Public Policy Lead

NatWest Group; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A major banking institution is seeking an experienced Public Affairs Lead to develop and execute their public affairs strategy. This role involves engaging key political stakeholders, advising senior leaders, and enhancing the bank's reputation. The ideal candidate will possess substantial experience in public affairs, government relations, and have a strong network within political circles. Excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of the UK's political environment are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Experience working with or within UK government.
• Excellent communication and research skills.
• Significant experience in public affairs or government relations.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with and advise senior stakeholders on political impacts.
• Support strategic communication activities.
• Collaborate with public affairs and Corporate Affairs.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Political analysis

Strategic communication

Job description

Public Affairs Lead

We're looking for a motivated and experienced Public Affairs Lead to promote the bank's interests to political and government stakeholders.

You'll hold a pivotal position in the public affairs team, broadening your network and developing relationships with key external stakeholders and senior executives.

Your role involves developing and delivering the bank's public affairs strategy, advising senior leaders on the political environment, and building the bank's reputation with political stakeholders across the UK.

This strategic leadership role supports one of our key business areas, with responsibility for leading all relevant political engagement and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Using your expert knowledge of the UK political environment to liaise with and advise senior stakeholders on potential impacts on the bank.
• Supporting strategic communication activities, identifying opinion formers, and helping communicate the bank's strategy.
• Collaborating with the wider public affairs team and Corporate Affairs to ensure consistent issues management and external engagement.
• Protecting and enhancing the bank's reputation with political stakeholders.
• Supporting the Head of Public Affairs in delivering the bank's political and policy engagement strategy.
• Preparing detailed political analysis and research to support senior political engagement.
• Analyzing legislation, issues, and proposals affecting the bank, advising on impacts and opportunities.
• Distributing structured information to internal stakeholders promptly.
• Engaging with UK industry groups and associations to communicate the bank's positions and influence policy.
• Representing the bank at external UK trade associations and policy events.

Candidate Profile

Ideal candidates will have a strong background working with or within UK government, Westminster, or devolved legislatures, with a solid understanding of legislative processes and public policy formation.

You should be capable of engaging high-profile stakeholders, networking, and influencing effectively. Additionally, you will need:

• A broad understanding of financial and economic trends, with the ability to communicate complex issues clearly.
• Excellent communication and research skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships.
• Knowledge of the UK's political environment, including devolved settings.
• Discretion in handling sensitive subjects.
• Experience in planning, managing priorities, and stakeholder engagement.
• Significant experience in public affairs, government relations, or public policy, in government, consultancy, or corporate environments.
• Experience managing policy risks and providing strategic counsel.
• An established network within political and business communities.
• Familiarity with public policy issues related to financial services.