Director of Policy and Engagement

Lantra is seeking to appoint a Director of Policy, Research & External Relations to engage with policymakers, 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.
• 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.

About You:

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 organisation is seeking to represent and support the UK community and its future generation of learners.

The Director of Policy, Research & External Relations will be:

• An excellent 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.

Essential Experience:

• 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.