An exciting opportunity for someone to lead the work of the Broadband Stakeholder Group, the UK’s leading advisory body on broadband policy.
About techUK
techUK represents the companies and technologies that are defining today the world that we will live in tomorrow. More than 900 companies are members of techUK. Collectively they employ approximately 700,000 people, about half of all tech sector jobs in the UK. These companies range from leading FTSE 100 companies to new innovative start-ups. The majority of our members are small and medium-sized businesses. techUK is committed to helping its members grow, by:
- Developing markets;
- Developing networks;
- Reducing business costs and risks.
Main Role Profile
Due to internal promotion, an exciting opportunity has arisen for someone to lead and manage the work of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s leading advisory body on broadband policy. It provides a neutral forum for organisations across the converging broadband value-chain to discuss and resolve key policy, regulatory and commercial issues, with the ultimate aim of helping to create a strong and competitive UK knowledge economy. The BSG is not therefore a lobby group nor a trade association in the traditional sense.
The BSG’s diverse network includes telecoms operators, manufacturers, investors, ISPs, mobile network operators, broadcasters, new media companies and content/OTT producers, as well as central and local government, devolved administrations, and Ofcom.
The BSG works out of the offices of techUK near St Paul’s, the trade association facing the tech sector. techUK supports the work of the BSG and is the employer of BSG staff. The BSG is funded by a wide range of sponsors who are broadband stakeholders in the UK, plus DCMS.
The Head is responsible for the smooth operation of the BSG including ensuring financial support for the work of the body on a not-for-profit basis. The Head develops the BSG’s work programme and is responsible for identifying, commissioning and launching projects as per the priorities of the programme. The current areas of focus for the BSG include how to incentivise the deployment of and demand for full fibre and 5G networks, the migration to All-IP for voice services, digital inclusion and skills for both citizens and SMEs, the future regulatory framework, the impact of Brexit on the digital infrastructure sector; and net neutrality.
The Head is the key figurehead for the organisation; leading as a spokesperson for the media, representing the body in policy and public affairs activity such as before Parliamentary committees and speaking at conferences, dinners and wider events.
As Head you will also have management responsibility for a small but dedicated team, ensuring that all members of the team work effectively in the support and execution of the work programme as agreed and directed by the BSG Executive Board. The Executive Board meets six times a year at techUK and is chaired by Richard Hooper CBE in a non-executive capacity. There are also regular Advisory Council dinners in London with speakers such as the Secretary of State for Digital, Cuture, Media and Sport and the CEO of Ofcom.
The position requires the ability to work with a large and diverse selection of external stakeholders, manage work spanning the full range of broadband policy issues, undertake and commission analysis of complex issues coupled by the ability to communicate and promote this analysis clearly and effectively to a broad audience.
The ideal candidate will have experience in leading a team and will have an excellent understanding of policy development, public affairs, stakeholder management and regulatory affairs. Knowledge and experience of broadband and the wider technology, media and telecommunications brief, whilst not essential, is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop the BSG work programme, including initiating projects and work-streams and preparing and writing BSG reports, articles and letters on broadband policy;
- Full operational responsibility of the BSG, responsible for sponsor relations and ensuring financial support for the BSG on a not-for-profit basis;
- Engage with BSG stakeholders, including DCMS, Ofcom and industry on the development of policy positions and the ongoing development of the BSG work programme;
- Represent the BSG in a multitude of fora, including conferences, Parliamentary committees and in front of trade and national media
- Lead on all communication of BSG reports and output Line manager for BSG Policy Manager and Team Assistant (shared), and responsible for briefing and engaging the non-Executive Chair in the work of the BSG;
- Any other duties that might from time to time be required by BSG and techUK.
Competencies
- First-class verbal and written communication skills;
- Proven ability in stakeholder management including client/relationship management and management of budgets;
- A sales and marketing/promotional ability to gain new sponsors as required and to keep existing sponsors who fund the BSG on an annual basis;
- Demonstrable management expertise and ability to work with small but dedicated team;
- Ability and experience of leading a team and representing it effectively;
- Comfortable in senior-level engagement, able to represent the body in front of senior figures up to Secretary of State level;
- A doer as well as a leader;
- Comfortable in representing the organisation at all levels, from trade and national media relations to parliamentary forums and conferences and events;
- Ability to use the tools and technologies techUK provides; including but not limited to Microsoft Office, including Dynamics or other CRM systems, mobile and home working software as appropriate, and web tools.
Required Experience
- Excellent understanding and experience of theUK political system and policy formulation processes;
- Experience and/or demonstrable insight into the regulation of this sector or another highly regulated industry;
- Experience of managing multiple projects with excellent organisational skills;
- Experience of dealing with consultants.
Desired Experience
- Experience of working in, or knowledge of broadband the technology, media and telecommunications sectors is highly desirable.
This role profile is a guide to the work that is required but does not form part of any contract of employment and may change from time to time to reflect changing circumstances.
The successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK prior to the commencement of employment.
Reporting to: Director of Market Engagement.
Level: Senior Executive.