Policy and External Affairs Director

Consilium Recruit has been exclusively retained by the National Composites Centre to partner and manage the recruitment of a Policy and External Affairs Director. Part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, the NCC is an independent, open-access technology centre focused on addressing some of the world’s most complex engineering challenges.

Working closely with the senior leadership team you will develop and implement an integrated strategy that advances the NCC’s strategic priorities and raises its profile across Government, business, and industry to deliver even greater impact for the UK. Candidates are sought with experience of leadership within a policy organisation and an evidenced ability to use data, including stakeholder insights and wider intelligence, to inform decision making.

Key responsibilities:

Set strategic direction and implement an integrated external strategy that raises the NCC’s profile with key audience and underpins business growth.

Strengthen, develop, and maintain relationships with senior leaders across key government departments (e.g. DBT, MOD, DESNZ, DSIT), regional partners (e.g. Combined Authority, Pan Regional Partnerships), funders (e.g. Innovate UK), and business networks (e.g. CBI, Make UK).

Develop and embed a strategic approach to MP, APPG, Select Committee and wider Parliamentary activity and lead on Ministerial briefings, visits, and events.

Demonstrate thought leadership through stakeholder engagement, think pieces and speaking opportunities to inform and influence policy development and investment decisions nationally and regionally. This could include representing the NCC on the Boards of regional initiatives.

Work collaboratively with broader High Value Manufacturing Catapult and Catapult Network teams to collectively work to inform policy-making and investment decisions.

Be committed to developing the talents of your team and the wider organisation.

Alongside leading day-to-day activities, this role will be central to driving forward high-priority projects and securing the public and private sector funding needed to deliver them.

You will have:

An outstanding ability to forge excellent relationships, be adept at successfully influencing and be able to quickly gain the confidence of leaders across the business, customers, and senior stakeholders. 

Experience of leadership within a policy organisation and an evidenced ability to use data, including stakeholder insights and wider intelligence, to inform decision making.

Have highly developed written and oral communication skills, with the ability to brief on complex issues, presenting in a clear and concise manner and identifying key messages, with a proven track record in skilful navigation through senior stakeholders across government and industry.

An ability to create and contribute to a culture of innovation. An understanding of the UK innovation funding and organisation landscape and or working with commercial organisations is desirable.

A track record of strong leadership, of delivering through others and of developing high performing teams.

The post involves regular travel to Bristol and London.

All applications will be managed through Consilium Recruit. If you wish to discuss any part of the role or to apply, please send a copy of your CV to James Charlett