At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead stakeholder engagement for major infrastructure programmes and navigate complex planning processes.
- Company: Join a leading organisation driving significant capital investment in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with accountability and the opportunity to influence public and political outcomes.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure while working with senior leaders and diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in stakeholder engagement, statutory planning, and leading high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior stakeholder leadership role overseeing some of the most complex, high-profile infrastructure programmes currently in development in the UK. The organisation is delivering a substantial capital investment portfolio, including several nationally significant schemes progressing through statutory planning and consent processes. These programmes attract intense public, political and regulatory scrutiny and require confident, credible leadership to navigate them successfully.
The role sits within a central corporate function but is embedded within programme delivery, operating at the heart of a complex matrix environment. You will be a trusted adviser to programme leadership, bringing clarity, judgement and authority to stakeholder, planning and reputational challenges as schemes move from early development through consent and beyond.
You will own and lead the statutory stakeholder and engagement strategy across multiple major infrastructure programmes, including those progressing via Development Consent Order and Town & Country Planning routes. This is a senior role with real accountability. You will shape engagement approaches from early options, through consultation, application, examination and determination, ensuring strategies stand up to scrutiny and support successful planning outcomes.
Alongside this, you will:
- Act as a senior strategic adviser to programme and executive leadership on stakeholder risk, political dynamics and reputational issues
- Provide assurance on engagement activity, evidence trails and governance during high-risk phases such as public consultation and examination
- Lead negotiations and relationships with regulators, statutory bodies, local authorities, political stakeholders and communities
- Anticipate emerging risks, sentiment and opposition, recommending mitigation strategies to protect programme momentum and reputation
- Set programme-wide standards and frameworks for stakeholder engagement and consultation
You will also lead and develop a high-performing team, building capability, setting clear expectations and fostering a culture of transparency, accountability and continuous improvement. This role will appeal to someone who is already operating at a senior level and is motivated by complexity, scrutiny and impact.
You are likely to come from a background that combines elements of:
- Statutory planning, consent or regulatory environments
- Public affairs, policy, stakeholder or communications leadership
- First-hand experience of working through complex planning or consent processes and influencing outcomes in contested environments.
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Proven experience leading stakeholder and engagement strategy for large, complex infrastructure programmes
- Deep understanding of statutory consultation, planning and examination environments, including DCO or equivalent processes
- Credibility and confidence operating with senior leaders, regulators, politicians and external partners
- Experience advising programme boards or executive teams on stakeholder risk and reputational management
- Strong leadership capability, with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams in matrix organisations
- An enterprise mindset, able to balance programme delivery, public interest, and long-term organisational reputation
- Experience that spans both stakeholder engagement and public affairs or policy is particularly attractive.
Stakeholder Engagement Lead in Cambridge employer: Murray McIntosh
As a leading organisation in the UK infrastructure sector, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to engage with high-profile projects that make a real impact on communities. Join us in a dynamic environment where your expertise in stakeholder engagement will be valued and where you can contribute to shaping the future of our nation's infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Stakeholder Engagement Lead in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their stakeholder engagement strategies and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested and knowledgeable.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience and how it relates to the role of Stakeholder Engagement Lead. Focus on your leadership skills and how you've successfully navigated complex environments in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Stakeholder Engagement Lead in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement and complex infrastructure programmes. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and navigating complex environments. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership capabilities and any experience you have in building high-performing teams. We love to see examples of how you've fostered a culture of transparency and accountability.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key! Make sure your points are easy to understand and directly address the requirements outlined in the job description. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Murray McIntosh
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key stakeholders involved in the organisation's infrastructure programmes. Understand their interests, concerns, and how they influence decision-making. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge of stakeholder dynamics and show that you're ready to engage effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led stakeholder engagement strategies or navigated complex planning processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've built high-performing teams in matrix environments. Share instances where you've fostered a culture of transparency and accountability, as this aligns with the role's requirements and shows you can lead effectively.
✨Anticipate Challenges
Think about potential risks and challenges that might arise in stakeholder engagement for large infrastructure projects. Prepare to discuss how you would mitigate these risks and maintain momentum, showcasing your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
