Account Director – Public Affairs - London
Westminster Search is working with a leading public affairs agency to recruit a strategic and dynamic Account Director. This is an exciting opportunity to lead high-profile client accounts, manage a talented team, and help shape public policy and reputation strategies at the highest levels of UK government and Parliament.
The successful candidate will bring political acumen, a passion for public affairs, and the leadership skills to deliver excellent service across a diverse portfolio of clients in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, health, tech, and financial services.
The Role
As Account Director, you will lead the delivery of political engagement strategies for major clients, act as a senior point of contact, and provide trusted advice on reputation, regulation, and policy impact. You’ll work closely with the agency’s senior leadership team, contribute to new business development, and play a key role in developing junior consultants.
This is a high-visibility position offering both strategic influence and the opportunity to work on some of the most pressing political and policy issues of the day.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead multiple client accounts, ensuring delivery of public affairs strategies, stakeholder engagement, and policy insight
- Provide senior counsel to clients across sectors, interpreting political risk and offering clear, actionable advice
- Maintain strong relationships with Parliamentarians, civil servants, advisers, and other key stakeholders
- Monitor political developments and provide timely analysis and strategic recommendations
- Lead and mentor a team of consultants, ensuring high-quality output and continuous professional development
- Contribute to business development through proposal writing, pitching, and networking
- Support agency leadership with strategic planning and thought leadership
- Oversee written materials including briefings, reports, consultation responses, and stakeholder mapping
- Represent the agency at political events, conferences, and roundtables
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Skills
- Significant experience (typically 5+ years) in public affairs, political consultancy, Parliament, or a related role
- Strong understanding of Westminster and Whitehall, UK policy development, and political engagement strategies
- Proven ability to lead client relationships and manage strategic accounts
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including policy analysis and persuasive briefing documents
- Strong network of political and policy contacts
- Experience mentoring or managing junior team members
- Confident working under pressure and to tight deadlines
- Commercially minded with experience in client growth and agency business development
Desirable Attributes
- Sector experience in areas such as energy, health, infrastructure, finance, or technology
- Understanding of regulatory affairs, select committee processes, or legislative tracking
- Familiarity with devolved governments or local political engagement
- Media or integrated communications experience
- Degree or equivalent qualification in politics, public policy, or related disciplines
How to Apply
To apply for this vacancy, please email joseph.henry@westminstersearch.com
Please attach a CV with your application.
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