Managing Director

Managing Director – Public Affairs & Communications

Location: London | Office-based

Astrum Search has been exclusively retained by an established and ambitious consultancy to appoint Managing Director to lead and grow its Public Affairs and Communications practice.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced, commercially minded leader to take ownership of an established practice, shape its future direction and play a pivotal role in the consultancy’s ambitious long-term growth strategy.

Our client has an impressive reputation for advising senior political figures, including UK Prime Ministers, as well as global media organisations and leading businesses.

The firm is recognised for delivering high-impact strategic advice and building trusted relationships with influential clients.

Having worked closely with the business and its leadership team for many years, we can offer genuine insight into its culture, ambitions and the opportunity this appointment represents.

The Opportunity

Reporting into the senior leadership team, the successful candidate will have significant autonomy to shape and develop the Public Affairs & Communications practice.

The role combines strategic leadership, client advisory work and business development, with an approximate split of:

• 40% Business Development: Identifying and securing new opportunities, developing senior-level relationships and driving sustainable revenue growth.
• 60% Client Delivery and Leadership: Providing strategic counsel to key clients, overseeing complex engagements, building trusted partnerships and leading and developing a high-performing team.

You will be a key member of the consultancy’s senior leadership team, contributing not only to the success of your own practice but also to the wider strategic direction and growth of the business.

About You:

We are particularly interested in speaking with established leaders who can demonstrate:

• Extensive experience in corporate communications, public affairs, strategic communications or a closely related advisory discipline.
• A strong track record of developing client relationships and generating new business.
• Experience leading, developing and inspiring high-performing teams.
• The credibility and confidence to advise senior executives, boards and other influential stakeholders.
• Strong commercial acumen, strategic thinking and an entrepreneurial approach to growth.
• A desire to take ownership of a business area and play a meaningful role in its future success.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is more than a traditional Managing Director appointment. It offers the opportunity to make a genuine impact within a business that has significant ambitions for the coming decade.

You will benefit from:

• Autonomy and influence: The freedom to shape the direction of your practice, introduce new ideas and execute your own growth strategy.
• Leadership and exposure: A prominent position within the senior leadership team, with direct access to the business’s owners and key decision-makers.
• Long term opportunity: The chance to build and develop a substantial business unit within an organisation committed to sustained growth.
• Established reputation: The opportunity to represent a respected advisory business with an impressive client portfolio and strong market credibility.
• Collaborative culture: A supportive leadership environment that values entrepreneurial thinking, collaboration and individual contribution.

Interview Process

The selection process will consist of three stages:

• Initial discussion: An introductory video meeting with Astrum Search to explore your experience, career aspirations and suitability for the opportunity.
• Leadership interview and business case: A meeting with the Chief of Staff and CFO, including a business case presentation.
• Final Stage: A meeting with the business owner, Chief of Staff, CFO and an additional member of the senior leadership team.