Senior Policy Advisor (Wales) in Cardiff

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the leading voice of 5.5 million small businesses and the self-employed across the UK. Since 1974, we've supported people to start, run and grow their own business. With market-leading benefits, local support, financial expertise, networking events and more, we provide our members with all the tools they need to succeed in business. We are the UK and Wales' leading business campaigner, focused on delivering change on issues that matter most to the SME economy.

Working at FSB Wales provides an excellent opportunity to help develop positions across many policy areas that support FSB members in Wales, while also building policy for economic development throughout Wales. You will have an opportunity to gain excellent research and practical experience in directly influencing decision makers with policy strategy to which you have directly contributed. Through an evidence-based and non-party political approach, you will provide the policy evidence to influence all parties in the Senedd, Westminster and across Wales.

We provide you with all the tools, skills and support to help our members every day, and help you develop your skills through teamwork and relationship building. We believe diversity is the key to success, and we encourage people from all walks of life and backgrounds to come and join us. Our inclusive environment allows all our employees to bring their whole selves to work.

FSB is seeking an experienced policy professional to assist in driving the FSB Wales policy operation, develop policy for the new Senedd term and to challenge and inform the new Welsh Government's approach, and to ensure that the interests of FSB members are represented to all layers of government and scrutiny.

What will you do?

• Be required to brief and act as an advisor on key policy issues for the Welsh Chair and members.
• Support the wider Welsh team lobbying and advocate FSB policy to key stakeholders including Ministers, politicians, civil servants and the wider policy community.
• Have the ability to produce briefings and articles for both internal and external publication. This role may at times also require the post holder to provide interviews to broadcast media.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with proven experience in one of the following: Welsh Political party, Welsh Civil Service, Senedd/Welsh parliament, or a policy or public affairs research post. You will have a thorough knowledge of the political processes and systems of devolved governance in Wales. Excellent writing skills and the ability to carry out survey work and qualitative and quantitative analysis is essential, and strong presentation skills are also required. Willingness to work irregular hours (evenings and weekends) as and when necessary.

In addition to a fulfilling career with FSB, you'll also benefit from:

• 26 days holidays per year (pro-rata) plus bank holidays with the option to buy 3 days with your Annual Flex Pot.
• Annual Flex Pot to spend on benefits including additional pension, additional holidays, additional critical illness cover, additional life cover, cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership.
• Health cash plan (Access to claim back numerous benefits, including towards dental treatment, optical, chiropody, physiotherapy, counselling, health and wellbeing).
• Critical illness and income protection insurance.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay.
• Access to an employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders.
• Group Personal Pension (GPP) applicable on completion of probationary period and subject to terms.

How to apply

All applications to be received by 13 Sep 2026. Any applications received after this date will be held on file for a maximum of 6 months and reviewed if the first round of applicants are unsuccessful.

Additional information

All applicants must be able to provide at interview stage their highest education certificates as listed on their CV and verification of their eligibility to work in the UK. As an equal opportunities employer, FSB is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We believe there is a strong case for the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion agenda and aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace, where all employees can bring their whole self to work. We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply and join FSB. Candidates with a disability who require reasonable adjustments should contact the HR department. Applicants are advised to apply early. We reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date if a high number of applications are received. If you are successful and shortlisted for interview you will be contacted by email.