Associate Director

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Public Affairs Practitioner to join our Public Affairs team and lead our regulatory/policy practice. As an Associate Director, you will play a pivotal role in helping us grow, driving the success of our clients’ public affairs strategies, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services, including for clients operating in the EU. This is an internal and external leadership role, as well as client facing, that would suit an individual who enjoys growing a business, winning new clients and building relationships with stakeholders. We care deeply about our team and are looking for an individual who will embrace our management style based on a supportive culture and who will get on board with our mission to remain an effective and positive influence in the world of public affairs.

Essential requirements (must-haves)

• Proven track record generating new business and expanding existing client contracts.
• Proven track record of developing and delivering successful public affairs strategies.
• Experience working in a public affairs agency at mid to senior level.
• Demonstrable understanding of and experience engaging in the EU’s policy and regulatory landscape, ideally within the EU and with EU clients.
• Experience managing and leading a team, with the ability to inspire, motivate and mentor.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities and pro-active attitude.
• Excellent spoken and written English (native-speaker level or equivalent).

Desirable requirements (nice-to-haves)

• Understanding of and experience engaging in the UK’s policy landscape.
• Experience in regulatory affairs.
• Experience in trade associations.
• A policy specialism in food and/or health policy.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: upwards from £70,000 per annum based on experience.
• 25 days holiday + 1 additional day per each year of service until reaching 30-day limit; Birthday off; 1 month paid sabbatical after 5 years of service.
• Generous new business bonus scheme.
• Pension scheme.
• Private medical insurance.
• Hybrid working arrangement (2 mandatory days per week in our very enviable offices in Central London, the other 3 voluntary).
• Opportunities to work overseas.
• Bi-annual reviews focusing on personal development.
• Investment in personal growth: hands-on internal training from public relations and public affairs colleagues and opportunities for external training.
• Fortnightly Deliveroo allowance.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Free eye tests.
• A great team ethos and social life.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about public affairs in the EU and the UK, and you meet the requirements described above, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and a cover letter by Wednesday 18 February 2026 to the attention of Chris Whitehouse at recruitment@whitehousecomms.com explaining how you meet the essential requirements for this role and why you’re passionate about the opportunity to join us. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so we encourage applicants to submit their CV and cover letter as soon as possible. The first round of interviews will be conducted online with a second round taking place in person in our London offices.

About us:

Whitehouse Communications is an independent issues-led political communications agency based in London and with a presence in Brussels, specialising in public affairs, political communications, policy analysis, regulatory advice and media relations. We advise clients on how effectively and positively to engage with key decision-makers in Brussels, Westminster, Whitehall, the devolved institutions of the UK, and local government.

Equal opportunities statement

We are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment and to make full use of the talents and resources of all employees and to provide a healthy environment that will encourage good and productive working operations within the organisation. You and any job applicant will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.