Public Affairs Manager (9-12 Month Fixed Term Contract) - London in Edinburgh

Overview of team purpose
The Public Affairs team manages relationships with London Partners’ key strategic stakeholders to create economic growth that is resilient, sustainable and inclusive across London. The team manages the day to day contact with Greater London Authority (GLA) and advises on, and supports the production of, briefings, speeches, and Mayoral bids. It also leads on liaison with the London Assembly including supporting LP attendance at committees. The team develops strong relationships with stakeholders at London Councils, Boroughs, City of London and subregional partnerships. It also carries out policy analysis and engagement with relevant political and civil service stakeholders in government departments, MPs, Select Committees, APPGs and think tanks. The team also leads on being the main point of contact for universities, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), key business stakeholders, and supports them to access London Partners’ services.

Purpose of the role
As Public Affairs Manager, you will lead stakeholder relationships across a defined London sub-region, working closely with borough officers and councillors, MPs, Assembly Members, universities, chambers of commerce and other partners. Acting as a central point of contact for London Partners’ activity in your area, you will ensure consistent messaging, strong communication and effective navigation of our services.

You will build and maintain long-term, trusted relationships with stakeholders, working collaboratively across London Partners to meet shared objectives and deliver high levels of stakeholder satisfaction. Reporting to the Head of Public Affairs, you will also support wider public affairs activity during peak periods, including engagement with the GLA. Each Public Affairs Manager also acts as a link for a specific area of London Partners’ work.

Key Tasks

• Deliver outstanding relationship management to designated areas and stakeholders;
• Build deep relationships and work closely with them to deliver against their and LP’s objectives.
• Develop a strong understanding of stakeholders’ objectives and to identify opportunities for improving LP’s relationships with them and the services we provide.
• Work collaboratively across LP to be a conduit both internally and externally for stakeholders – including trade, investment, tourism and small business support.
• Work with the Head of Public Affairs in shaping the relationships with the political stakeholders in respective areas, and identifying areas for improvement and enhanced engagement.
• Work autonomously, and proactively identify and establish new relationships, while managing and nurturing existing ones.
• Pro-actively manage the relationship with stakeholders through a combination of regular meetings and updates, both in person and online, as appropriate.
• Act as brand ambassador for LP by proactively attending relevant events and networking opportunities.
• Work with the CEO and Management Committee as appropriate to ensure a high level of service to stakeholders and ensure that LP’s Senior Leadership Team are updated as appropriate with relevant information and activity.
• Undertake other reasonable duties as allocated by the Head of Public Affairs.

Support public affairs and government relations activity

• Assist the Head of Public Affairs in analysing relevant policy developments and update London Partners on what it means for the organisation.
• Assist the Head of Public Affairs in management of relationships with all relevant public affairs audiences including London Assembly, Westminster MPs, counterparts across the London policy landscape.
• Support the wider team’s horizon scanning for relevant policy and Ministerial developments and organising political and industry roundtable events.
• Support the preparation for London Assembly Plenary and Committee hearings, including working closely with colleagues in other directorates to ensure London Partners is presented effectively and accurately.

Support wider stakeholder relations activity

• Support the CEO’s engagement across London by aligning their priorities with the CEO’s needs and objectives.
• Support London Partners’ wider work across policy and political engagement, trade associations and civil society to create the optimum environment for the organisation to operate.
• Manage internal coordination with colleagues to ensure a coherent approach.
• Attend business and trade body external events to represent London Partners.

You’ll have/bring

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A background in corporate or public affairs, stakeholder relations and communications
• Experience of engaging with London-wide stakeholders, institutions and individuals.
• Strong working knowledge of all areas of government, ideally, but not necessarily, at a London level.
• Ability to understand complex corporate, business, and policy environments
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships at multiple levels within complex partner organisations
• Excellent writing skills with proven experience of drafting content for varied channels and audiences – both digital and offline inc: web, social media and corporate publications
• Experienced in corporate affairs and/or stakeholder relations activity– mapping, reviewing and analysis
• Confident communication skills, verbal and written (including documents and presentations).
• Able to adjust comfortably to, and remain productive within, the context of ambiguous and fast changing priorities and cultural agendas.
• Wide range of experience using social media,
• Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, SharePoint and CRM packages.

Skills Competencies:

• The ability to work autonomously, take the initiative and lead on projects and programmes of work.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: creates strong working relationships to effectively secure and coordinate input from colleagues across the organisation
• Resourceful and flexible: prioritises multiple tasks and project manages effectively in a fast moving, client-driven environment.
• Accuracy and exceptional attention to detail.
• Team orientated, can do attitude with a focus on providing exceptional client service.
• Organised, self-motivated, enthusiastic and articulate.
• Resourceful and adaptable: able to adapt to changing priorities, manage multiple tasks whilst keeping relevant stakeholders (internal and external) up to speed on progress.

You’ll Get

• Competitive Salary: We value your contributions and ensure you are rewarded accordingly.
• Learning Development Opportunities: Continuous growth is at the heart of our culture, with ample opportunities for professional development.
• Strong Culture of Belonging: We foster an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and supported.
• Various Networks for Staff: Connect with like-minded colleagues through our numerous staff networks.
• Competitive Pension Scheme: Secure your future with our robust pension plan.
• Networking Opportunities: Expand your professional network within your chosen field.
• Geopolitical Insights: Gain unique perspectives on global economic and political trends.
• Hybrid Working Arrangement: Enjoy the flexibility of working both remotely and in-office.
• WorkFlex: Take advantage of opportunities to work abroad and experience different cultures.

Londons diversity is its biggest asset. At London Partners, we aim to ensure our workforce reflects the diversity of the city that we promote. We encourage applications from people of any age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or assignment, faith or disability. We also appreciate that many people require flexibility in their working patterns and encourage you to talk to us at interview about any flexibility you may need, be it full-time, job-share, or part-time.

We encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than the advertised date. This is to ensure our teams can manage application levels while maintaining a positive candidate experience. Once a vacancy has closed, we are unable to consider further applications, so please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.