The Department for Work and Pensions is at the heart of the Government’s growth and opportunity agenda. Its work makes a difference to the lives of millions of people, right across the country.
About the role
Working as a Senior External Affairs Manager at the Department is an exciting opportunity that will challenge and develop you as a professional communicator. You will be working on impactful initiatives, helping to shape communications on issues that directly influence communities and everyday lives.
We are looking for a proactive and skilled individual to drive the delivery of high-quality stakeholder engagement across priority policy areas. In this role you will build, develop and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of key stakeholders, contribute to strategic communications planning, and support senior leaders in their engagement activities.
You will work within a fast‑paced environment, responding quickly to changing priorities while maintaining strategic focus. This role requires excellent judgement, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes while building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders.
As part of the wider External Affairs team, you will contribute to an integrated approach to stakeholder management, ensuring consistent messaging and maximising the impact of our engagement activities through all available channels, including digital.
This post will be based in London
If this sounds like the right fit for you, we would love to hear from you!
The purpose of the External Affairs team is to:
- Develop and manage long lasting two‑way relationships with stakeholders, built on a clear understanding of stakeholder needs.
- Facilitate the gathering of stakeholder insight, feeding this into the communications directorate and the wider Department to support the development of better policy. Use this insight to identify and mitigate risks while capitalising on opportunities.
- Deliver exceptional stakeholder communications, partnerships and collaborations to ensure that stakeholders – and through them, our key audiences, understand DWP policies and the Department’s objectives.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Develop and implement comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies that align with departmental priorities and policy goals.
- Identify influential stakeholders across various sectors, monitoring their positions on key issues, and producing regular reports.
- Manage relationships through direct engagement, event, and tailored communications while building advocacy for government initiatives.
- Create compelling briefing materials, presentations, and stakeholder correspondence for ministers and senior officials.
- Personally, briefing and advising them ministers and senior officials on their engagement activity.
- Coordinate with colleagues across government to ensure a joined‑up approach to external engagement.
- Contribute to cross‑cutting communications campaigns, ensuring stakeholder perspectives are integrated into planning and delivery to reach the end audience.
- Evaluate the impact of stakeholder engagement activities to demonstrate value and inform future approaches.
In return, we will ensure you are fully supported and can develop your career as a skilled communications professional.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Senior External Affairs Manager
Company: Government Recruitment Service
Salary: £56,784 to £63,541 a year
Hours: Full‑time
Location: London
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 12 Nov 2026
Closing date: 22 Nov 2026
Summary
The Department for Work and Pensions is at the heart of the Government’s growth and opportunity agenda. Its work makes a difference to the lives of millions of people, right across the country.
About the role
Working as a Senior External Affairs Manager at the Department is an exciting opportunity that will challenge and develop you as a professional communicator. You will be working on impactful initiatives, helping to shape communications on issues that directly influence communities and everyday lives.
We are looking for a proactive and skilled individual to drive the delivery of high‑quality stakeholder engagement across priority policy areas. In this role you will build, develop and maintain effective relationships with a diverse range of key stakeholders, contribute to strategic communications planning, and support senior leaders in their engagement activities.
You will work within a fast‑paced environment, responding quickly to changing priorities while maintaining strategic focus. This role requires excellent judgement, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to navigate complex policy landscapes while building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders.
As part of the wider External Affairs team, you will contribute to an integrated approach to stakeholder management, ensuring consistent messaging and maximising the impact of our engagement activities through all available channels, including digital.
This post will be based in London
If this sounds like the right fit for you, we would love to hear from you!
The purpose of the External Affairs team is to:
- Develop and manage long lasting two‑way relationships with stakeholders, built on a clear understanding of stakeholder needs.
- Facilitate the gathering of stakeholder insight, feeding this into the communications directorate and the wider Department to support the development of better policy. Use this insight to identify and mitigate risks while capitalising on opportunities.
- Deliver exceptional stakeholder communications, partnerships and collaborations to ensure that stakeholders – and through them, our key audiences, understand DWP policies and the Department’s objectives.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Develop and implement comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies that align with departmental priorities and policy goals.
- Identify influential stakeholders across various sectors, monitoring their positions on key issues, and producing regular reports.
- Manage relationships through direct engagement, event, and tailored communications while building advocacy for government initiatives.
- Create compelling briefing materials, presentations, and stakeholder correspondence for ministers and senior officials.
- Personally, briefing and advising them ministers and senior officials on their engagement activity.
- Coordinate with colleagues across government to ensure a joined‑up approach to external engagement.
- Contribute to cross‑cutting communications campaigns, ensuring stakeholder perspectives are integrated into planning and delivery to reach the end audience.
- Evaluate the impact of stakeholder engagement activities to demonstrate value and inform future approaches.
In return, we will ensure you are fully supported and can develop your career as a skilled communications professional.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
Senior External Affairs Manager employer: Government Recruitment Service
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a robust pension scheme, the MoJ fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to influence key financial strategies that impact the nation. Located nationally, this role provides the unique advantage of engaging with diverse stakeholders across the UK, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful contributions to public service.
Contact Details:
Government Recruitment Service Recruitment Team
