At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy development to transform careers education for young people.
- Company: Join the Careers & Enterprise Company, a mission-driven organisation in Central London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and career education.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's futures through innovative policy work.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 56500 - 58500 £ per year.
Reporting to: Associate Director, Policy and Impact
Location: Central London / Hybrid working (twice a week in the office)
Salary Range: £56,500 - £58,500
Length of Contract: 12 Months
We are the national body for careers education in England, delivering support to schools and colleges to deliver modern, 21st century careers education. The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) is a great place to work. We operate within a fast-paced and collaborative environment. We are brought together by one thing: our passion to ensure young people get the best possible start in life and are supported to find their best next step.
Do you want to be part of a mission-driven team focused on transforming young people’s lives? If so, we’d love to hear from you!
Role Summary
The relationship between careers education and broader education, skills and socio-economic policy remains vitally important. The Senior Policy Manager will report to the Associate Director, Policy and Impact and play a key role in:
- Leading and contributing to policy and strategy that support CEC’s strategic objective to influence on behalf of careers education to help every young person find their best next step.
- Influencing CEC’s policy response to government priorities related to CEC’s agenda including in education reform, NEET prevention, raising awareness and supporting take-up of vocational and technical options, and supporting young people with additional needs.
The post holder will:
- Bring together evidence from a range of sources and turn complex information into clear, structured advice and options to create evidence-based policy positions.
- Offer knowledge and experience of areas related to CEC’s work, including intersection with education, skills and youth employment.
- Be a highly effective writer with experience of leading on high impact reports and responses to inquiries and consultations.
- Confidently develop strong, supportive relationships with Whitehall policy makers and peers across the sector.
- Help connect policy development to corporate affairs and strategic communications to ensure that CEC can amplify great practice and insight to drive impact for young people.
The post sits within the Policy & Impact team as part of CEC’s Strategy & Communications directorate.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support CEC representation at senior levels externally.
- Develop CEC’s policy and impact positions, ensuring accuracy and fair representation of progress and opportunities within the careers system, with a focus on:
- Evidence – Filling evidence gaps and understanding of what works, working closely with impact and insight colleagues to analyse and present evidence.
- Influence – Shaping coherent, innovative, high quality and connected solutions to government priorities which amplify and embed the infrastructure and role of CEC.
- Proactive coordination – Leading internal and external efforts to identify opportunities and connect programmes and projects to amplify CEC’s mission, for example on NEET prevention or skills pipelines.
Essential Criteria:
- Demonstrable skills at converting policy to impact including proven experience of working on strategic implementation of skills policy and good practice in education engagement.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including building effective relationships and excellent writing skills.
- Sound programme and project management skills: proactive, organised and able to run effective policy development processes, with clear outcomes.
TO APPLY: Please complete the online application form, on our website, including a copy of your most recent CV, removing any personal details (i.e. name, DOB, address) and a report or publication you have led on, highlighting how you used evidence to inform policy.
For more information and to apply, visit our website via the ‘apply’ button. Closing date: 28th June 2026.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CLOSE THIS ADVERT EARLY SHOULD WE RECEIVE SUITABLE APPLICATIONS.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
At the Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) we are committed to fostering a culture of belonging. We know that engagement at work relies on feeling included and valued. Inclusion is both a choice and a practice, for us as an organisation and for individuals within our team. We aim to drive inclusion through every aspect of our work and we understand that diverse teams are essential for innovative careers education and are central to our mission and impact. CEC values the visible and invisible qualities that makes each member of our team who they are. We are a disability confident employer and if you need any help or support through the application process, please contact the HR team and details can be found on our website.
Senior Policy Manager employer: The Careers and Enterprise Company
The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in the heart of Central London. With a strong commitment to employee growth and inclusion, CEC provides opportunities for meaningful impact in the lives of young people while fostering a culture that values diversity and belonging. Enjoy the benefits of hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to contribute to vital policy development that shapes the future of careers education.
Contact Details:
The Careers and Enterprise Company Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Manager
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like The Careers and Enterprise Company, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like The Careers and Enterprise Company and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Manager
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.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for The Careers and Enterprise Company and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Careers and Enterprise Company
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with The Careers and Enterprise Company, 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.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
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!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for The Careers and Enterprise Company.
