complex issues into clear, impactful narratives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior audiences.
• Highly organised and capable of managing multiple priorities under pressure.
• An inspiring, supportive leader with strong people management skills and a collaborative mindset.
• Passionate about public affairs, communications, and driving results that make an impact.
• Calm and confident under pressure, providing authoritative counsel during issues or crises.

Here at Sapio Consulting we are proud to be equal opportunity employers and are committed to supporting our clients and partners in their Diversity & Inclusion objectives and initiatives.

Our clients are equal opportunity employers and we welcome candidates regardless of Age, Disability, Neurodiversity, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender identity or expression, Marriage or Civil Partnership, Pregnancy and Maternity or Parental status, Race, Religion or Beliefs, and Political Opinion.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Public Relations

Industries

Public Relations and Communications Services

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