Senedd and External Affairs Manager

COUNTRY LAND & BUSINESS ASSOCIATION; Builth Wells; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent rural advocacy organization based in Builth Wells seeks a Senedd and External Affairs Manager to lead lobbying efforts in Wales. This role involves shaping political engagement ahead of the 2026 Senedd Election while building essential relationships with stakeholders. The position offers a hybrid work environment, with opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to rural policy advocacy. Benefits include extensive leave, substantial pension contributions, and various employee support programs.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave increasing to 30 after 3 years

10% employer pension contribution

SmartTech loan and retail discounts

Wellbeing support

Healthcare cash plan

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement CLA Cymru’s political engagement strategy.
• Build relationships with politicians, officials, and key stakeholders.
• Monitor Welsh policy developments and advise on proactive responses.
• Produce clear, informed briefings and updates for stakeholders.
• Coordinate meetings and maximize engagement with members.
• Support lobbying campaigns, events, and communications.
• Represent CLA Cymru at events and liaise with the national External Affairs team.

Skills

Ability to work independently and build strong political relationships

Knowledge of rural policy issues and Welsh politics

Experience in lobbying and political strategy

Excellent communication and writing skills

Welsh language skills is desirable

Job description

Job title: Senedd and External Affairs Manager

Location: Builth Wells (LD2 3SY), Hybrid (see details in the advert)

Contract: Full Time (35 hours per week), permanent

Salary: £32,000 - £38,000 depending on experience

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) represents landowners, property managers, and rural businesses across England and Wales. Our members own or manage half the rural land in England and Wales and run over 250 types of businesses.

Our members consist primarily of landowners, large and small, with a host of business interests, for which we provide advice, networking opportunities, educational events and importantly, political lobbying. We engage formally with our members via branch and policy committees, with meetings taking place quarterly. We also feed into central policy committees, held in London, and work closely with staff teams there in terms of policy, advice and external affairs and communications.

We’re now looking for a Senedd and External Affairs Manager to lead lobbying in Wales and strengthen CLA Cymru’s political voice. This new role offers an exciting opportunity to shape our engagement ahead of the 2026 Senedd Election, working closely with the Director Wales as well as the Director of Policy and Advice and the Director of External Affairs.

Location and working arrangements

Although the role is office based at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, you’ll be expected to attend the Senedd regularly and travel across Wales to engage with CLA members. Working from home is also allowed up to two days a week.

What you’ll bring to the role:

• Ability to work independently and build strong political relationships
• Knowledge of rural policy issues and Welsh politics
• Experience in lobbying and political strategy
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Welsh language skills is desirable

What you’ll be doing:

• Develop and implement CLA Cymru’s political engagement strategy, starting with the 2026 Senedd Election
• Build relationships with politicians, officials, and key stakeholders
• Monitor Welsh policy developments and advise on proactive responses
• Produce clear, informed briefings and updates for stakeholders and the CLA team
• Coordinate meetings and maximise engagement with members and decision-makers
• Support lobbying campaigns, events, and communications
• Represent CLA Cymru at events and liaise with the national External Affairs team

Why Join Us?

At the CLA, we champion the interests of rural landowners and businesses. You’ll be part of a supportive, knowledgeable team working at the heart of rural policy. We offer:

• 25 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays) increasing to 30 days upon 3 years’ service
• A collaborative and mission‑driven culture
• 10% employer pension contribution
• SmartTech loan and retail discounts, wellbeing support, healthcare cash plan and more

Application Process:

Please visit our website for the full job description and details on how to apply.