Public Affairs Manager

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Are you great at developing and maintaining relationships? Do you understand the UK’s political system and how to navigate it? We’re looking for a public affairs manager for our Anglia route, which covers the East of England and parts of Greater London.

You’ll be part of a small, energetic team helping to build trust and improve Network Rail’s reputation with MPs, councillors, business leaders and industry groups, keeping people informed of vital industry issues and supporting the delivery of multi-million-pound railway projects.

As one of Britain’s biggest landowners with millions of lineside neighbours, we also manage thousands of public enquiries, requests and complaints received every year. You’ll also be part of a wider thriving and dynamic cross-functional communications team at a time of exciting change across the railway industry.

The Anglia route is part of Network Rail’s Eastern region. We manage the railway in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and parts of Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Greater London. We are an incredibly busy route, operating some of the busiest rail lines in the country. We exist to get people and goods where they need to be safely and on time, and to support economic growth and productivity in an environmentally sustainable way. We connect people to friends and family, jobs and leisure, as well as goods to businesses here and abroad. Improving our rail network and getting people where they need to be on time makes a massive difference to the UK economy, helping bring jobs, homes and prosperity.

About the role (External)

Key Accountabilities:

1. Support the delivery of strategies and activities in the government/public affairs environment working alongside the wider communications teams.
2. Work with the senior public affairs manager to respond to key legislative proposals, government consultations, and other strategic political consultations and developments that impact upon the company.
3. Maintain positive working relationships with stakeholder groups and provide assistance as appropriate to senior team members in their interactions with those groups.
4. Take responsibility for designated public affairs activities, including responding to MP enquiries, attending meetings and receptions and facilitating site visits for stakeholders.
5. Set out clear and consistent public affairs messages which are fully coordinated and consistent with broader communications activities.
6. Establish an effective network of internal and external contacts as appropriate to carry out the public affairs function.
7. Collaborate with team members to implement communications plans as required.

Required Qualifications:

1. Experience in public affairs/lobbying/local government.
2. High standards of written and spoken communication.
3. Proven ability to grasp, understand and promote complex and sensitive issues in a persuasive and sensible way.
4. Ability to develop and maintain a wide network of stakeholder contacts.
5. A proven understanding of all relevant political calendars and legislative assemblies.
6. Evidence of good planning with the ability to deliver projects and activities on time.
7. Educated to degree level.
8. Evidence of continuing professional development.