Head of Public Affairs

The Head of Public Affairs at HS2 will provide strategic leadership for the effective development and delivery of the public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategy, supporting the company to achieve its goals through effective engagement both internally across the HS2 Executive and the Department for Transport and externally with political, business and industry stakeholders, maintaining cross-party support, building advocacy and securing majorities for HS2 legislation.

Location: This role can either be based in London or Birmingham.

Salary: Base salary: £67,450- £84,350 (Birmingham) £79,300 - £99,150 (London). In addition, we offer a flexible benefits fund of 20% which is paid on top base salary (capped at £20,000) and is fully pensionable, as well as a range of competitive benefits.

HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential. In practice, this means we are positive and inclusive about making adjustments, providing flexible working, encouraging our staff networks to flourish and providing personal and professional development opportunities.

About the role:

• Work with the External Affairs Director to develop and lead a comprehensive external political engagement programme for HS2, setting and pursuing clear objectives built on analysis and insight.
• Build, maintain and improve relationships with key stakeholders to build understanding, support and advocacy and ensure rapid resolution of issues.
• Maintain and strengthen the cross-party consensus in support of HS2, ensuring informed debate within Westminster and future proof majorities for HS2 legislation.
• Develop and lead a programme of work with the External Affairs Director that builds trust in HS2 Ltd and the HS2 programme.
• Have oversight of all public affairs activity, providing counsel and support to ensure colleagues achieve their objectives and develop their own strategic communication skills.
• Provide political intelligence, analysis and strategic counsel to the External Affairs Directorate and wider business.
• Lead preparation of HS2 Ltd witnesses, briefing and evidence for select committees and equivalent bodies.
• Act as a senior external advocate for the organisation, building relationships and promoting activity to support HS2 Ltd goals and objectives.
• Deliver public affairs programmes for the HS2 Chair and CEO and support the Board, Executive and Senior Leadership Team’s engagement with external stakeholders.
• Work with the BCFoI Senior Manager, and the CEO’s office and Company Secretary, to ensure HS2 Ltd discharges its statutory duties regarding Freedom of Information, written Parliamentary Questions, Parliamentary Advice Line and Ministerial Correspondence.
• Play a leadership role across the External Affairs Directorate and wider business.
• Deliver first-class issues management and lead Public Affairs responses to crisis communications incidents.
• Actively promote and embed Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in all your work.

About You:

• Skills: Robust under pressure and able to work to tight deadlines in a dynamic, fast-moving organisation.
• Demonstrable skills in engaging a range of stakeholders both within the public and private sectors.
• Ability to develop challenging relationships and build trust amongst stakeholders and communities.
• Proven ability of working with subject matter experts to identify the critical business drivers.
• Excellent written communications, verbal communications and interpersonal skills.
• Influencing and negotiation skills with both internal and external audiences.
• Stakeholder management, relationship building and advocacy skills.
• Able to analyse complex issues and provide clear and consistent advice and insight.
• Ability to work with ambiguity and changing circumstances.
• Team, project and budget management skills.
• Analytical skills and a proven ability to interpret and respond to changing landscapes.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the current pressures facing the UK Government.
• Knowledge of issues affecting stakeholders and communities arising from large infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of how UK Parliament works and appropriate engagement methods.
• Knowledge of how regional and local government operate.
• Knowledge of the planning and parliamentary process.

Type of experience:

• Experience of developing and managing relationships with political and business stakeholders.
• Experience in developing, delivering and managing public affairs plans, strategies and tactics.
• Experience of working within or with Whitehall, Westminster and Local Government.
• Experience of partnership working and coordination in the public and private sectors.
• Experience of providing counsel at a senior leadership level across an organisation.
• Experience of developing and leading delivery of integrated communication plans and campaigns.
• Experience of managing external communication agencies and contractors.
• Experience of leading and managing people.
• Experience of delivering crisis management and/or major incident communications.

The post-holder is expected to behave at all times in a manner consistent with HS2’s Health and Safety strategy and principles.

HS2 Ltd is also a safety-critical organisation. Employees are required to ensure reasonable care of their own and others’ health and safety by taking personal responsibility for working to our ‘Safe at Heart’ programme principles and following safe working procedures at all times.

HS2 Ltd endeavours to ensure everyone working for us and with us feels included, thrives and achieves their full potential.