Public Affairs Executive

Public Affairs Executive

Full-Time 28000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support public affairs and stakeholder relations for the food and drink sector.
  • Company: Join the Food and Drink Federation, a key player in UK manufacturing.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in politics and communications while engaging with industry leaders.
  • Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in corporate affairs or politics preferred.
  • Other info: Flexible working in a vibrant office with a focus on health and wellbeing.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 40000 £ per year.

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Central London (Bloomsbury)

Salary: £33.5k with excellent benefits including 25 days holiday, private healthcare, leisure travel insurance, health & wellbeing allowance, interest-free season ticket loan and cycle-to-work scheme

Hours: 35 hours per week; hybrid working (2-3 days in the office per week)

We are looking for an enthusiastic Public Affairs Executive to join the busy Corporate Affairs team at the Food and Drink Federation, the representative body for the UK’s largest and most vibrant manufacturing sector. This role is ideal for someone passionate about politics, communications and industry engagement. As the sector faces new challenges and opportunities, you will play a vital role in supporting FDF’s public affairs, campaigns and stakeholder relations strategy. You will help ensure that FDF’s priorities are clearly communicated to policymakers, members and wider stakeholders.

Key responsibilities:

  • Track political developments affecting food and drink manufacturing and provide timely analysis and advice to colleagues and member companies
  • Compile regular political and parliamentary updates for FDF colleagues and members
  • Identify opportunities to promote FDF's policy positions to political stakeholders
  • Assist in delivering FDF’s public affairs engagement activities, including site visits, parliamentary questions and ad-hoc engagement
  • Draft briefings, correspondence and stakeholder communications for senior leaders, Parliamentarians and key contacts
  • Identify proactive opportunities for FDF representation at public events and meetings
  • Maintain an accurate stakeholder management database
  • Support development and updating of FDF messaging
  • Provide support on specific policy areas and campaigns as required
  • Support FDF’s work as Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Food and Drink Manufacturing, coordinating meetings and associated activity
  • Assist in planning and delivering FDF events, including the annual Parliamentary Reception, commercial events, party conferences and other ad-hoc events
  • Provide support on other duties required by the Public Affairs Manager

Requirements:

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
  • Experience of working in a corporate affairs or political environment, ideally within the food and drink sector
  • Ability to work at pace in a political and media environment
  • Excellent understanding of UK politics and Westminster parliamentary processes
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Diplomatic, persuasive communicator with strong relationship-building abilities
  • Able to handle confidential information sensitively
  • Proactive, creative approach to challenges

Our Workplace:

We’re based in the heart of central London in a modern, bright open-plan office. We have a friendly work culture with great break-out spaces, quiet booths and opportunities for flexible-working. Our ‘Feel Good for Life’ team regularly organises events and activities to promote positive health and wellbeing.

To apply: Please send us your CV and cover by Tuesday 17th February 2026, 4pm. Only successful applicants will be contacted.

Equal Opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments for disabilities or medical conditions.

Public Affairs Executive employer: The Food and Drink Federation

The Food and Drink Federation is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant heart of Central London, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide excellent benefits such as 25 days of holiday, private healthcare, and a health & wellbeing allowance, alongside opportunities for professional growth within the public affairs sector. Our inclusive culture encourages creativity and engagement, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the food and drink industry.
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Contact Detail:

The Food and Drink Federation Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Executive

✨Network Like a Pro

Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

✨Ace the Informal Chat

If you get the chance for an informal chat or coffee with someone from the company, take it! This is your moment to shine and show your passion for public affairs. We want to see your personality and how you’d fit into the team.

✨Show Off Your Skills

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience in public affairs or related fields. We love hearing about how you’ve tackled challenges and made an impact. Bring those stories to life and make them memorable!

✨Follow Up Like a Boss

After any interview or networking event, send a quick thank-you note. It shows you’re polite and genuinely interested. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make decisions. We appreciate a good follow-up!

We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Executive

Political Analysis
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Relationship-Building
Event Planning
Written Communication
Verbal Communication
Understanding of UK Politics
Parliamentary Processes
Confidentiality Management
Proactive Problem-Solving
Creative Thinking
Corporate Affairs Experience
Food and Drink Sector Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Public Affairs Executive role. Highlight any relevant experience in corporate affairs or political environments, especially if it relates to the food and drink sector. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for politics and communications. Let us know why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our team at the Food and Drink Federation.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since exceptional written communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of errors. We appreciate a well-structured application that reflects your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Food and Drink Federation

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on current political developments, especially those affecting the food and drink sector. Familiarise yourself with the Food and Drink Federation's priorities and recent campaigns. This will show your passion for the role and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Public Affairs Executive, strong communication is key. Prepare to demonstrate your exceptional written and verbal skills by discussing past experiences where you successfully communicated complex ideas. You might even want to bring along examples of briefings or correspondence you've drafted.

✨Be Proactive and Creative

Think about how you can contribute to the FDF’s public affairs strategy. Come prepared with ideas on how to promote their policy positions or engage with stakeholders. This proactive approach will highlight your creativity and enthusiasm for the role.

✨Build Rapport

During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Use your diplomatic skills to engage them in conversation, ask insightful questions about the team and their work, and show genuine interest in their initiatives. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can build strong relationships.

Public Affairs Executive
The Food and Drink Federation
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