Public Affairs Account Manager

Salary: £39,000-£50,000 per annum (based on experience)

Contract: Permanent

Whitehouse Communications is an independent issues-led political communications agency based in London, specialising in public affairs, policy analysis and political engagement. We advise clients on how to effectively and positively engage with key decision-makers in Westminster, Whitehall, local government and Brussels.

Role overview

We are looking for an experienced and collaborative Account Manager to join our UK Public Affairs team on a full-time and permanent basis, driving activity across different accounts and sectors. As an Account Manager, you will be at the forefront of our UK political engagement work, playing a pivotal role in the delivery of our integrated accounts strategy. This is a client-facing role that will work on several of our key accounts to drive campaigns forward. This role would suit an individual who thrives on political communications and enjoys building relationships with external stakeholders. Please note, previous agency experience is essential for this role. Previous health policy and parliamentary experience is preferred.

Job Description

• Client relationship management: Take the reins on key accounts, managing work programmes to deliver exceptional results with minimal oversight. Develop and implement long-term strategic approaches, ensuring client needs are met and exceeded. Day to day account management and main liaison on client accounts. Successfully drive campaigns and accounts forward. Collaborate closely with consultants to maintain constant communication and provide regular updates to directors.
• Policy expertise and strategic advice: Lead policy development by creating well-researched and compelling position papers, consultation responses, and briefings that advocate for meaningful change. Alongside directors, devise and execute effective public affairs and advocacy campaigns that raise awareness, engage stakeholders, and influence policy decisions.
• Relationship building: Cultivate strong connections and build trust with clients, parliamentarians, officials, and other relevant stakeholders, attending meetings and driving actions.
• Team Management: Empower the team to excel and ensure continuous delivery and effective collaboration. Maintain high standards by supervising the production of external written materials, ensuring accuracy and relevance. From briefings to consultation responses to reports, your attention to detail will shine through. You will be able to provide insight and guidance on parliamentary and legislative processes. Line management of consultant level staff.
• Strategic insight: Offering public affairs and policy advice across industries. Your insights will guide clients in navigating complex landscapes. Understanding of parliamentary and legislative processes and opportunities.
• Business growth: Work on new business initiatives by identifying and pursuing opportunities across different sectors, expanding our presence in emerging industries. You’ll play a pivotal role in maintaining profitability and securing long-term client partnerships and growing membership bodies where our role is to provide the Secretariat.
• Brand ambassadorship: Represent our company with pride, both internally and externally. Support our PR efforts, contributing to our reputation as industry leaders.

Core Competencies

• Proven experience in public affairs, policy development, account management, campaign delivery.
• Strong project management experience, strategic thinking and communication skills.
• In-depth understanding of the UK political, parliamentary, legislative and policy landscape.
• Previous agency experience essential.
• Previous health policy experience preferred.
• Previous experience working in parliament preferred.
• A demonstrable ability to devise and carry out successful political campaigns for clients. Proven ability to manage and drive client accounts forward.
• Proven experience of lobbying and working within the mechanisms of Parliament to drive forward demonstrable policy and legislative change.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with an ability to communicate with a range of decision makers along with senior corporate personnel.