At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public affairs for a major trade association and shape retail's voice in government.
- Company: Join the BRC, the influential trade association for UK retail.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health insurance, pension contributions, and annual bonus eligibility.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities to lead and develop high-performing teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's economic and political landscape through retail advocacy.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in public affairs and strong understanding of UK political processes.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The BRC is the trade association for UK retail. The industry is diverse, dynamic and includes retail brands, brand manufacturers who sell direct to consumers, and covers many innovative business models, from in-store and digital to rental, repair and re-use. Retail is the ‘everywhere economy’, a vital part of the socio-economic fabric of the UK. It’s 5% of GDP, our largest private sector employer with 3 million direct jobs and 2.7 million more in the supply chain and through its scale and reach, helps support delivery of government policy.
THE ROLE: This is an exceptional opportunity to lead public affairs for one of the UK's most influential trade associations at a time when retail sits at the heart of the UK's economic, political and social agenda. Working as a member of the Corporate Affairs leadership team alongside the Corporate Affairs Director, you’ll shape and deliver the BRC’s engagement with government, Parliament and political stakeholders, ensuring the voice of retail is heard where it matters most.
RESPONSIBILITIES: As BRC Head of Public Affairs, you will be responsible for:
- Political Leadership: Lead the BRC's engagement with ministers, parliamentarians, special advisers, officials and political stakeholders across government.
- Public Affairs and Campaigns: Design and deliver integrated public affairs campaigns around the industry's highest strategic priorities.
- Strategic Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with member organisations to ensure advocacy reflects their priorities while advancing the interests of the wider sector.
- Corporate Affairs Leadership: Act as a key member of the Corporate Affairs leadership team, contributing to wider strategic priorities beyond public affairs.
- Leadership: Lead, coach and develop members of the Public Affairs team, creating an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing culture.
SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE: Significant experience leading public affairs or government relations engagement at a senior level. Strong understanding of Westminster, Whitehall and UK political processes. Demonstrable success influencing government policy and building senior stakeholder relationships. Experience designing and delivering successful public affairs or advocacy campaigns. Ability to translate complex policy into persuasive external communications. Experience advising senior leaders on political strategy and stakeholder engagement. Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Competitive salary, dependent on experience, with eligibility for annual bonus. Benefits include private health and dental insurance, pension contributions and the availability of season ticket loans. We are an equal opportunities recruitment partner and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background.
Head of Public Affairs employer: British Retail Consortium
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises sustainability and innovation in the retail sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, BRC provides opportunities for professional development and collaboration with industry leaders, fostering a culture of trust and impact. Located in the heart of the UK, employees benefit from a vibrant community and the chance to influence meaningful change in retail policies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Public Affairs
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like British Retail Consortium, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like British Retail Consortium and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Public Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for British Retail Consortium and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Retail Consortium
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with British Retail Consortium, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for British Retail Consortium.
