The British Private Equity & Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is the industry body and public policy advocate for the private equity and venture capital industry in the UK. Our aim is to aid understanding around the activities of our members, promote our industry to entrepreneurs and investors as well as to Government, the EU, trade unions, international media and the general public. We communicate the industry's impact and reinforce the crucial role our members play in the global economy as a catalyst for change and growth.
Our membership comprises more than 500 influential firms, including over 250 private equity and venture capital houses, as well as institutional investors, professional advisers, service providers and international associations. We work together to provide capital and expertise to growing businesses, to unlock potential and to deliver enhanced returns to the millions who directly and indirectly invest in our industry.
The Role:
This role will provide the successful applicant with a fantastic opportunity to build a nuanced understanding of private equity and venture capital, and to represent both industries’ interests to political and regulatory stakeholders.
The goal of the BVCA policy team is to promote a regulatory environment which enables enterprise and investment to flourish and ensure private equity and venture capital play a full role in the success of the British economy
The Policy Manager’s job in this regard is largely threefold:
- First, to monitor political and regulatory developments, largely at a European level. Any issue deemed noteworthy should be investigated, and where necessary a case made to senior members of the organisation regarding the merits of and strategy for engagement;
- Second, support the Director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs on matters arising from the BVCA’s technical committees. This will involve taking ownership of certain legislative files (e.g. hosting conference calls to collate feedback from members, drafting consultation responses, following up with face-to-face engagement etc); and
- Third, to build a strong network of professional contacts in the UK and Brussels to help inform the policy work of the BVCA;
Experience working in the financial services industry is required - familiarity with a regulated industry should serve to illustrate the level of detail a successful applicant will have to grapple with. A willingness and ability to learn quickly is key.
This role involves regular travel, typically to Brussels in order to liaise with and support the activities of the BVCA’s sister organisation, Invest Europe.
Responsibilities:
- Quickly build a thorough understanding of the key legislative files affecting private equity and venture capital industry, primarily the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive;
- Monitor regulatory developments to ensure the BVCA team (especially the Director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs) is kept abreast of incoming regulation, consultations, etc;
- Provide operational support to the BVCA’s technical committees;
- Via a regular presence in Brussels, support the work of the BVCA and its pan-European response to legislation that is led by Invest Europe;
- Build networks with key stakeholders (from a UK perspective) and other associations in Brussels;
- Liaise with the BVCA’s international partners on technical matters, including private equity and venture capital associations in the US and the Channel Islands;
- Provide regular updates to members to ensure they are kept informed of key technical and regulatory developments within the industry. This includes frequent technical updates and bulletins, the annual BVCA Tax, Legal and Regulatory conference, while also contributing to the association’s weekly newsletter with pertinent issues;
- Provide and maintain technical content on the BVCA website;
- Work with the BVCA’s public affairs, communications and research teams so as to ensure consistency in all public messaging.
Essential Skills/Experience:
- Strong academic background including proven experience working in a policy-oriented environment either in-house, or within a consultancy or trade association. Experience working within a Government department or regulator would be particularly advantageous;
- A good understanding of the post-crisis financial regulatory framework and experience of monitoring financial services would be desirable;
- Strong interpersonal and networking skills: The ability to build relationships is important so you are in a position to understand industry issues, articulate these, empathise with all parties you are working with and provide pragmatic solutions;
- Excellent writing and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate and liaise with senior executives from our member firms;
- Solutions focussed and able to deal with issues which involve careful stakeholder management;
- Track record of project management and the ability to work to multiple deadlines simultaneously;
- Collaborative and consultative approach and a strong work ethic.