External Affairs Manager

JR United Kingdom; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the energy sector is seeking an External Affairs Manager to oversee stakeholder engagement and influence policy advocacy. The role offers an opportunity to build strategic alliances and work within a renowned, globally recognized organization to deliver sustainable, high-performing heat networks.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in external affairs or public policy, ideally within energy or utilities.
• Strong experience with government and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to advocate for policy changes in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Leading stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy.
• Developing relationships with key industry stakeholders.
• Monitoring and influencing relevant policy developments.

Skills

Stakeholder Engagement

Public Policy

Strategic Thinking

Relationship Management

Collaboration

Job description

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Salary: £53,000 pa - We are booking interviews next week! Please call or email for a slot

The External Affairs Manager leads stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy to promote quality management in UK heat networks. The role builds strategic partnerships, influences policy, and enhances the sector's understanding of quality governance, assurance, and improvement, supporting our mission to deliver sustainable, customer-focused, and high-performing heat networks.

The Role:

So, what will you be doing as an External Affairs Manager?

• Develop and maintain high-impact relationships with key stakeholders across industry bodies, regulatory agencies, government departments, and quality profession organisations.
• Represent the organisation at external forums, conferences, working groups, and industry events.
• Lead initiatives to promote the value of quality management across the heat networks sector.
• Build relationships that support the commercial viability of new projects and strategic business opportunities, identifying potential partners and enablers for growth.

What are we looking for in our next External Affairs Manager?

• Monitor, analyse, and influence policy and regulatory developments relevant to heat networks and quality management.
• Develop and deliver policy positions, consultation responses, and briefing materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with allied professions to shape industrial policy and integrate quality elements into strategic agendas.
• Build strategic alliances with quality-focused institutions, accreditation bodies, and sector-specific membership organisations.
• Develop joint initiatives to raise awareness of the benefits of effective quality governance and assurance in energy and infrastructure.
• Facilitate collaborative campaigns or communications that reinforce the competitive advantage of robust quality management.
• Work cross-functionally to align external affairs strategy with corporate goals, communications, and operational planning.
• Advise senior leadership on emerging trends, risks, and opportunities within the external policy landscape.

Top 3 Technical Skills Required

• Proven track record (5+ years) in external affairs, stakeholder engagement, or public policy-ideally within energy, infrastructure, or utilities sectors
• Strong experience of working with or within government departments, industry regulators, and trade associations.
• Experience advocating or influencing policy changes in complex, regulated environments.

Top 3 Soft Skills Required

• Strategic Thinking - Ability to identify long-term policy opportunities and stakeholder relationships that drive strategic objectives.
• Relationship Management - Skilled at cultivating, managing, and sustaining influential relationships across diverse external stakeholders.
• Collaboration & Influence - Adept at building consensus and leading joint efforts across sectors and professional domains.

My client is keen to get this position filled ASAP, so if you feel you have the skills and desire to provide passion and drive as the next External Affairs Manager, this is the opportunity for you!

So, if you are interested in joining a well-established, renowned, globally recognised organisation working with experts in their field as the next External Affairs Manager, hit that apply button now!

Services advertised by Gold Group are those of an Agency and/or an Employment Business.
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