At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy and communications to shape transport impact for millions.
- Company: Transport Focus, the independent watchdog for transport users in Britain.
- Benefits: Up to £86,000 salary, 30 days leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a mission-led team in a collaborative environment with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a visible national impact and influence transport policy at a pivotal time.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in policy or public affairs with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 86000 - 86000 £ per year.
Transport Focus is the independent watchdog representing the voice of transport users across Britain. At a pivotal moment of reform and growth, we are strengthening our leadership team to drive greater influence, visibility, and impact across the sector. This is a high-profile, newly created Deputy Director role, offering the opportunity to sit at the intersection of policy, communications, and public affairs - and play a leading role in the launch of a strengthened national watchdog.
Why this role stands out
- Visible national impact - Shape how transport policy affects millions of passengers and road users
- New function to shape - Bring together policy and communications into a cohesive external affairs capability
- High-profile stakeholder engagement - Influence government, regulators, industry, and media
- Watchdog launch leadership - Play a central role in building credibility and public trust ahead of April roll out
- Exceptional benefits - 30 days leave + Civil Service pension (~28.9% employer contribution)
- Growth environment - Join an organisation doubling in size with strong internal culture and retention
The opportunity
Reporting to the Director of Strategy, Insight & External Affairs, you will lead a critical function that ensures policy, insight, and communications are aligned to deliver real impact. You will:
- Lead a high-performing policy, external affairs and communications division to drive measurable outcomes
- Translate policy positions into clear, compelling narratives that resonate externally
- Build a strong public affairs capability, increasing influence with political, media, and industry stakeholders
- Support the organisation's next phase of growth, including the launch of an enhanced transport watchdog
- Ensure that insight and evidence underpin all external engagement and positioning
What you'll bring
We're looking for a strategic leader with a hybrid mindset - someone who can bridge policy development and external influence. You will offer:
- Senior experience in policy, public affairs, or strategic communications (with ability to span both)
- A track record of influencing senior stakeholders across government, regulators, or industry
- Strong political awareness and experience operating in complex, publicly accountable environments
- Proven leadership of teams and the ability to deliver through others at scale
- The judgement to navigate high-profile, sensitive issues and balance competing interests
Transport experience is not essential; what matters is your ability to apply insight, influence effectively, and operate at senior level in complex, regulated systems.
About the team and environment
You will lead an established team across policy and communications, working in close partnership with insight and data colleagues to ensure a seamless link between evidence, strategy, and external delivery. Transport Focus offers a highly collaborative, mission-led culture, with strong engagement scores and a clear focus on delivering public value.
Additional and Application Information
This role will be based at either their London or Manchester Office, 2 days a week (hybrid). Salary is up to £86,000pa with 28.9% civil service pension. Application deadline is 23:59, Sunday 21st June. No cover letter required, but please ensure all relevant experience is highlighted on your CV. Full UK right to work required. Sponsorship not available.
Our commitments to diversity and inclusion
Transport Focus is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people and communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Murray McIntosh is proud to be an equal opportunities employer on behalf of their clients. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.
Deputy Director, External Affairs in London employer: Murray McIntosh
Transport Focus is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to influence transport policy and engage with high-profile stakeholders in a mission-driven environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative culture, and generous benefits including 30 days of leave and a substantial civil service pension, this role provides a meaningful platform for making a national impact while working in either London or Manchester. Join us as we expand our team and strengthen our role as the voice of transport users across Britain.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, External Affairs in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, External Affairs 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.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Murray McIntosh
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Before your interview with Murray McIntosh, 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.
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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!
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