Head of External Affairs - London - Competitive
Westminster Search is proud to be working in partnership with a respected UK trade body to recruit a Head of External Affairs – a pivotal position responsible for shaping public dialogue, building influential relationships, and driving forward the organisation’s reputation at the highest levels.
This is a rare opportunity for a senior external affairs professional to join an organisation with national visibility, strong sector influence, and a proactive policy agenda. You will play a leading role in how the organisation engages with government, parliament, media, and stakeholders across industry and civil society.
As a key member of the senior management team, you will develop and lead the external affairs strategy to ensure the trade body is seen as the authoritative voice of its sector. You’ll oversee a small, skilled team and work closely with policy, public affairs, and communications colleagues to deliver coordinated and impactful engagement.
The Role
The Head of External Affairs will be responsible for designing and executing a strategy that enhances the organisation’s profile, advances its influence, and ensures consistent and effective engagement across political, media, and industry channels.
You will lead the organisation’s media relations and political engagement functions, ensuring messaging is aligned with organisational priorities. You’ll also play a vital role in issues management and crisis communications, working closely with the Chief Executive and Board where required.
This is a highly strategic, outward-facing role that would suit a confident and credible leader with a strong understanding of policy, media, and advocacy – and the ability to build trust with senior stakeholders across sectors.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and lead the organisation’s external affairs strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and policy priorities
- Act as the main point of contact for senior media, political, and industry stakeholders
- Lead political engagement with parliamentarians, government departments, regulators, and devolved administrations
- Oversee media and communications activity, including proactive campaigns, commentary, press releases, and reactive statements
- Advise the senior leadership team and Board on public positioning, reputational risks, and stakeholder engagement
- Represent the organisation in meetings, events, and briefings with senior external audiences
- Manage and develop a high-performing external affairs team, supporting their professional growth
- Coordinate cross-functional collaboration between public affairs, policy, communications, and member engagement teams
- Ensure alignment of messaging and activity across political, media, and member-facing communications
- Monitor political and media developments, providing strategic advice and identifying opportunities for influence
Person Specification
Essential Experience & Skills
- Extensive experience in external affairs, public affairs, media relations, or strategic communications
- A strong track record of influencing policy or public debate at senior levels within government, media, or regulated sectors
- Proven experience managing senior political and media stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to craft persuasive narratives and speak with authority
- Experience advising senior leaders or boards on public positioning and reputation
- Understanding of UK political processes and media landscape, including regional and devolved contexts
- Experience developing and delivering integrated external affairs strategies
- Confident leadership style with experience line-managing or mentoring a team
- Ability to work cross-functionally and build consensus within complex organisations
Desirable Attributes
- Experience working in or with a membership body, trade association, or similar representative organisation
- Familiarity with regulatory or sector-specific issues relevant to the trade body’s field
- Understanding of digital media or social advocacy techniques
- Experience handling high-profile issues or managing reputational risk
What Our Client Offers
- A strategic leadership role with real influence in national debates
- A respected platform and highly engaged membership
- Collaborative senior leadership team and supportive board
- Flexible working arrangements with hybrid options
- Strong organisational commitment to professional development and inclusion
- The opportunity to shape the future of a key UK sector
About the Organisation
Our client is a national trade association representing a vital and highly visible sector of the UK economy. It plays a leading role in advocating for its members, influencing policy, shaping public dialogue, and promoting best practice across the industry. The organisation is well-established, values-led, and committed to delivering meaningful impact for its membership and the wider public.
Westminster Search and our client value diversity and are committed to building inclusive working cultures. We actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.
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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