Head of External Affairs | Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Head of External Affairs | Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Employer: Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Location: Liverpool, L3 5TF

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full time

Closing Date: 08/07/2026

We are seeking a senior and experienced individual to lead our external affairs function, reporting to the Managing Director and working closely with the Executive Group. This strategic role focuses on system positioning, stakeholder engagement and partnership development, building senior relationships across NHS, academia, government and industry to establish LHP as a recognised front door for health and life sciences collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a coherent external affairs strategy aligned to LHP's system ambitions and priorities.
• Support the Managing Director and Executive Group to position LHP as the recognised convenor for health and life sciences across the city region.
• Shape and articulate a clear, consistent system narrative across partners, ensuring alignment in external messaging and positioning.
• Lead the development and implementation of LHP's communications plan and activities for managing relationships with local leaders (politicians, academic leaders, NHS leaders).
• Build and maintain senior relationships across NHS, academia, local government, industry and national bodies.
• Act as a key interface between LHP and external stakeholders, ensuring coordinated and strategic engagement.
• Lead the development of strategic approaches to influencing regional and national policy, investment and partnership opportunities.
• Coordinate LHP's role in major system opportunities including national initiatives, industry partnerships and regional growth agendas.
• Provide senior support to the Managing Director and Executive Group on external affairs, stakeholder strategy, engagement planning and briefing preparation.

Qualifications

• Senior experience within the health and life sciences sector.
• Strong political awareness and ability to operate credibly at senior level.
• Experience with major industry partners and understanding of research and innovation, including clinical trials.
• Demonstrated ability to build and influence relationships across organisational boundaries.