Director General – UK Steel

Make UK; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing advocacy organization is seeking a Director General to steer the strategic direction of UK Steel. This role demands a seasoned leader with a proven track record in stakeholder engagement and the ability to influence national policy on trade and infrastructure. The ideal candidate will enjoy flexible working conditions and lead a mission-driven team committed to the future of the UK steel industry.

Benefits

Flexible hours

Health cover

Matched pension contributions up to 8%

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in policy, public affairs, or external relations.
• Strong track record in stakeholder engagement across government, industry, and media.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Driving the sector’s policy agenda on issues such as energy and trade.
• Leading high-level engagement with Government, Parliament, and media.
• Overseeing UK Steel’s communications, campaigns, and events.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic thinking

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Degree or equivalent

Job description

London office with flexibility for national travel

Salary Competitive

Lead the Future of UK Steel – www.uksteel.org/

UK Steel, a division of Make UK, is seeking a dynamic and influential Director General to lead the strategic direction of the UK’s steel industry. As the leading voice for UK steelmakers and downstream processors, UK Steel plays a critical role in shaping the policy and business environment for this nationally significant sector.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be at the helm of one of the UK’s most strategically vital industries – one that sits at the heart of infrastructure, trade, decarbonisation, and levelling-up agendas.

About UK Steel

UK Steel represents all UK-based steel producers, advocating for a sustainable and competitive sector. As a key division of Make UK, the national body for UK manufacturers, UK Steel works closely with government, industry, and the media to influence policy, support innovation, and drive the industry forward.

We are a small, expert team that punches above its weight – passionate, collaborative, and deeply committed to the sector’s future.

Responsibilities

The Role:

As Director General, you will be the public face and strategic leader of UK Steel, responsible for:

• Driving the sector’s policy agenda on issues such as energy, trade, climate policy, procurement, and infrastructure.
• Leading high-level engagement with Government, Parliament, civil service, and media, ensuring the steel sector’s voice is heard where it matters most.
• Providing strategic leadership to a high-performing team, maintaining a strong organisational culture, and delivering impactful campaigns.
• Overseeing UK Steel’s communications, campaigns, events, and written outputs.
• Acting as a credible and persuasive spokesperson across print, digital, and broadcast media.
• Gather economic and statistical intelligence, gaining an in-depth understanding of steel companies’ concerns, to support the organisation’s policy work.
• Networking and relationship building: the individual will strengthen existing relationships and identify and develop new ones for UK Steel, creating new opportunities for the organisation.
• Building strong relationships with members, ministers, civil servants, and journalists to support the sector’s long-term success.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a strategic, driven, and highly credible leader with the passion and gravitas to champion the UK steel sector. You’ll be comfortable navigating complex policy landscapes and engaging confidently at the highest levels.

Key Requirements:

• Proven senior leadership experience in policy, public affairs, or external relations — ideally within a trade body, business group, or policy-focused organisation.
• Strong track record in stakeholder engagement across government, industry, and media.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent strategic thinking, project management, and communication skills.
• Resilience and political acumen, with the ability to manage high-pressure, high-profile situations.
• A good understanding of manufacturing, steel, or industrial sectors is desirable.
• A degree or equivalent, and relevant professional qualifications (e.g., MA/MSc/MBA) are a plus.

Why Join UK Steel?

• Influence national policy on trade, infrastructure, and decarbonisation
• Work with senior political, media, and industry stakeholders
• Lead a respected, high-impact organisation with real reach and relevance
• Be part of a mission-driven team shaping the future of UK manufacturing
• Flexible hybrid working and a supportive, collaborative culture

With over 125 years of experience, Make UK is a leading provider of essential business support and a champion for manufacturing industry in the UK. Make UK has the close ear of Government and is a trusted provider of essential services for world leading manufacturing companies across the country. Everything we do is designed to inspire British manufacturers to compete, innovate and grow.

Make UK staff enjoy a good benefits package and values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Benefits to include, but not limited to: no bank holiday/weekend work, flexible hours, health cover, matched pension contributions up to 8%, and life assurance.

We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and we recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation and have pledged to support this by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Our Values at Make UK: Inclusivity & Diversity, Integrity, Innovation, & Collaboration

Apply if this position interests you, and you would like to learn more or explore other available jobs that could also match your skill set, please apply today or email [e-mail]

Make UK

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Bio

Make UK is a leading advocate for UK manufacturers, championing growth, innovation, and resilience in the sector. With a history spanning over 130 years, the organisation has supported businesses of all sizes, from ambitious start-ups to global industry leaders. Through campaigning, sector expertise, and a comprehensive range of business services, Make UK helps manufacturers navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Its extensive network fosters collaboration across regional and national communities, enabling businesses to share knowledge and drive industry progress. Make UK provides deep expertise in critical areas such as skills development, policy advocacy, and compliance. Its renowned apprenticeship training programs equip the next generation with the skills needed to support the sector’s future. Committed to shaping the landscape of UK manufacturing, Make UK continues to influence policy, support innovation, and empower businesses to thrive in an evolving industrial environment.