Head of Corporate Affairs

The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is looking for an experienced, connected and influential Head of Corporate Affairs to lead our engagement with government, Parliament and political stakeholders.

This is a high-profile leadership role with the opportunity to shape and deliver our public affairs strategy, maintain and strengthen our political relationships and ensure that the voice of food and drink manufacturing is heard across Whitehall, Westminster and beyond.

The FDF is a membership organisation championing UK food and drink manufacturing. We work with businesses, government and members to influence policy and legislation, campaign on critical issues and help create an environment in which the industry can thrive.

Key responsibilities

• Reporting to the Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications. Lead engagement with government, Parliament and other political stakeholders across agreed policy and campaign areas in order to build and maintain influential relationships with politicians, special advisers, civil servants and public affairs leaders.
• Use insight, experience and analysis skills to develop and deliver an annual public affairs strategy and stakeholder engagement plan.
• Design and lead high-profile public affairs campaigns that communicate the FDF’s messages clearly and persuasively, coordinating consistent messaging across policy areas for government, officials and parliamentarians, including supporting our associated APPG.
• Lead on the production of political briefings, correspondence and stakeholder communications.
• Build strong relationships with member companies and contribute to the engagement of prospective members.
• Act as an advisor to the Chief Executive and senior leadership team in developing cross-party political relationships that strengthen the FDF’s influence and profile.
• Lead, coach and develop the Corporate Affairs team, providing clear priorities, constructive feedback and support. Working closely with the Head of Communications to develop integrated activity.

Requirements

The successful candidate will be expected to build effective external and internal networks, consider political sensitivities when framing discussions and requests, and bring people together around shared objectives. The role also requires clear communication, sound judgement, calm, collaborative leadership and the ability to deliver effectively in a changing political environment.

We’re looking for someone who has:

• Significant experience of leading public affairs or government relations at a senior level, with a strong understanding of Westminster, Whitehall and the wider UK political processes.
• Experience of designing and delivering public affairs, advocacy or political campaigns that have successfully influenced government policy, built on insight and an understanding of what works.
• The ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, persuasive and accurate communications.
• Experience of advising senior leaders on political strategy, messaging and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience of leading, supporting and developing teams.
• Awareness of the policy issues affecting the food and drink manufacturing sector.

Our Workplace: We’re based in the heart of central London in a modern, bright open-plan office. We have a friendly work culture with great break-out spaces, quiet booths and opportunities for flexible-working. Our ‘Feel Good for Life’ team regularly organises events and activities to promote positive health and wellbeing.

To apply: Please send us your CV and a cover letter of a maximum of 600 words, illustrating why you’d be a great candidate, together with your salary expectations to recruitment@fdf.org.uk by 12 October, 4pm. Please note that while AI can be a useful tool as a starting point in gathering your thoughts, it is important that the cover letter reflects you, your voice, your experience and your motivations. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Equal Opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements and reasonable adjustments for disabilities or medical conditions.

Recruitment privacy notice: This is the privacy policy relating to the protection of FDF job applicants' information. The FDF will ensure that data is always processed in accordance with the provisions of relevant data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).