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 UK political knowledge required.
- Other info: Open to diverse backgrounds; adjustments available for the recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Job Description
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.You can read more about Phoenix Flex here.
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.
Find out more about #LifeAtPhoenix
- Guide for Candidates: thephoenixgroup.pagetiger.com/guideforcandidates
- Find or get answers from our colleagues:
#LI-CN1 #LI-HYBRID
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Public Affairs employer: Phoenix Group
Contact Detail:
Phoenix Group 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, or conferences where you can meet key stakeholders and policymakers. Building these connections can give you insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current legislative developments and trends in UK politics, especially those affecting financial services. This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your commitment and expertise in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of Phoenix Group via LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Head of Public Affairs role, which can help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in developing public affairs strategies and managing teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior political figures and influenced policy changes in your previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Public Affairs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Public Affairs position. Understand the key responsibilities and required experience, as this will help you tailor your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in financial services public affairs. Emphasise your strategic leadership skills and any previous roles that involved engaging with policymakers or managing teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for public affairs and your understanding of the financial services sector. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully influenced policy or built relationships with key stakeholders.
Highlight Your Advocacy Skills: In your application, be sure to demonstrate your confidence in political engagement. Provide examples of past experiences where you effectively advocated for change or represented an organisation in high-stakes discussions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Phoenix Group
✨Research the Company and Its Values
Before your interview, take the time to understand Phoenix Group's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Familiarise yourself with their approach to long-term savings and sustainability, as this will help you align your answers 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 in financial services. Think about how these issues impact the industry and be prepared to share your insights on potential opportunities and risks.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
This role requires building trusted relationships with policymakers and stakeholders. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with senior political figures or industry leaders to demonstrate your capability in this area.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
As you'll be managing a small team, be sure to discuss your experience in people management. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, developed talent, and fostered collaboration to achieve strategic objectives.