At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategy and communications for the Scotch Whisky Association, engaging with key political stakeholders.
- Company: Join a prestigious association representing Scotland's iconic whisky industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, private medical insurance, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Hybrid working with a focus on collaboration and inclusion.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Scotland's largest food and drink export in a high-profile role.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in public affairs, exceptional relationship-building, and strategic thinking skills.
The predicted salary is between 89548 - 89548 £ per year.
Location: London (Westminster) – Hybrid, with a strong on-site presence aligned to parliamentary business.
Salary: £89,548 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week (full-time)
The Role
We are seeking an outstanding Deputy Director of Strategy and Communications to join the Scotch Whisky Association at a pivotal moment for the industry. Reporting to the Director of Strategy and Communications, this is a high-profile role at the centre of our engagement with SWA member companies and political stakeholders. You will help shape and deliver our strategy and communications activity, building influential relationships across Westminster, Whitehall, and the devolved administrations. Working across the political spectrum, you will ensure our members’ priorities are clearly understood and effectively represented.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver SWA’s political engagement strategy, positioning the Scotch Whisky industry with senior stakeholders across Government and Parliament.
- Build and maintain influential relationships with Ministers, officials, Special Advisers, and other key stakeholders across the UK and devolved administrations, supporting SWA’s ability to influence policy and public debate.
- Manage, motivate, and develop a high-performing team, ensuring effective knowledge-sharing and supporting the development of junior colleagues.
- Anticipate and manage political and reputational risks, advising the Director, CEO, senior colleagues, and member companies on implications, options, and recommended actions.
- Foster strong collaboration across SWA and member companies, drawing on internal and external expertise to advance political engagement priorities and deliver shared objectives.
- Work closely with communications colleagues to align political engagement with external messaging, ensuring clear and consistent positioning.
About You
- Significant senior experience in public affairs and government relations, ideally in a complex and politically sensitive environment.
- Proven track record of shaping and delivering high-profile political engagement, with responsibility for strategy, messaging, and delivery.
- Sophisticated understanding of UK government, Parliament, and the wider political and economic context, and how industry engages effectively on key issues.
- Exceptional relationship-builder, able to cultivate and sustain senior-level contacts across politics, industry, and stakeholder organisations.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term positioning with responsive, tactical interventions.
- Strong judgement under pressure, including experience advising senior leaders on political and reputational risk.
- Line management experience, including managing budgets and resources.
- Demonstrable experience translating complex policy issues into clear, persuasive narratives for diverse audiences.
- Experience of membership organisations is useful but not essential.
How we work
Inclusion matters to us. We operate hybrid working and flexitime, and we welcome open conversations about what works best for you. This is a London-based role, and you will be expected to spend substantial time in our Westminster office. Due to the nature of this role, there is also a requirement for regular in-person working aligned to parliamentary business, including engagement in London and Scotland. This may involve periods of increased travel and a higher level of on-site attendance than is typical for some other roles.
What’s on offer
The opportunity to shape and deliver a high-profile agenda for one of Scotland’s most iconic industries which is the UK’s largest food and drink export. Competitive salary and benefits, including:
- Employer pension contributions up to 15%
- Private medical insurance (subject to eligibility/qualifying period)
- Life assurance
- Group income protection.
- Monthly wellbeing allowance
- Wellbeing initiatives, plus engagement and activity days throughout the year
- CPD days and professional development opportunities
- Cycle to Work scheme.
How to apply
Please email the following documents to . Please attach each document as a separate file in Microsoft Word format; applications will be redacted in line with our recruitment procedures.
- Your CV
- A one-page covering letter outlining your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification (maximum 500 words)
Closing date: 5:00pm, Thursday 29 January 2026. We anticipate a high volume of applications and may close early; if so, we will not close applications before 12:00pm, Friday 23 January.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all. We want every colleague to feel included, valued, and respected. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, and we particularly encourage applications from groups that are under‑represented in our organisation and in the wider sector. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Deputy Director, Strategy and Communications in England employer: SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION
The Scotch Whisky Association is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Westminster, where you can influence one of Scotland's most iconic industries. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, competitive benefits including generous pension contributions and private medical insurance, and a culture that values inclusion and professional development, this role provides a unique opportunity to grow while making a meaningful impact on policy and public debate.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, Strategy and Communications in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its current challenges. Understand their strategy and communications needs, especially in relation to political engagement. This will help you tailor your responses and show you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the role of Deputy Director. Highlight your relationship-building skills and strategic thinking. A confident delivery can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can reinforce your interest and keep you top of mind. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and professional, which is always a plus in any industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, Strategy and Communications in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Deputy Director, Strategy and Communications. Highlight your relevant experience in public affairs and government relations, and don’t forget to showcase your relationship-building skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Keep it concise and focused on why you’re the perfect fit for this high-profile role.
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking:In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your strategic thinking abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully shaped and delivered political engagement strategies in the past, especially in complex environments.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully, and remember to attach your documents as separate files in Microsoft Word format!
How to prepare for a job interview at SCOTCH WHISKY ASSOCIATION
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key stakeholders in the Scotch Whisky Association and their roles within government and parliament. Understanding who you’ll be engaging with will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their needs and priorities.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've developed and delivered political engagement strategies in the past. Highlight your ability to balance long-term goals with immediate tactical responses, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Be ready to share stories that illustrate your exceptional relationship-building abilities. Discuss how you've cultivated and maintained influential contacts across politics and industry, as this will be key to succeeding in the Deputy Director role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about managing political and reputational risks. Think of scenarios where you've advised senior leaders on complex issues, and be prepared to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your recommendations.
