Public Affairs Manager FTC

Rail Delivery Group; London; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the rail sector seeks a Public Affairs Manager to engage with political stakeholders and drive advocacy for key initiatives. The role involves managing communications, supporting senior executives, and developing public affairs strategies to enhance the organization's reputation and influence in the industry.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

75% reduction on UK rail travel

Interest free season ticket loan

Contributory defined benefit pension scheme

Subsidised private medical care

Flexible working

30 weeks full pay for maternity leave

Qualifications

• Experience in political, public affairs, or campaigns.
• Success in communications campaigns to meet corporate goals.

Responsibilities

• Lead responses to parliamentary inquiries and correspondence.
• Devise and deliver a programme of parliamentary engagement.
• Monitor legislation and political proceedings.

Skills

Political Acumen

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Degree-level Education

Job description

Closing Date: 28th May 2025

Salary: £39,888 - £50,000 per annum

What is the purpose of this job?

To help the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) achieve its political and policy objectives by engaging with political and third-party stakeholders, creating coalitions of support and advocacy for key initiatives. Undertake and support direct engagement with decision-makers and influencers to secure desired outcomes.

What can I expect to do in this job?

· To lead on responding to enquiries and correspondences from parliamentarians by researching topics and preparing replies on behalf of RDG’s Chief Executive Officer (and other senior colleagues where necessary), developing the RDG’s reputation as the first port-of-call for industry-wide queries

· To provide regular updates, intelligence, analysis and public affairs support and advice to team members and senior colleagues, as well as the Chair of RDG and RDG members, as required

· To devise and deliver a programme of parliamentary engagement with MPs, peers, researchers etc in support of various policy portfolios including (but not limited to) accessibility and inclusion, safety, industrial relations and customer information

· To monitor the development of legislation, the legislative process and other formal parliamentary proceedings in Westminster, Whitehall, the devolved assemblies, as well as local government and the relevant stakeholder environments

· To support the Senior External Affairs Manager and the Head of Communications in developing and implementing effective public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategies and campaigns tailored for different audiences that support the delivery of RDG’s objectives

· To take the lead on monitoring political parties’ annual party conference events, analysing and providing intelligence to the RDG’s Executive team, senior colleagues and members

· To support the Senior External Affairs Manager and the Head of Communications as required in devising and delivering engagement with the Secretary of Statement for Transport, Rail Minister and their respective private offices - but also including other senior politicians as and when required

· To support the Senior External Affairs Manager and the Head of Communications in preparing members of the Executive Team, senior colleagues and the office of the Chair of the RDG for evidence sessions in front of Select Committees in the Houses of Parliament, or when scheduled to attend events as speakers/panellists; also to take the lead on organising events with politicians or a political audience if and when required

· To contribute to the wider communications functions of the team, including taking the lead on preparing and delivering plans for key launch or campaign moments, drafting plans, communications and engagement collateral as required, and taking part in the out-of-hours service when required

· To take the lead on providing written responses to political consultations, and the creation and development of subject-specific reports when needed

Who will my key contacts be?

· Director of Communications

· Head of Stakeholder Engagement

· Members of RDG executive team

What experience, skills and knowledge do I need?

· Educated to degree-level

· Experience of working in a political, public affairs or campaigns capacity

· Demonstrable success working on communications campaigns to meet corporate goals, in-house or on behalf of clients

· Strong understanding of the parliamentary and political process, including legislation, the civil service and main political parties

· Good understanding of wider campaign strategies and the role in which both Parliament and the media play in delivering public affairs priorities

· Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with opinion-formers and decision makers from across the political spectrum, and other stakeholders

· Strong political acumen and sensitivity; an understanding of the factors that motivate and influence political parties and corporate players in the rail sector

· Ability to think creatively and strategically to devise and manage effective public affairs campaigns

· Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, with a keen attention to detail and ability to write across a range of styles, including briefings, articles and speeches.

· Good analytical and research skills, and the ability to manage own workload and prioritise work in a pressurised environment to meet deadlines

· Enthusiastic and creative, with good organisational skills, determination and stamina; flexible, team player with personal integrity and the ability to gain confidence of senior figures

· Desire to be a persuasive advocate for RDG’s role in a reformed rail system

• 30 days annual leave
• 75% reduction on UK rail travel (for work and leisure) - more below
• Reduced international rail travel
• Interest free season ticket loan
• Contributory defined benefit pension scheme
• Give As You Earn scheme
• Subsidised private medical care
• Healthcare cash plan scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme scheme
• Flexible working
• 30 weeks full pay for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (subject to eligibility)
• Personal Development Days
• Employees may sell up to a maximum of five days’ leave. Employees can buy up to a maximum of five days’ leave. These figures will be pro rata for part-time employees