Associate Director (Public Affairs)

Hanbury Strategy; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days’ paid leave + holidays

Pension plan – 4% company contribution

Annual discretionary bonus scheme

Hybrid working

Job summary

Hanbury Strategy is seeking a driven Public Affairs Associate Director to lead client teams and support growth. The role focuses on strategic regulatory and political analysis, engagement advice, and delivering value for leading global clients across sectors.

The candidate will shape priorities, deepen relationships, and contribute to a positive culture while managing projects and junior staff in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in public affairs and related policy areas.
• Proven ability to manage client relationships and deliver strategic advice.
• Strong written and verbal communication with concise, persuasive messaging.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of client accounts with strategic regulatory and political analysis.
• Lead business development and create compelling new business proposals.
• Coach and develop junior colleagues; delegate, motivate and supervise.

Skills

Public affairs experience

Stakeholder management

Policy analysis

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Communication skills

Proposal writing

Job description

About Hanbury Strategy

We turn insight into impact. Whether a client is facing a communications challenge or has a policy goal, our exceptional team uses our understanding of politics, public opinion and the press to create campaigns that work. We have a relentless focus on achieving great results for our clients.

Founded in 2016, Hanbury is focused on delivering client excellence and growing our business across offices in London, Brussels, Washington D.C., and Sydney.

We are hiring a driven Public Affairs Associate Director to lead client teams and contribute to the continued growth of our business. The successful candidate will have an appetite for developing knowledge, networks, and skills in a fast-paced and collaborative working environment.

You will shape strategic client priorities and deepen relationships. As a key member of our high performing team, you will provide cutting-edge regulatory and political analysis and engagement advice to leading global companies across multiple sectors.

Experience of competition-related policy or regulation would be an advantage, although this is not essential.

About You

This role requires experience in public affairs. However, at Hanbury we support clients across the whole communications spectrum. We are therefore open to candidates with experience across reputation, communications, politics and policy to help deliver excellence for our clients.

The ideal candidate profile:

• A solid understanding of the UK political and regulatory landscape and experience.
• At least 4-6 years of professional experience working in government, politics, a regulator, consultancy, think tank, industry body or in-house public affairs roles.
• Dedication to producing high quality work and going the extra mile in a fast paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to cultivate respectful debate and is not afraid to take risks.
• Track record of managing projects and teams in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment. Good organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Capable researcher and analyst, able to interpret complex subject matter at pace and turn into tailored, succinct insights.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, concise advice to stakeholders, both in written and verbal forms.
• A driven self-starter who works well independently but equally eager to be part of a dynamic team.
• Contributes to a positive working environment and enjoys working with people with a diverse range of backgrounds and opinions.

Role and Responsibilities.

Client Management

• Experienced client handling. You will manage overall client relationships on a portfolio of client accounts, demonstrating strong lateral thinking and problem resolution skills.
• Provide strategic regulatory and political analysis, engagement advice and manage the delivery to daily products and services to clients.
• Consistent focus on adding value to clients and recognises opportunities to extend relationships.
• Contribute to Hanbury’s house view on relevant policy developments.

Business Development

• You will play a significant role in business development, including leading the development of well-structured and creative new business proposals.
• Active in cross and upselling to existing clients and driving new commercial opportunities.
• Strong presentation skills and influencing skills.
• Strong and developing network, building relationships with potential new business leads.

Leadership & Development

• You will be responsible for approving work created by more junior colleagues, providing coaching and effective feedback.
• You will manage junior colleagues on accounts, and have experience in delegation, motivation, supervision and development of others.

Culture

• Associate Directors support the development of a positive Hanbury culture and act as an advocate and ambassador for Hanbury both internally and externally.

Benefits

• 28 days’ paid leave plus bank holidays and time off over Christmas.
• Pension plan - 4% company contribution.
• Annual discretionary bonus scheme.
• Normal working hours are 9am - 6pm.
• Electric vehicle scheme.
• Nursery scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan.
• The opportunity to opt in to Vitality including private health care and subsidised gym.
• We are a hybrid working employer.
• Work from abroad policy for up to 4 weeks a year.
• Access to a full social and cultural calendar and employee wellness programmes.
• A rich and diverse people development programme including fortnightly internal training sessions and a full annual programme of external trainers and inspirational speakers.

Equal Opportunities

Hanbury Strategy is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to equal opportunities, we are open to discussions about alternative working patterns or hours.

Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments to be made during recruitment or in employment for reasons associated with your physical or mental health. We are committed to ensuring everyone is able to fully participate in whatever way is most appropriate for them.