At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public affairs for a major UK trade association and shape retail's voice in politics.
- 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 social agenda through retail advocacy.
- Qualifications: Senior-level experience in public affairs and strong political insight required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 85000 £ 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 in London 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.
