Head of Public Affairs

Head of Public Affairs

London Full-Time 78000 - 102000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead public affairs strategy and engage with policymakers to drive positive change.
  • Company: Join Phoenix Group, the UK's largest long-term savings and retirement business.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous salary, 38 days leave, and private medical cover.
  • Why this job: Shape policy dialogue on pensions while working in a supportive, purpose-driven culture.
  • Qualifications: Extensive public affairs experience in financial services and strong political engagement skills required.
  • Other info: Open to part-time and flexible arrangements; we value diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The predicted salary is between 78000 - 102000 £ per year.

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We have an incredible opportunity to join us here at Phoenix Group as Head of Public Affairs to join our Public Affairs team.

Job Type: Permanent

Location: This role could be based in either our London or Edinburgh offices with time spent working in the office and at home.

Flexible working: All of our roles are open to part-time, job-share and other types of flexibility. We will discuss what is important to you and balancing this with business requirements during the recruitment process.

Closing Date: 13/08/2025

Salary and benefits :£90,000 – £110,000 plus an indicative bonus range of 30%-60%, private medical cover, 38 days annual leave, excellent pension, 12x salary life assurance, career breaks, income protection, 3x volunteering days and much more.
Who are we?

We want to be the best place that any of our 6,600 colleagues have ever worked.
We’re the UK’s largest long-term savings and retirement business. We offer a range of products across our market-leading brands, Standard Life, SunLife, Phoenix Life and ReAssure. Around 1 in 5 people in the UK has a pension with us. We’re a FTSE 100 organisation that is tackling key issues such as transitioning our portfolio to net zero by 2050, and we’re not done yet.

The role

As Head of Public Affairs, Long-term Savings, you’ll be instrumental in shaping our voice on the policy stage—advancing dialogue around pensions, savings and advice issues. This is a strategic leadership role focused on engaging with government, industry bodies, and influential stakeholders to champion positive change for customers and the sector.

Key responsibilities:

Lead and evolve Phoenix Group’s long-terms savings public affairs strategy in alignment with purpose-led business goals

Build trusted relationships with policymakers, think tanks, and key opinion leaders

Track and respond to legislative developments affecting financial services and sustainability

Collaborate across teams to integrate public policy perspectives into strategic planning

Represent the Group at roundtables, working groups, and sector coalitions

Advise senior leaders on emerging opportunities and risks in the policy environment

The role has one and a half direct reports at Senior/Public Affairs Manager level.
What are we looking for?

  • Extensive experience in financial services public affairs
  • Experience developing and implementing public affairs strategies
  • Expert knowledge of UK politics
  • A confident advocate used to senior political engagement
  • Experience of people management

We want to hire the whole version of you.

We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels accepted and welcome applicants from all backgrounds. If your experience looks different from what we’ve advertised and you believe that you can bring value to the role, we’d love to hear from you.

If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know so we can help you to be at your best.

Please note that we reserve the right to remove adverts earlier than the advertised closing date. We encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity.

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Head of Public Affairs employer: Phoenix Group Holdings

At Phoenix Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises flexibility and employee well-being. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including 38 days of annual leave, and a commitment to career development, we empower our team members to thrive both personally and professionally. Join us in either our London or Edinburgh office and be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a positive impact in the financial services sector.
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Contact Detail:

Phoenix Group Holdings Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Public Affairs

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the financial services and public affairs sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences to meet key players and learn about current trends. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.

✨Tip Number 2

Stay updated on UK political developments and financial regulations. Follow relevant news sources, subscribe to industry newsletters, and engage in discussions on platforms like LinkedIn. This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨Tip Number 3

Consider reaching out to current or former employees of Phoenix Group to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Head of Public Affairs role. Informational interviews can provide you with a clearer picture and help you tailor your approach.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your experience in developing public affairs strategies and engaging with policymakers. Think of specific examples that highlight your skills and successes in these areas, as they will be crucial during the interview process.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Public Affairs

Public Affairs Strategy Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Policy Analysis
Legislative Tracking
Relationship Building
Political Advocacy
Financial Services Knowledge
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Strategic Planning
Influence and Persuasion
Networking
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Public Affairs position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in financial services public affairs and your knowledge of UK politics.

Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly outline your extensive experience in public affairs, particularly within financial services. Use specific examples to demonstrate your strategic leadership skills and your ability to engage with policymakers and stakeholders.

Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the company. Highlight how your background aligns with Phoenix Group's goals, especially in relation to their commitment to sustainability and long-term savings. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your advocacy skills.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at Phoenix Group Holdings

✨Research the Company and Role

Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research Phoenix Group and understand their mission, values, and recent developments in the financial services sector. Familiarise yourself with their public affairs strategy and how it aligns with their goals.

✨Prepare for Policy Discussions

Given the strategic nature of the Head of Public Affairs role, be ready to discuss current legislative developments affecting financial services and sustainability. Prepare examples of how you have engaged with policymakers and influenced public policy in your previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As this role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Highlight specific instances where you successfully led a team or project, focusing on how you built relationships and fostered collaboration.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the company's future direction, challenges in public affairs, and how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.

Head of Public Affairs
Phoenix Group Holdings
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