Public Affairs Executive

Public Affairs Executive

Full-Time 20000 - 25000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support public affairs and stakeholder relations for the UK's food and drink sector.
  • Company: Join the Food and Drink Federation, a key player in the UK manufacturing industry.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and more.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in politics and communications while engaging with industry leaders.
  • Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in corporate affairs or political environments.
  • Other info: Hybrid working, vibrant office culture, and excellent career development opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 20000 - 25000 £ per year.

Salary £33.5k with excellent benefits including 25 days holiday, private healthcare, leisure travel insurance, health & wellbeing allowance, interest-free season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme.

Hours: 35 hours per week; hybrid working (2-3 days in the office per week).

We are looking for an enthusiastic Public Affairs Executive to join the busy Corporate Affairs team at the Food and Drink Federation, the representative body for the UK’s largest and most vibrant manufacturing sector. This role is ideal for someone passionate about politics, communications and industry engagement.

As the sector faces new challenges and opportunities, you will play a vital role in supporting FDF’s public affairs, campaigns and stakeholder relations strategy. You will help ensure that FDF’s priorities are clearly communicated to policymakers, members and wider stakeholders.

Key responsibilities:
  • Track political developments affecting food and drink manufacturing and provide timely analysis and advice to colleagues and member companies.
  • Compile regular political and parliamentary updates for FDF colleagues and members.
  • Identify opportunities to promote FDF's policy positions to political stakeholders.
  • Assist in delivering FDF’s public affairs engagement activities, including site visits, parliamentary questions and ad-hoc engagement.
  • Draft briefings, correspondence and stakeholder communications for senior leaders, Parliamentarians and key contacts.
  • Identify proactive opportunities for FDF representation at public events and meetings.
  • Maintain an accurate stakeholder management database.
  • Support development and updating of FDF messaging.
  • Provide support on specific policy areas and campaigns as required.
  • Support FDF’s work as Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Food and Drink Manufacturing, coordinating meetings and associated activity.
  • Assist in planning and delivering FDF events, including the annual Parliamentary Reception, commercial events, party conferences and other ad-hoc events.
  • Provide support on other duties required by the Public Affairs Manager.
Requirements:
  • Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.
  • Experience of working in a corporate affairs or political environment, ideally within the food and drink sector.
  • Ability to work at pace in a political and media environment.
  • Excellent understanding of UK politics and Westminster parliamentary processes.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Diplomatic, persuasive communicator with strong relationship-building abilities.
  • Able to handle confidential information sensitively.
  • Proactive, creative approach to challenges.

Our Workplace: We’re based in the heart of central London in a modern, bright open-plan office. We have a friendly work culture with great break-out spaces, quiet booths and opportunities for flexible-working. Our ‘Feel Good for Life’ team regularly organises events and activities to promote positive health and wellbeing.

To apply: Please send us your CV and cover letter to recruitment@fdf.org.uk by Tuesday 17th February 2026, 4pm. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Equal Opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments for disabilities or medical conditions.

This is the privacy policy relating to the protection of FDF job applicants' information. The FDF will ensure that data is always processed in accordance with the provisions of relevant data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is the convenor, adviser and voice of the UK food & drink industry, the largest manufacturing sector in the country.

Public Affairs Executive employer: Food and Drink Federation

The Food and Drink Federation offers a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of central London, where employees can thrive in a culture that values health, wellbeing, and professional growth. With excellent benefits such as 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and opportunities for hybrid working, this is an ideal place for passionate individuals to engage with key political stakeholders and make a meaningful impact in the food and drink sector.
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Contact Detail:

Food and Drink Federation Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Executive

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the food and drink sector. Attend industry events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at FDF. You never know who might help you land that interview!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research FDF’s recent campaigns and public affairs activities. Be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals. Show them you’re not just passionate about politics but also about making a real impact in the food and drink industry.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. This will help you feel more at ease when it’s time to impress the hiring team at FDF.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to keep your name fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Executive

Political Analysis
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Relationship-Building
Event Planning
Understanding of UK Politics
Parliamentary Processes
Written Communication
Verbal Communication
Confidentiality Management
Proactive Problem-Solving
Creative Thinking
Corporate Affairs Experience
Food and Drink Sector Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Public Affairs Executive role. Highlight any relevant experience in corporate affairs or political environments, especially within the food and drink sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for politics and communications. Let us know why you’re excited about the role and how you can contribute to our team at the Food and Drink Federation.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Public Affairs Executive, strong written communication is key. Make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. We love a well-structured application that reflects your ability to communicate effectively!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our friendly team at the heart of the food and drink industry.

How to prepare for a job interview at Food and Drink Federation

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on current political developments and issues affecting the food and drink sector. Being able to discuss recent news or policies will show your passion and understanding of the industry, which is crucial for a Public Affairs Executive.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Prepare to demonstrate your exceptional written and verbal communication skills during the interview. You might be asked to draft a brief or respond to a hypothetical scenario, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and persuasively.

✨Be Proactive and Creative

Think of examples where you've taken initiative in previous roles, especially in a corporate affairs or political environment. Highlighting your proactive approach to challenges will resonate well with the interviewers, as they value creativity in problem-solving.

✨Build Rapport

Since relationship-building is key in this role, focus on establishing a good rapport with your interviewers. Be personable and engaging, and don’t hesitate to ask insightful questions about the team and their current projects to show your genuine interest.

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