Interim External Affairs Director

Interim External Affairs Director

Part-Time 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Membership Bespoke

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic public affairs and stakeholder engagement in a pivotal role.
  • Company: Join a leading UK industry association in the energy sector.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, part-time options, and a chance to shape industry direction.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and influential environment.
  • Why this job: Make an immediate impact during a critical period for the energy landscape.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in External Affairs with strong networks and leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

Interim Contract - start early September - ongoing until filled permanently.

Are you a senior External Affairs leader with an established network across the UK energy or infrastructure sector who can step into a high-profile role from day one?

We're recruiting on behalf of a leading UK industry association representing organisations operating across the energy and fuels landscape.

This is a critical interim appointment, providing leadership while the organisation recruits a permanent Director of External Affairs.

The successful candidate will immediately take ownership of strategic public affairs, stakeholder engagement and communications during a pivotal period for both the organisation and the wider sector.

This is not a role for someone looking to learn the sector.

You will already have credibility, relationships and influence across government, regulators and industry, enabling you to make an immediate impact.

The Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will lead the organisation's external affairs strategy, ensuring the sector's voice is effectively represented with government, policymakers, regulators, members and the media.

Key responsibilities include

  • Leading public affairs, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications activity.
  • Acting as the organisation's senior external representative with ministers, civil servants, regulators and industry stakeholders.
  • Building consensus across a diverse membership and representing collective industry positions.
  • Developing and delivering high-impact media and communications strategies.
  • Leading engagement on policy, resilience and sector issues.
  • Managing reputation, issues management and crisis communications where required.
  • Providing leadership to an experienced external affairs team and maintaining oversight of delivery.
  • Supporting the CEO and Executive Team on strategic priorities and organisational leadership.

About You

To succeed in this assignment you will bring

  • Significant experience leading External Affairs, Public Affairs or Corporate Affairs within the energy, fuels, oil & gas, downstream energy, refining, infrastructure or wider industrial sectors.
  • An exceptional network across Whitehall, regulators, trade associations and the wider energy landscape.
  • A track record of influencing government policy and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
  • Experience acting as a senior spokesperson with strong media handling skills.
  • The credibility to engage confidently with CEOs, senior executives, politicians and officials.
  • Previous experience working within, or closely alongside, a trade association, membership body or representative organisation.
  • Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
  • The ability to quickly understand complex technical issues and communicate them clearly to a wide range of audiences.
  • What's on Offer

Interim assignment start early September - ongoing until filled permanently.

  • Part-time applications will be considered
  • Hybrid working with a London office base

Opportunity to lead during a strategically important period for a nationally significant industry.

We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

Due to the high volume of applications, if you have not heard from us within five working days, unfortunately your application has not been successful on this occasion.

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Interim External Affairs Director employer: Membership Bespoke

Membership Bespoke is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Central London. With a strong focus on employee development and a hybrid working model, we provide our team with the flexibility to thrive while enjoying competitive salaries, commission opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. Join us to lead impactful membership growth initiatives and engage with a passionate community, all while being part of a supportive and collaborative culture that values innovation and professional growth.

Membership Bespoke

Contact Details:

Membership Bespoke Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim External Affairs Director

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We think you need these skills to ace Interim External Affairs Director

External Affairs Leadership
Public Affairs Strategy
Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Communications
Government Relations
Media Handling Skills
Influencing Government Policy

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Keep It Professional, But Personal:While we want you to be personable, don’t shy away from a formal tone in your cover letter. Share your motivations and what you hope to learn in this part-time role at Membership Bespoke. It’s a balance of showing who you are while respecting the formal nature of the public sector!

How to prepare for a job interview at Membership Bespoke

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Familiarity with Policy and Regulation

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