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- Tasks: Shape External Affairs strategy and oversee team operations while engaging with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join KPMG, a leading firm known for its influence in public policy and corporate affairs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for networking with influential leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on policy and growth strategies while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of business, politics, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and significant career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Permanent position available in all locations.
What you'll do:
- Overall: Shape the overall External Affairs strategy, working closely with the Head of External Affairs to agree priority issues to focus on each year. Deputise at Director level on the Corporate Affairs and Marketing leadership team and wider CAM activity where required. Play a leading role in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the wider team, and line-manage junior colleagues.
- External engagement: Build a network of external stakeholders supportive of KPMG's priority issues relating to growth, including with MPs, special advisers and government officials. Represent the firm at roundtables and events to promote KPMG priorities and public policy thought leadership, and share intelligence internally to further strengthen our insights for clients. Oversee KPMG's memberships with key trade bodies and think tanks and actively participate in their activities to facilitate commercial opportunities with potential clients.
- Political insight and analysis: Develop the firm's political insights function to help strengthen client conversations on political and policy developments. Provide timely and concise political updates to KPMG colleagues across the firm - both in person and via email - to ensure our advice to clients is consistent. Create a wide range of insight materials to help client-facing staff maximise commercial opportunities relating to political change, building on existing tools (including the Policy Outlook). Work with our macroeconomics and tax teams to analyse the impact of government announcements for clients, including the Budget and wider fiscal events. Attend meetings across the firm to provide advice on political engagement and the impact of policy proposals on specific types of clients.
- Advice to senior leadership: Provide updates to senior leadership on political developments and their impact on KPMG as a firm - including through face-to-face updates at relevant Steer Co's and regular calls. Assess the impact of proposed policy changes on KPMG's operations and recommend potential contingency measures to senior leadership. Brief senior leadership in person ahead of major KPMG events and keynote speeches on policy issues, including in relation to growth. Provide political consultancy support for local Office Senior Partners to enhance their regional client engagements. Establish political assumptions to support internal scenario planning - for example on the future relationship with the EU, and the rise of populist parties - and participate in relevant internal workshops. Assess thought leadership from senior colleagues across the firm for wider political risks.
- Growth strategy: Oversee External Affairs' strategy for 'growth', with a focus on priority policy issues affecting our clients. Promote KPMG's latest thinking on growth policy with key decision makers across Westminster and Whitehall to increase the firm's policy influence. Engage with MPs on KPMG's policy priorities on growth to amplify our voice, including via one-to-one meetings, and facilitate introductions with senior leadership.
What You'll Bring:
- A deep understanding of business, politics, policy-making and current affairs.
- Sound judgement and a good grasp of risks.
- The ability to lead and develop other members of the team.
- A relevant senior personal network and the ability to represent the firm in external meetings and events.
- A curious outlook, a sharp intellect, first class communications skills and a strategic mindset.
- Strong interpersonal and presentation skills; ability to display tact and diplomacy and work across different teams.
- An entrepreneurial spirit, with the flexibility to pick up new projects as they arise.
- Willingness to conduct occasional travel across the UK.
Deputy Head of External Affairs employer: KPMG United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
KPMG United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of External Affairs
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and start building connections! Attend industry events, roundtables, and seminars where you can meet key players in external affairs. Remember, it’s all about who you know, so don’t be shy – introduce yourself and make those valuable contacts.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to speak or present, make it count! Share your insights on political developments and how they impact businesses. This not only showcases your knowledge but also positions you as a thought leader in the field, which is super attractive to potential employers.
✨Stay Informed and Engaged
Keep up with the latest political news and trends that affect your industry. Being well-informed allows you to engage in meaningful conversations and demonstrate your understanding of the landscape. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Deputy Head of External Affairs role! We love seeing candidates who are enthusiastic about joining us and who take the time to follow our application process. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of External Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Deputy Head of External Affairs role. Highlight your experience in external engagement and political insight, as these are key areas we’re focusing on.
Showcase Your Network: We want to see your connections! Mention any relevant stakeholders or networks you’ve built in the political or business landscape. This will demonstrate your ability to represent us effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to convey your thoughts, especially when discussing complex political insights. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at KPMG United Kingdom
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of KPMG's External Affairs strategy and the key political issues affecting the firm. Brush up on recent developments in business and politics, as well as KPMG's priorities. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since building relationships with external stakeholders is crucial for this role, think about how you can showcase your networking skills during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with MPs or other influential figures in the past. This will highlight your ability to represent KPMG effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Deputy Head, you'll be expected to lead and develop junior colleagues. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide specific examples of how you've managed teams or projects. Highlight any experience you have in mentoring or coaching others, as this will demonstrate your capability to take on this responsibility.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with thoughtful questions about KPMG's approach to external affairs and how they navigate political challenges. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your values and career goals.