At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead external affairs strategy and shape Lancashire's public narrative.
- Company: Join a dynamic council committed to community impact and positive change.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and supportive leadership.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in how Lancashire is perceived and engaged with.
- Qualifications: Experience in external affairs, strong networking, and relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 77833 - 85119 € per year.
Salary £77,833 - £85,119 per annum | Full time | Hybrid working | County Hall, Preston
About The Role
We are looking for an experienced, confident and politically astute Head of External Affairs to lead how we position, influence and represent Lancashire at local, regional and national level. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping the council’s external narrative, managing reputation and profile, and ensuring our engagement with partners, stakeholders, media and opinion‑formers is purposeful, coordinated and focused on impact. You will play a critical role in ensuring Lancashire has a clear, credible and confident voice in key conversations. Reporting to the Director of Communities and Engagement, you will work closely with elected members, the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic advice and leadership on external engagement, influence and reputation management.
It goes without saying that your strong networking and relationship building skills will really stand you in good stead as you represent the Council’s best interests with all our stakeholders. We know you will love the community impact of this role and having the ability to see your work directly improve the quality of life for residents will be a key driver for you.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Lead the development and delivery of an external affairs strategy aligned to the Council Plan, place priorities and major reform agendas.
- Act as the council’s senior professional lead on external positioning, influence and reputation management.
- Shape and own the council’s external narrative—ensuring consistent, credible and compelling messaging about Lancashire’s priorities, achievements and ambitions.
- Advise elected members and senior leaders on high‑profile issues, external risks and opportunities, stakeholder positioning and engagement approaches.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders across local government, central government, public services, business, the voluntary sector and beyond.
- Oversee strategic engagement with regional and national bodies, ensuring our activity is targeted where it adds most value for Lancashire.
- Ensure external engagement activity is coordinated, high‑quality and focused on delivering tangible outcomes rather than being reactive or fragmented.
- Provide senior leadership within the Communities and Engagement directorate, modelling collaborative, confident and inclusive leadership.
Why join us?
We are a county full of strong communities, proud places and big ambitions. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape how Lancashire is seen, heard and be influential at a time of significant change for local government and public services. You will really hone and develop your skills as you work with external partners on strategic developments in a dynamic work environment. Development and practical delivery of creative solutions for positioning the work of the Council publicly in a manner that creates a positive perspective of the organisation delivering for Lancashire. We offer flexible and hybrid working, a supportive senior leadership environment, and the chance to have real impact on the future of our county.
Closing Date: 25/05/2026
Interview Date: 11/06/2026
For questions or to arrange a confidential chat about the role, please contact Clare Coupe, Director of Communities and Engagement.
Head of External Affairs in Banks employer: Lancashire County Council
Join us at Lancashire County Council, where we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to make a meaningful impact in the community. As the Head of External Affairs, you will benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements, professional development opportunities, and the chance to shape the narrative of our vibrant county during a pivotal time for local governance. With strong support from senior leadership and a commitment to innovative solutions, your role will not only enhance your career but also contribute significantly to the quality of life for residents across Lancashire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of External Affairs in Banks
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its current projects. Understand their goals and challenges, especially in relation to external affairs. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly articulate how your skills and experiences align with the role of Head of External Affairs. Keep it concise and compelling, focusing on how you can contribute to shaping Lancashire’s narrative.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of External Affairs in Banks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your application to resonate with the values and goals of the council. Show us that you get what Lancashire is all about!
Craft a Compelling Narrative:Your application should tell a story. Highlight your experiences and achievements in a way that aligns with the role's responsibilities. We want to see how your journey has prepared you to shape and own the council’s external narrative.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep it straightforward! Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the point, especially when discussing your strategic advice and leadership skills.
Show Your Passion for Community Impact:Let your enthusiasm shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in your previous roles. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about improving the quality of life for residents in Lancashire.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Know Your Narrative
Before the interview, make sure you can articulate a clear and compelling narrative about Lancashire’s priorities and achievements. Think about how you would position the council's message and what key points you want to highlight that align with the role of Head of External Affairs.
✨Build Your Relationships
Since this role involves significant networking, prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to engaging with various partners, from local government to the voluntary sector, and how you can leverage these connections for Lancashire.
✨Stay Politically Astute
Brush up on current political issues affecting local government and public services. Being politically astute is crucial for this role, so be prepared to discuss how you would navigate these challenges and opportunities in your strategy for external affairs.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
This position requires strong leadership within the Communities and Engagement directorate. Think of specific instances where you've modelled collaborative and inclusive leadership. Be ready to share how you would lead a team to deliver high-quality external engagement that drives tangible outcomes.
