At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public affairs strategy and engage with key stakeholders to support HS2's goals.
- Company: HS2 Ltd is developing the UK's new high-speed rail network, enhancing connectivity and boosting the economy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible benefits fund, and opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team making a real impact on infrastructure and public engagement in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs, stakeholder management, and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: This role offers flexibility in location, with options for London or Birmingham.
The predicted salary is between 67450 - 84350 £ per year.
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 – including with Westminster, Whitehall (Ministers, Advisors, and Civil Servants), Regional Mayors, Line of Route MPs, local and regional government, as well as other lobby and interest groups, environmental groups, transport groups and other relevant bodies.
- Maintain and strengthen the cross-party consensus in support of HS2, ensuring informed debate within Westminster and future proof majorities for HS2 legislation, such as the Phase 2b West Bill.
- Develop and lead a programme of work with the External Affairs Director that builds trust in HS2 Ltd and the HS2 programme, demonstrating our transparent approach and openness to scrutiny.
- 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, including Chair, CEO, Board and Exec, facilitating effective external engagement that builds confidence in and support for both the project and programme, while enhancing the reputation of HS2 Ltd.
- 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 and deliver the programme.
- Build trusted relationships with senior executives, directors and colleagues (particularly CEO and Chairman) providing public affairs and engagement advice as required.
- Deliver public affairs programmes for the HS2 Chair and CEO and support the Board, Executive and Senior Leadership Team’s engagement with external stakeholders including speaker opportunities.
- 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, and support and comply with all organisational initiatives, policies and procedures on EDI.
About You:
- 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, on projects of comparable scale, scope and complexity.
- Ability to develop challenging relationships and build trust amongst stakeholders and communities exercising diplomacy at every stage.
- Proven ability of working with subject matter experts to identify the critical business drivers, to balance the various criteria, and to prepare quality strategies and frameworks.
- Proven ability to balance the interests of timely and accurate delivery with representing views of external stakeholders in an honest and transparent manner.
- Excellent written communications, verbal communications and interpersonal skills.
- Influencing and negotiation skills with both internal and external audiences (including Members of Parliament and their advisers).
- Stakeholder management, relationship building and advocacy skills, particularly in a complex political environment.
- Able to analyse complex issues and provide clear and consistent advice and insight, including at Board and Executive level.
- Ability to work with ambiguity and changing circumstances.
- Ability to deliver quality, accurate and targeted communications directly and through others.
- Team, project and budget management skills.
- Analytical skills and a proven ability to interpret and respond to changing landscapes and understand and communicate complex issues with clarity and consistency.
- Able to respond effectively to reputational issues or crisis communications incidents, including providing guidance and direction to colleagues.
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the current pressures facing the UK Government and how that may translate in the HS2 organisation with political awareness and understanding.
- 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 and appropriate engagement methods.
- 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 including issues resolution and building advocacy.
- Experience of working within or with Whitehall, Westminster and Local Government with a clear understanding of the political environment in which HS2 operates.
- Experience of partnership working and coordination in the public and private sectors.
- Experience of providing counsel at a senior leadership level across an organisation on stakeholder engagement and reputation management.
- 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, including personal development of team members.
- 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.
Company values:
- Leadership framework
- Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrating leadership flexibility, motivating and inspiring people from diverse functions and cultures.
- Execution: Stretching the performance of people with a wide range of skills and capabilities.
- Influence: Cross-matrix influencing, using a range of interpersonal approaches to persuade people with differing perspectives and interests.
- Collaboration: Collaborating across boundaries, to establish reciprocal relationships and alliances across the organisation.
- Direction: Co-ordinating cross business teams, creating a shared sense of purpose and keeping diverse teams focused on the same HS2 goals.
- Business Judgement: Ensuring values for money, making judgements on what will ensure commercial viability, appropriately balancing risk and return.
- Innovation: Inspiring differentiation, innovating and encouraging early adoption of new ideas and ‘pushing the boundaries’.
- Growing Talent: Fast-tracking talent, taking risks with growth opportunities for high potential performers to ‘raise their game.’
The HS2 Leadership Framework can be accessed via the following link.
We ask for a variety of detail in your online application; however, we perform the first assessment of suitability for a role based solely on the information in your CV. In a further development of our efforts to create a more diverse workforce, your CV will be anonymised and personal information will be removed during the first stage of the application review. This removes bias from the process and makes it even more important that you attach an updated word version of your CV for each new application ensuring you include evidence directly related to the criteria in the job advert.
Any applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
About Us:
High Speed 2 (HS2 Ltd) will be the UK’s new high speed rail network. As well as improving capacity, the new scheme will shorten journey times between a number of Britain’s major population centres, boost the economy.
Head of Public Affairs (London) employer: High Speed Two (HS2)
Contact Detail:
High Speed Two (HS2) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Public Affairs (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively with professionals in the public affairs sector, especially those who have experience with large infrastructure projects. Attend industry events and engage with stakeholders on platforms like LinkedIn to build relationships that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current political issues and developments related to HS2 and similar projects. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in the past. Highlight your ability to navigate complex political environments and resolve issues, as these are crucial skills for the Head of Public Affairs role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with HS2's values and leadership framework. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around collaboration, innovation, and diversity, as this will show that you're a good cultural fit for the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Public Affairs (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to the Head of Public Affairs role. Highlight your experience in public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and any relevant political knowledge. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying and how your skills align with the responsibilities of the role. Be sure to mention your experience in managing relationships with political stakeholders and your ability to navigate complex political environments.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide specific examples of your past experiences that relate to the key responsibilities of the role. Discuss any successful public affairs strategies you have developed or implemented, and how they contributed to achieving organisational goals.
Highlight Leadership Skills: Since this is a leadership position, emphasise your leadership experience and ability to manage teams. Discuss how you have previously led public affairs initiatives and supported colleagues in developing their strategic communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at High Speed Two (HS2)
✨Understand the Political Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current pressures facing the UK Government and how they relate to HS2. Being able to discuss these issues intelligently will demonstrate your political awareness and understanding, which is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with a range of stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to build trust and manage relationships, especially in complex political environments, as this is key for the Head of Public Affairs position.
✨Demonstrate Crisis Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience in crisis communications and issues management. Provide specific examples of how you've handled reputational issues or major incidents, as this will be important for leading public affairs responses.
✨Exhibit Strong Communication Skills
Prepare to showcase your excellent written and verbal communication skills. You may be asked to present ideas or strategies during the interview, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.