Senior External Affairs Director | Policy & Partnerships

SF Partners; West Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

SF Partners in Birmingham is seeking an External Affairs Director to lead external affairs strategy and stakeholder engagement. The role is based in Birmingham with hybrid working, combining office presence with regional travel and meetings.

You will manage a senior team, shape policy and advocacy, and identify opportunities for partnerships and sponsorships. This is a high-visibility role at director level within a prominent business-focused organisation.

Qualifications

• Senior-level experience across external affairs, public affairs, corporate affairs or policy.
• Strong stakeholder and political judgement with commercial awareness.
• Ability to influence senior decision-makers and turn opportunities into action.
• Experience leading teams and navigating complex stakeholder environments.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering the organisation's external affairs strategy.
• Building relationships with business leaders, policymakers, local authorities and regional stakeholders.
• Developing and retaining strategic corporate relationships and partnerships.
• Overseeing policy, research and advocacy activity.
• Identifying commercial and sponsorship opportunities.
• Providing strategic direction across media and communications.
• Representing the organisation at senior meetings, events and in the media.
• Leading and developing a high-performing team.

Skills

External affairs

Public affairs

Corporate affairs

Policy

Strategic communications

Job description

SF Partners in Birmingham is seeking an External Affairs Director to lead external affairs strategy and stakeholder engagement. The role is based in Birmingham with hybrid working, combining office presence with regional travel and meetings.

You will manage a senior team, shape policy and advocacy, and identify opportunities for partnerships and sponsorships. This is a high-visibility role at director level within a prominent business-focused organisation.