Head of External Affairs in Newport

CSA Catapult is the UK’s authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation. We work with start-ups, SMEs, large organisations and academia to de-risk innovation, remove barriers to market, and accelerate the adoption of compound semiconductor technologies. In summer 2026, CSA Catapult will transition to become the Semiconductor Catapult, expanding our scope and capability to support the full UK Semiconductor sector addressing a critical gap in UK AI hardware Infrastructure.

If you thrive in a growing organisation, enjoy contributing to diverse projects, and value cross-team collaboration, you’ll fit right in. Our work supports the technologies shaping the future from AI hardware and infrastructure, electric vehicles and satellite communications to remote health monitoring and net zero— compound semiconductor applications offer unrivalled power to help us thrive, connect, and explore.

As a Not‑for‑Profit organisation, we exist to drive UK economic growth. We work across sectors including automotive, medical, digital communications, and aerospace. By bringing together leading expertise and investing in cutting‑edge technology, we bridge the gap between industry and academia to help commercialise innovation and deliver national impact.

We look beyond the status quo and hire for ability and attitude. We value collaboration, innovation and trust and we measure outcomes, and champion diverse perspectives. Diversity, equality, and inclusion are central to who we are, and every role plays a part in upholding these commitments.

Position

The Head of External Affairs will play a pivotal role in shaping the Catapult’s profile and relationships with government, industry, and key stakeholders. Reporting to the Director of Strategy and External Affairs, this position leads on communications strategy, delivery and stakeholder engagement, ensuring the organisation’s impact, reputation and visibility are maximised.

The Head of External Affairs will work with the Sales and Product Marketing teams, developing campaigns to drive lead creation for the organisation. They will drive effective and consistent messaging, cultivate strategic partnerships and manage high-level government and stakeholder relations in support of Catapult’s mission.

Our Head of External Affairs will:

• Lead the development and implementation of external and internal communications and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with government bodies, industry groups, academic institutions, and other stakeholders, keeping abreast of relevant policy developments.
• Manage and deliver proactive communications across media, digital, PR, and thought leadership channels.
• Support the Director of Strategy and External Affairs in positioning Catapult as a trusted adviser to government and key partners.
• Advise senior leadership and colleagues on communications strategies to engage specialist audiences, including government, industry, investment, and the public.
• Monitor and respond to stakeholder and government issues, providing updates and guidance as required.
• Support delivery of commercial campaigns to drive lead creation.
• Support the delivery of the Catapult’s impact framework, including reporting and demonstrating measurable sector influence.
• Be accountable for the leadership and performance of the external affairs and communications function, which includes both external and internal communications, and events.
• Maintain Catapult’s reputation and external positioning through consistent stakeholder engagement.
• Identify and manage reputational risk, advising the Director and CEO on stakeholder, media, and policy matters.
• Ensure alignment between corporate strategy, market positioning, and external messaging.

Requirements

We’re looking for a collaborative team player who is confident in leading both internally and externally.

Our Head of External Affairs will:

• Ideally hold a Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field, or offer equivalent experience in a relevant role.
• Hold CIPR or CIM membership (preferred).
• Offer significant experience in a communications role in a tech environment, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement, ideally within public and private sector environments.
• Have a proven track record of operating at senior level, building and supporting high-performing teams, and developing successful communications strategies.
• Be experienced in managing relationships with government bodies and monitoring relevant policy.
• Have strong knowledge of communication tools and techniques to influence stakeholders, underpinned by theory and practical experience.
• Have excellent interpersonal skills, displaying credibility, influence, and political acumen.
• Be firm yet friendly and approachable, with a coaching style that enables the team and organisation to thrive.

Other information

• Up to £75,000 annual full-time salary
• A non-contractual bonus scheme to allow everyone to share in our success
• Life Assurance – x4 times your annual salary
• Scottish Widows pension scheme – you put in 5% and we’ll put in 10%
• 28 days leave in addition to 8 bank holidays
• 37.5-hour full time working week
• A generous private medical insurance scheme for you and your family (enrolment window once a year)
• A cashback scheme for your eye tests and dental treatmentPayment for a professional membership each year
• Flexible working – we operate core hours of 10-4. The balance of your hours can be worked around what works for you
• Electric Vehicle and Cycle to work schemes

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 8 July 2026. We reserve the right to amend the closing date should we need to extend the advertising period, or if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications early.