Head of Public and Regional Affairs

ENGINEERINGUK; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job description

Join Virgin Media O2 as a Senior Leader in Public and Regional Affairs.

In this central role you'll craft and lead effective campaigns, help shape the company's position on critical issues and manage key relationships with political stakeholders across the UK. Reporting to the Director of Public and Regional Affairs, you'll be responsible for a high-performing team, guiding and advising senior leadership, and leading our efforts to reinforce Virgin Media O2's presence and influence in the public and political arena at a national and local level. This is your chance to make a tangible impact on business goals while shaping External Affairs at a major UK business.

Who we are

The UK's fastest widely-available broadband network. The nation's best-loved mobile brand. And, one of the UK's biggest companies too.

Diverse, high performing teams - jam packed with serious talent. Together, we offer the UK more choice and better value, through our boundary-pushing, customer-championing values and ambitions.

Together, we are Virgin Media O2, and we can't wait to see what you can do.

Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all

Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and we're working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates. So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape. We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us.

The must haves

In order to be considered, you must have the following experience;

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills at the highest level
• Expertise in translating complex and technical issues into clear, accessible communication
• Proven track record in advising and briefing senior internal and external partners, including shareholders, with confidence and integrity
• Deep understanding of the UK political landscape, parliamentary processes and local government
• Extensive experience in public and regional affairs, gained from either agency or in-house environments
• Ability to remain composed and effective under pressure, managing shifting priorities and tight deadlines
• Demonstrated leadership in successfully leading high-performing teams, including agency partnerships, to deliver clear results and strategic outcomes

The other stuff we are looking for

We'd also love you to bring;

• Demonstrated ability in critical thinking and campaign development
• An understanding of the UK's telecoms and technology political and regulatory landscape
• Experience working as part of a broader External Affairs function with knowledge of PR/communications and how this can elevate and complement political activity

What's in it for you

Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between. We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day. We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world.

Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you'd like to. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you're covered no matter what life throws your way.

Next steps

If we feel like a place where you can belong, we'd love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date. Once you've submitted an application the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include a Saville Assessment and three interviews (on Teams & Face to Face).

When you apply, you'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process. Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you're offered a job with us, it will be conditional, based on the passing of background checks. All roles require a criminal record check and some roles need a financial probity check. Your recruiter can provide you with more information if needed.

Thanks for your patience and for showing an interest in joining the Virgin Media O2 family.