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- Tasks: Lead engagement with policymakers and industry to influence land-based sector policies.
- Company: Lantra is the UK's top awarding body for land-based and environmental training.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and a chance to shape future skills in the industry.
- Why this job: Be a thought leader, inspire change, and support the next generation of learners.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in research, policy engagement, and effective communication required.
- Other info: Applications close on 27th June 2025; reach out for a confidential chat.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Lantra is seeking to appoint a Director of Policy, Research & External Relations to engage with policy makers, government, industry and the wider land-based sectors to produce, communicate and promote evidence-based research that influences policy and supports the land-based and environmental industries.
Lantra is the leading awarding body in the UK and the Republic of Ireland in the land-based and environment sectors, developing quality training courses and nationally recognised qualifications that are delivered through a national network of accredited training providers.
Key Responsibilities:The Director of Policy, Research & External Relations (DPRE) will be responsible for leading Lantra’s engagement with industry, government and other relevant UK policy stakeholders, representing the interests of the land-based industries and influencing policy, whilst ensuring that the necessary strategy is in place to achieve Lantra’s long term vision. They will:
- Gain industry support for research and for Lantra as a spokesperson to UK government and to policymakers at national, local and industry levels.
- Identify, verify and/or quantify skills issues identified through research and labour market intelligence capability to identify skills needs, gaps and validated opportunities.
- Use evidence to engage UK government and policymakers at national, local and industry levels, and advocate changes and solutions to address workforce issues.
- Define and lead the execution of Lantra’s communications and external relations to ensure consistent messaging and increase awareness of Lantra Awards and ‘Investing in Skills’ activities.
- Alongside the CEO, position Lantra with UK government and other stakeholders, as a respected authority on skills issues in the sectors Lantra is operating in; able to offer evidence-based solutions and to be a trusted partner in their delivery.
We are looking for a leader who will inspire a dedicated team, bringing passion and guidance to identify key issues, develop creative solutions and successfully promote these to stakeholders. Lantra has a market-leading reputation and is seeking to become a thought leader and champion to the land-based and environmental industries and its people. The Director of Policy, Research & External Relations will be:
- An excellence communicator, able to effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders.
- A person of initiative, with a demonstrable ability to identify key issues, develop creative solutions and successfully promote them externally.
- A strong team player with emotional intelligence to support and constructively challenge colleagues as part of the Lantra community.
- A demonstrable leader, effective at building successful teams, able to inspire, motivate and communicate at all levels to provide united direction and cohesive leadership.
- An outgoing, proven capacity for networking, able to build and develop effective professional relationships with key industry players and policymakers.
- Experience of designing and delivering effective research ideally in the area of education and skills policy.
- Evidence of effective engagement with government and policymakers, understanding of policymaking structures and processes and how to influence them.
- Experience of working with print/broadcast/social media, including developing/implementing social media strategies.
- Evidence of presenting and communicating research, policy and positioning statements.
Location: Lantra HQ is based in Warwickshire. Hybrid-working is available.
Lantra has engaged the services of The McLean Partnership, to whom applications should be sent by midday, Friday 27th June 2025.
More information and a candidate prospectus can be found at our dedicated website.
For a confidential conversation about the opportunity, please contact Caius Freeman on +44 (0) 7517 950 934, Paul Soothill on +44 (0)7775 598 446 or email lantra@mcleanpartnership.com.
Director of Policy, Research & External Relations employer: Lantra
Contact Detail:
Lantra Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Policy, Research & External Relations
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the land-based and environmental sectors. Attend industry events, conferences, and seminars to meet key stakeholders and policymakers. Building these relationships can provide you with insights and opportunities that are crucial for a role like the Director of Policy, Research & External Relations.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current policies and trends affecting the land-based industries. Subscribe to relevant journals, follow influential figures on social media, and engage in discussions online. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership skills by gathering examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you identified issues, developed solutions, and influenced stakeholders, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with Lantra's mission and values. Understanding their goals and how they position themselves within the industry will allow you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate how your vision aligns with theirs during networking or interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Policy, Research & External Relations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Director of Policy, Research & External Relations position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these key responsibilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only express your interest in the role but also demonstrate your understanding of Lantra's mission and how you can contribute to it. Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills in policy engagement and research.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on your experience related to education and skills policy, as well as any previous roles where you've successfully engaged with government and policymakers. Be sure to quantify your achievements where possible to illustrate your impact.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow the application instructions provided by The McLean Partnership carefully. Submit your application before the deadline and include all required documents, such as your CV and cover letter, to avoid any issues.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lantra
✨Understand the Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current policies and challenges facing the land-based and environmental sectors. Being able to discuss recent developments and how they impact Lantra will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Director, effective communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders in the past, particularly in influencing policy or promoting research findings. This will demonstrate your ability to represent Lantra effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams. Highlight your emotional intelligence and how it has helped you build successful relationships within your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about potential skills gaps in the industry and how you would approach addressing them. This will showcase your initiative and strategic thinking capabilities.
