Head of Economic Strategy

This senior leadership role requires a strong economic policy leader and relationship builder to collaborate with key teams in UK Private Capital (including public affairs, communications, policy, research, events) to support the strategic engagement on economic issues that UK Private Capital undertakes on behalf of the industry. This is a rare opportunity to shape how one of the UK’s most dynamic industries, private capital, contributes to national economic policy and growth.

The role offers the chance to define the narrative for an entire sector at a pivotal moment for UK growth strategy. This person will be pivotal in integrating the UK Private Capital’s data, policy and advocacy into a coherent economic narrative that shapes national debate, working closely with the leadership of the organisation to do so.

The role is primarily focussed on building knowledge and expertise within UK Private Capital and the wider policy making community about the areas where active private capital investment can help to deliver on the UK Government’s growth mission. Examples include UK Private Capital “Investing in a better economy” report, and the UK Private Capital investment policy forum.

The role requires engagement with a broad range of external stakeholders including members, policymakers, industry groups, think tanks and the economics and business community to represent, establish and promote the private capital industry as an important part of an industrial strategy.

As a member of the UK Private Capital Senior Leadership team and an economic policy expert, you will speak at UK Private Capital external events, as well as participate in meetings with experienced/senior industry professionals and external stakeholders. You will work closely with the executive directors of UK Private Capital, in particular the Chief Executive, Director of External Affairs and Co-Directors of Policy.

You will thrive in a dynamic team environment, where you can deliver individually as well as through and with others. A proactive self-starter with a strong work ethic is critical who is able to inspire team members to work in the same way is critical to the success of this role.

Responsibilities include:

• Bridge the gap between data, policy and advocacy, ensuring UK Private Capital's research insights translate into actionable narratives and public positions that influence debate.
• Alongside UK Private Capital’s Director of External Affairs, develop and implement UK Private Capital’s engagement with UK economic policy debates by working with different teams within UK Private Capital (including public affairs, communications, policy, research and events) as well as with UK Private Capital’s membership.
• Shape and deliver a coherent strategy and projects/initiatives that support UK Private Capital’s participation in the UK’s economic policy debates and enhance UK Private Capital’s voice in a rapidly evolving and complex environment.
• Develop and share credible, engaging, timely and relevant economic thought leadership content using third party data and analysis, emerging economic trends and policy thought, and in house data and member feedback.
• Manage the Economic Strategy Manager to ensure they are coached and developed to understand a broad range of issues relating to the economic environment and relevance to the Private Capital industry.
• Identify and support stretching development opportunities for them that deliver opportunities to showcase and develop the industry representation.
• Engage UK Private Capital membership and UK Private Capital groups/committees alongside the policy team, and survey data working with the Head of Research and team, to understand the investment activity of UK Private Capital membership and the barriers and opportunities they see investing in UK businesses.

UK Private Capital Economic strategy objectives:

• The appointed candidate will be able to measure their success in the role by key metrics based on UK Private Capital senior level representation in national economic and industrial-policy discussions.
• Integrated messaging and outputs across research, public affairs, policy and communications.
• Strong collaboration across directorates.
• Establish the role of UK Private Capital in UK debates on productivity, employment, regional economic development, AI/tech adoption, life sciences, defence and the net zero transition.
• Share insights from the investment activity of UK Private Capital members to shape debate and policymaking in key growth sectors of the economy such as technology, AI, life sciences, defence, net zero.
• Showcase case studies and the impact of investment through our events, research, publications and awards.
• Develop a good understanding of the key UK and international economic trends and debates relevant to the UK private capital industry.
• Develop senior networks of economist, economic policy, and sectoral experts in key areas of UK economic debate on behalf of UK Private Capital to integrate the Private Capital industry in the wider thought leadership space.
• Deliver high quality, impactful web, social media and member communications on these themes.

Experience required:

• Experienced economic policy professional with at least 10 to 15 years’ experience working in high profile roles providing economic, political and strategic insight to senior stakeholders and for use in policy and media environments.
• Excellent knowledge of economic trends including sectoral dynamics and industrial policy and UK economic policy debates over the years and an ability to quickly digest and respond to new policy, regulatory and trade developments.
• Ability to undertake insightful analysis and translate that into thought leadership to shape high profile public interventions as well as inputting into new policies.
• Exposure to public affairs or political communication.
• Experience of managing to coach and develop other team members.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills: the ability to build relationships, understand industry issues, articulate these, empathise with all parties and articulate strong perspectives on behalf of the industry.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate and liaise with senior executives from our member firms and senior policy makers and media on a wide range of economic issues such as climate, diversity & inclusion and corporate governance.
• Experience of leading strategic initiatives with strong project management skills and the ability to work to multiple deadlines simultaneously.
• Collaborative and consultative approach.

Why come work for UK Private Capital?

• Be part of the leading trade body for the private capital industry in the UK, supporting the growth of the industry and deepening the understanding of external stakeholders to the benefit of the industry.
• Experience a friendly, engaged, and passionate work environment (with regular social activities) with a supportive culture.
• A competitive salary, reflecting the technical requirements and seniority of the role, and a performance-related discretionary bonus.
• Enjoy important benefits: 25 days holiday in addition to Bank Holidays; a 10% non-contributory pension; non-contractual day off for your birthday.
• Life and medical benefits: life assurance (4 times salary); private medical Insurance for you*; health cash plan*; critical Illness and income protection insurance*; employee Assistance Programme – includes Mental Health support, Virtual GP, Nutrition advice and Financial wellbeing.
• Other benefits: interest free season ticket loan; corporate discounts; reimbursement of up to 2 relevant professional institutes; generous support for professional and personal development, Cycle to Work Scheme.

UK Private Capital supports an environment that is based on merit and inclusiveness, where all employees can develop their full potential, irrespective of their race, gender, marital status, age, disability, religious belief, political opinion or sexual orientation.