Northern Ireland Policy Lead

Sunblink Ltd-GRN; Belfast; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading logistics organization based in Belfast is seeking a strategic Public Affairs Manager to represent business interests in Northern Ireland. This role involves engaging with local authorities and key stakeholders, influencing policy on infrastructure and trade. Ideal candidates will have a track record in public affairs, excellent communication skills, and a strong understanding of the local political landscape. The position offers a competitive negotiable salary with benefits and a hybrid work environment.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

25 days annual leave

Professional development support

Performance-based bonus

Qualifications

• Track record in public affairs or government relations.
• Experience with Northern Ireland’s political landscape.
• Ability to present confidently to senior-level stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead member engagement across Northern Ireland with political stakeholders.
• Shape policy responses and contribute to consultations.
• Act as a lead on trade and border policy discussions.

Skills

Public affairs expertise

Strong communication skills

Political awareness

Relationship building

Job description

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£Negotiable + Training + Enhanced Benefits + Hybrid

Northern Ireland/Hybrid

Do you know how to lead conversations and get things done in Northern Ireland? Are you a strategic thinker and relationship builder from local government to stakeholder roundtables?

If you passionate about representing business interests at the highest levels of government and influencing policy outcomes, this might just be your next career move!

We have partnered with a leading organisation representing the entire logistics industry and are seeking an experienced and politically astute individual to represent the organisation's interests in a strategically important role, championing the voice of the logistics sector in Northern Ireland and shape UK-wide trade and customs policy.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of regional public affairs and national trade strategy- delivering real influence in areas that matter to business, government, and the economy.

The Role:

• Lead members engagement across Northern Ireland, building trusted relationships with the Executive, local authorities, and key political stakeholders.
• Represent member interests at external meetings, roundtables, and briefings, ensuring logistics remains central to policy conversations on infrastructure, planning, decarbonisation, and skills.
• Shape policy responses, develop consultation submissions, and contribute strategic insight to government discussions and internal member briefings.
• Speak confidently to media and public audiences, strengthening the organisations profile and influence across the UK and within Northern Ireland.
• Act as the lead on UK trade and border policy, particularly on the Windsor Framework, Border Target Operating Model, and post-Brexit customs environment.

What We're Looking For:

• A strong track record in public affairs, policy, or government relations, ideally with experience working in or closely with Northern Ireland's political and local government landscape.
• A confident communicator with the ability to build relationships at senior levels and present with authority.
• Politically savvy, highly organised, and passionate about delivering policy outcomes that make a difference.
• Experience or working knowledge of trade and border issues (e.g. customs, UK-EU arrangements) is desirable but not essential as you will be supported with training & development in this area.

What's in it for you?

• Benefits: Private medical insurance, 25 days annual leave plus statutory holidays, CSR days, and professional development support.
• Bonus: Potential for performance-based bonus.

If you're ready to take on a career-defining role with reach, responsibility, and visibility, click APPLY NOW.

GRN Search Group is a specialist recruitment consultancy for the Supply Chain industry, covering roles in Transport & Logistics, Freight & Customs, Distribution & Storage, and Procurement & Supply Chain.

(public affairs, policy, trade, government relations, customs, Belfast, Stormont, Windsor Framework, BTOM, devolution, infrastructure, lobbying, logistics industry)