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- Tasks: Lead stakeholder relationships and develop strategic engagement plans across various sectors.
- Company: Join a dynamic Civil Service team with a focus on external affairs.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension contribution, 25 days annual leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Access to professional development opportunities and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by advising Ministers and shaping engagement strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in government relations or public affairs is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced external engagement professional to join our team, leading stakeholder relationships across the transport, business and supply chain sectors. You'll provide strategic advice to Ministers and senior leaders, develop high-quality engagement plans and events, and manage an External Engagement Officer. With a background in government relations, public affairs or communications, you'll champion best practice engagement across the Department and play a key role in delivering our strategic priorities.
Location: Birmingham, Leeds, London (This role is suitable for hybrid working)
Top Responsibilities- Building effective and proactive relationships with key organisations in the transport, business and supply chain sectors to support the Department’s objectives.
- Supporting the wider External Engagement team to deliver the Department’s strategic engagement strategy, including developing stakeholder handling and engagement plans for high-profile and controversial issues.
- Providing strategic advice to Ministers and our Executive Committee on stakeholder engagement and handling and develop a programme of high-quality engagement events and visits that highlight Ministerial and Departmental priorities.
- Managing an External Engagement Officer, supporting them to plan and deliver Ministerial visits and develop their skills and capability.
- Producing briefings and communications material for key audiences, such as businesses and industry organisations, to promote better understanding of key issues and initiatives.
- Gathering intelligence and analysing the effectiveness of external engagement to help inform current and future engagement strategies.
- Championing the establishment of common engagement principles and best practice to improve the quality of stakeholder engagement across the department and its agencies.
- Assisting policy teams within the Department in the development and delivery of their own stakeholder engagement programmes.
About You
- A strong track record in government relations / external affairs / public affairs and/or communications.
- Have developed and maintained relationships with stakeholders from a range of sectors.
- The ability to voice opinions to senior leaders and to prioritise and manage competing demands.
Senior External Affairs Manager employer: Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior External Affairs Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the transport, business, and supply chain sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. Building those relationships can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or stakeholders, make sure to highlight your experience in government relations and public affairs. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder engagement in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the department’s strategic priorities. Understand their current challenges and think about how you can contribute to their goals. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior External Affairs Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior External Affairs Manager role. Highlight your experience in government relations and stakeholder engagement, and show us how your skills align with our strategic priorities.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of how you've built relationships or delivered successful engagement plans in previous roles. Numbers and outcomes speak volumes!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key messages shine through. This is your chance to make a strong first impression!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Transport (DfT), United Kingdom
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key organisations in the transport, business, and supply chain sectors. Understand their challenges and how they align with the Department’s objectives. This will help you demonstrate your ability to build effective relationships and provide strategic advice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in government relations, public affairs, or communications. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed stakeholder engagement and developed high-quality engagement plans.
✨Engagement Strategy Insights
Think about the current trends in external engagement and be prepared to share your insights. Discuss how you would champion best practices within the department and improve stakeholder engagement quality, showing that you’re proactive and forward-thinking.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As you'll be managing an External Engagement Officer, be ready to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've supported team members in developing their skills and capabilities, and how you plan to foster a collaborative environment.