At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful policy projects on trade and regulation for UK manufacturing.
- Company: Make UK, the leading trade body for the manufacturing and engineering sector.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, health cover, matched pension contributions, and life assurance.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in UK manufacturing and influence government policy.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in trade-related policy and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Make UK is the leading trade body representing the UK’s manufacturing and engineering sector. Together, we champion over 20,000 businesses – from innovative start-ups to world-leading multinationals across manufacturing, engineering, technology, and the wider industrial economy. Our mission is simple: to help British manufacturers compete, innovate, and grow. Through expert advice, essential services, and influential advocacy, we enable businesses to stay safe, compliant, and future-focused.
As Senior Policy Manager, you’ll lead Make UK’s policy work on trade and regulation, driving impactful projects that influence the UK’s industrial and trade policy agenda. Working closely with the Director of International Trade and Business and the wider Policy and Government Affairs teams, you’ll ensure that manufacturers’ voices are heard at the highest levels of government and across the public sphere.
You’ll manage our Trade & Regulation Policy Committee, deliver high-quality research and consultation responses, and represent Make UK in the media, at public events, and in front of policymakers. This is a key role for a confident communicator with deep policy expertise and a passion for supporting UK manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and deliver Make UK’s policy work on trade and regulation, ensuring projects align with our strategic lobbying priorities.
- Produce high-impact policy papers, consultation responses, and thought leadership reports.
- Manage Make UK’s Trade & Regulation Policy Committee and support the new International Trade Policy Committee.
- Conduct proactive horizon scanning to identify emerging issues and opportunities within the trade and regulation landscape.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with government departments, policymakers, and other key stakeholders.
- Represent Make UK externally – in the media, at industry events, and before parliamentary committees.
- Work collaboratively across Make UK to ensure member insight and evidence underpin all policy activity.
- Identify and manage research projects to support Make UK’s wider policy and public affairs goals.
A strategic policy professional with the credibility and confidence to represent UK manufacturing at a senior level. You combine deep understanding of the UK policy process with the ability to deliver tangible outcomes under pressure.
Essential Experience and Skills- Proven experience in a trade-related policy role.
- Strong knowledge of the UK policy-making process, with a track record of influencing outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to design, manage, and deliver complex policy projects.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging government officials and industry leaders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including media and public speaking experience.
- Proactive, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced policy environment.
- Team player with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach.
With over 125 years of experience, Make UK is a leading provider of essential business support and a champion for the manufacturing industry in the UK. Make UK has the close ear of Government and is a trusted provider of essential services for world-leading manufacturing companies across the country. Everything we do is designed to inspire British manufacturers to compete, innovate, and grow.
Make UK staff enjoy a good benefits package and value a diverse workforce, welcoming applications from all sections of the community. Benefits include, but are not limited to: no bank holiday/weekend work, flexible hours, health cover, matched pension contributions up to 8%, and life assurance.
We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans, and military families make to our organisation and have pledged to support this by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Our Values at Make UK: Inclusivity & Diversity, Integrity, Innovation, & Collaboration.
Senior Policy Manager - Trade & Regulation in London employer: Make UK
Make UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Westminster, London, where you can make a real impact on the UK's manufacturing and engineering sectors. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we provide competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and generous benefits including paid volunteering leave, health cover, and matched pension contributions. Our inclusive culture fosters professional growth and collaboration, ensuring that every team member's voice is valued as we champion innovation and support the future of British manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Manager - Trade & Regulation in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Make UK, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Make UK and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Manager - Trade & Regulation in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Make UK and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Make UK
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Make UK, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Make UK.
