The Head of Public Affairs at HS2 will provide strategic leadership for the effective development and delivery of the public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategy, supporting the company to achieve its goals through effective engagement both internally across the HS2 Executive and the Department for Transport and externally with political, business and industry stakeholders, maintaining cross-party support, building advocacy and securing majorities for HS2 legislation.
About the role:
- Work with the External Affairs Director to develop and lead a comprehensive external political engagement programme for HS2, setting and pursuing clear objectives built on analysis and insight.
- Build, maintain and improve relationships with key stakeholders to build understanding, support and advocacy and ensure rapid resolution of issues – including with Westminster, Whitehall (Ministers, Advisors, and Civil Servants), Regional Mayors, Line of Route MPs, local and regional government, as well as other lobby and interest groups, environmental groups, transport groups and other relevant bodies.
- Develop and lead a programme of work with the External Affairs Director that builds trust in HS2 Ltd and the HS2 programme, demonstrating our transparent approach and openness to scrutiny.
- Provide political intelligence, analysis and strategic counsel to the External Affairs Directorate and wider business, including Chair, CEO, Board and Exec, facilitating effective external engagement that builds confidence in and support for both the project and programme, while enhancing the reputation of HS2 Ltd.
- Lead preparation of HS2 Ltd witnesses, briefing and evidence for select committees and equivalent bodies.
- Deliver public affairs programmes for the HS2 Chair and CEO and support the Board, Executive and Senior Leadership Team’s engagement with external stakeholders including speaker opportunities.
- Work with the BCFoI Senior Manager, and the CEO’s office and Company Secretary, to ensure HS2 Ltd discharges its statutory duties regarding Freedom of Information, written Parliamentary Questions, Parliamentary Advice Line and Ministerial Correspondence.
- Play a leadership role across the External Affairs Directorate and wider business.
About You:
Skills:
- Demonstrable skills in engaging a range of stakeholders both within the public and private sectors, on projects of comparable scale, scope and complexity;
- Ability to develop challenging relationships and build trust amongst stakeholders and communities exercising diplomacy at every stage;
- Proven ability of working with subject matter experts to identify the critical business drivers, to balance the various criteria, and to prepare quality strategies and frameworks;
- Proven ability to balance the interests of timely and accurate delivery with representing views of external stakeholders in an honest and transparent manner;
- Influencing and negotiation skills with both internal and external audiences (including Members of Parliament and their advisers);
- Able to analyse complex issues and provide clear and consistent advice and insight, including at Board and Executive level;
- Analytical skills and a proven ability to interpret and respond to changing landscapes and understand and communicate complex issues with clarity and consistency;
- Able to respond effectively to reputational issues or crisis communications incidents, including providing guidance and direction to colleagues.
Knowledge:
- Knowledge of the current pressures facing the UK Government and how that may translate in the HS2 organisation with political awareness and understanding;
- Knowledge of issues affecting stakeholders and communities arising from large infrastructure projects;
- Knowledge of how UK Parliament works and appropriate engagement methods;
- Knowledge of how regional and local government operate and appropriate engagement methods;
- Knowledge of the planning and parliamentary process.
Type of experience:
- Experience of developing and managing relationships with political and business stakeholders;
- Experience in developing, delivering and managing public affairs plans, strategies and tactics including issues resolution and building advocacy;
- Experience of working within or with Whitehall, Westminster and Local Government with a clear understanding of the political environment in which HS2 operates;
- Experience of partnership working and coordination in the public and private sectors;
- Experience of providing counsel at a senior leadership level across an organisation on stakeholder engagement and reputation management;
- Experience of developing and leading delivery of integrated communication plans and campaigns;
- Experience of leading and managing people, including personal development of team members.
Salary: £67,450 - £84,350 (Birmingham) or £79,300 - £99,150 (London). In addition, we offer a flexible benefits fund of 20% which is paid on top base salary (capped at £20,000) and is fully pensionable, as well as a range of competitive benefits.