At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Policy Team, providing strategic direction and oversight.
- Company: Prominent public sector organisation with a focus on policy and strategy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunity for extension.
- Other info: Join a senior leadership team with high visibility and influence.
- Why this job: Play a pivotal role in shaping policy during a critical organisational transition.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in UK Central Government or complex policy environments.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
Ready to apply? Before you do, make sure to read all the details pertaining to this job in the description below.
Area of Work: Public Policy, Strategy, Government Relations
Contract Type: Interim
Employment Type: Full-time
Duration: Initial 6-month contract with potential for extension
Location: Liverpool - Hybrid Working (2 days per week on-site)
Sector: Public Sector
Start Date: ASAP
Overview
Hays is delighted to be supporting a prominent public sector organisation in the appointment of an Interim Head of Policy & Strategy. This is a critical leadership position created to provide strategic policy leadership and organisational stability during a period of transition. The successful candidate will lead a well-established policy function, providing senior-level advice, strategic direction and oversight across a broad and complex policy portfolio.
Working closely with executive leaders and senior stakeholders, you will act as the organisation's leading source of policy expertise, bringing together subject matter experts from across multiple disciplines to develop cohesive policy recommendations and strategic priorities.
The Role
Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for leading the organisation's Policy Team and ensuring policy development continues at pace throughout a period of organisational change. You will provide strategic oversight across a diverse policy portfolio, helping to shape organisational priorities while managing complex stakeholder relationships across government and the wider public sector landscape.
The position requires a confident and credible leader capable of operating at executive level, influencing senior decision-makers and providing high-quality policy advice in a fast-moving environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Policy Team, providing strategic leadership and direction.
- Oversee the development and delivery of policy and strategy across multiple organisational priorities.
- Act as a trusted senior adviser on policy matters to executive leaders and key stakeholders.
- Bring together policy experts and specialist teams to develop coherent policy recommendations.
- Build consensus across complex internal and external stakeholder groups.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment of policy objectives.
- Support the organisation through a period of transition and change.
- Ensure policy development and strategic thinking are delivered to a high standard and within agreed timescales.
- Represent the organisation with senior partners, government stakeholders and external organisations.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
- Significant leadership experience within UK Central Government or a similarly complex policy environment.
- Proven track record of leading policy and strategy functions.
- Experience managing broad policy portfolios across multiple disciplines.
- Strong people leadership, team management and coaching capability.
- Demonstrable experience influencing senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
- Ability to navigate complex organisational and political landscapes.
- Excellent strategic thinking, judgement and problem-solving skills.
- Experience delivering high-quality policy outcomes under pressure and against competing priorities.
Desirable
- Previous experience leading cross-government or multi-stakeholder policy agendas.
- Experience within economic, growth, corporate strategy or wider public policy functions.
- Exposure to highly regulated, politically sensitive or complex operating environments.
- Experience supporting organisations through periods of restructuring or transformation.
- Knowledge of housing, homelessness, economic development or related policy areas.
Person Specification
- Credible and authoritative policy leader.
- Excellent communicator capable of engaging confidently with senior stakeholders.
- Collaborative and collegiate leadership style.
- Skilled at bringing together diverse viewpoints to achieve consensus.
- Politically astute with excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Comfortable operating in ambiguous and evolving environments.
- Resilient, adaptable and delivery-focused.
- Able to quickly establish themselves as a trusted adviser and strategic partner.
The Opportunity
This assignment offers the opportunity to play a pivotal role within a high-profile public sector organisation at an important stage of its development. You will join a senior leadership environment where policy, strategy and stakeholder engagement are central to organisational success, providing leadership across a broad portfolio with significant visibility and influence. The role will suit an accomplished policy professional who can quickly add value, build confidence amongst stakeholders and provide strategic leadership through a period of change.
Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Head of Policy & Strategy in Liverpool employer: Hays
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Policy & Strategy in Liverpool
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Hays, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Hays and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Policy & Strategy in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Hays and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Hays, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Hays.
