At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead TalkTalk's public affairs strategy and advocate for consumer-friendly reforms.
- Company: Join TalkTalk, the UK's top value-for-money telecom provider with an entrepreneurial spirit.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for innovation and impact.
- Why this job: Make a difference in digital policy while working with creative thinkers in a regulated sector.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in public affairs, strong knowledge of Parliament, and proven campaign success required.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about telecoms and technology policy.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
TalkTalk, the UK’s top value-for-money provider of phone, broadband, TV and mobile for people at home and at work is looking for a new Head of Public Affairs.
Working in a highly regulated sector, you will be joining a small team of innovators, creative thinkers and problem-solvers. Although now one of the UK’s best-known telecoms corporates, TalkTalk has not lost its entrepreneurial roots and the new Head of Public Affairs will need to be someone who personifies that spirit.
As the Head of Public Affairs, you will design and lead TalkTalk’s public affairs strategy, ensuring their distinct challenger voice is heard and understood across Westminster, Whitehall and the devolved administrations. Your persuasive campaigns will advocate pro-competition, pro-consumer reform and you will thrive taking on incumbents to create markets that better serve customers. You will champion policies that ensure the whole of Britain benefits from the digital revolution, and has access to a safer, more secure online world.
You will be comfortable representing the company on all policy issues relevant to the business, including:
- regulatory campaigns
- infrastructure investment issues
- online child safety
- cyber security
- digital skills
- consumer issues
As the Head of Public Affairs at TalkTalk, you will be responsible for:
- Defining TalkTalk’s policy positions and priorities and designing and delivering a public affairs strategy in support of them.
- Leading Government and Parliamentary engagement, including meetings, drafting consultation responses and written briefings.
- Working with colleagues across the corporate affairs team to support integrated political, regulatory, media and CSR campaigns.
- Ensuring teams across TalkTalk understand external policy developments and the implications for the business.
- Managing an external public affairs agency.
To qualify for the position of Head of Public Affairs, you will need:
- At least 5 years of relevant experience, working in Parliament, at an agency or in an in-house public affairs role.
- A proven track record of delivering high-profile public affairs campaigns.
- Strong knowledge of the workings of Parliament and Government.
- Ability to build lasting and trusting relationships with decision makers.
- Comfortable dealing directly with senior stakeholders, including chief executives and ministers.
- Comfortable representing the company at external speaking events.
- Good time and project management skills, with the ability to juggle competing priorities.
Great to have:
- Experience of dealing with European institutions and devolved administrations.
- Policy experience in telecoms, technology or a regulated sector.
Head of Public Affairs at TalkTalk Group (London) employer: Ellwood Atfield
Contact Detail:
Ellwood Atfield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Public Affairs at TalkTalk Group (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the public affairs sector, especially those who have experience in telecoms or regulated industries. Attend industry events and engage on platforms like LinkedIn to build relationships that could lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current issues affecting the telecoms industry, particularly those related to public policy and regulation. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about relevant topics during interviews and networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific public affairs campaigns you've led or contributed to in the past. Highlight your ability to advocate for pro-competition and consumer reforms, as these are key aspects of the role at TalkTalk.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with TalkTalk's current public affairs strategies and recent initiatives. Understanding their approach will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Public Affairs at TalkTalk Group (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in public affairs, especially any roles that involved working with Parliament or government. Emphasise your track record of delivering high-profile campaigns and your understanding of the telecoms sector.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for public affairs and your alignment with TalkTalk's values. Discuss how your skills and experiences make you the ideal candidate to lead their public affairs strategy.
Showcase Your Knowledge: In your application, demonstrate your understanding of current issues in telecoms, technology, and regulatory environments. Mention specific policies or campaigns you have worked on that relate to the role.
Highlight Relationship-Building Skills: Provide examples of how you have successfully built relationships with key stakeholders, including decision-makers and senior executives. This is crucial for the Head of Public Affairs role at TalkTalk.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ellwood Atfield
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of TalkTalk's public affairs strategy and the telecoms industry. Familiarise yourself with current issues affecting the sector, such as regulatory changes and consumer rights, so you can speak confidently about how you would approach these challenges.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous public affairs campaigns in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully influenced policy or engaged with stakeholders, particularly in a regulated environment. This will demonstrate your capability to deliver results in a similar role.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Show that you can establish trusting relationships with decision-makers by being personable and engaging. This is crucial for a role that involves significant stakeholder interaction.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific public affairs scenarios. Think about potential challenges TalkTalk might face and prepare your thoughts on how you would advocate for the company’s interests while promoting consumer benefits.