Public Affairs Manager

The AVA is the trade body and voice for the automated 24-hour food and beverage industry. We support our members with government lobbying, best practice guidance and collaboration opportunities, whilst championing industry-wide quality, innovation and consumer satisfaction.

Our vision is for the vending and automated retail industry to meet the needs of our 24/7, on-the-go society by making high-quality, innovative food and beverage services accessible wherever and whenever people need them.

The role of the Public Affairs Manager is a crucial component in delivering this.

Job Profile

As Public Affairs Manager you’ll be part of a team working to develop our industry and its potential through influencing government policy. As a member of the team, you will: research and stay abreast of the policy and political environment across the UK, support the development and delivery of the public affairs strategy at the AVA, develop and support public affairs and policy campaigns, monitoring, briefing and presenting on critical issues, liaise with member businesses and stakeholder groups on public affairs and policy matters.

Drive impact for the AVA

1. Monitor proceedings and provide analysis of activities in the Houses of Parliament (and Home Nations), government departments, political parties, local government, think tanks, pressure groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other bodies in order to keep the AVA informed and respond to any developments related to our field of activity.
2. Review parliamentary publications and printed transcripts, such as Hansard, and monitor other activities such as debates, questions, committee enquiries, statements, reports, regulations and legislation.
3. Assist with research and draft written submissions to government consultations and select committee inquiries.
4. Research, forecast and evaluate the effects of public policy on AVA members using public sources, political intelligence and personal contacts.
5. Establish and maintain two-way communication with relevant official bodies, stakeholders and partner Trade Associations.
6. Maintain regular contact, in person and in writing, with politicians, civil servants and staff in local authorities, and regulatory bodies to brief them on clients' work and concerns.
7. Respond to public policy threats and opportunities.
8. Ensure that the AVA protects and promotes the industry to the media on the most significant industry issues, as well as influence key UK political stakeholders.

Enhance the relevance of the AVA

1. Work closely with the various AVA Committees to identify opportunities for activity & enrolment.
2. The successful applicant will work closely with the Chief Executive and Committee Chairs assisting in the drafting of agendas, presentations, and taking a leading role in relevant meetings.
3. Work with the Communications & Events Executive on the setting and delivery of the Association’s Communications Strategy.
4. Support opportunities to build closer relations with wider relevant stakeholders.
5. Support the delivery of educational initiatives for members e.g., webinars, events, and white papers, consultation responses.
6. Support the AVA team in demonstrating value to help drive new membership recruitment.

Become the industry authority

1. Identify and support activities such as market research activities and surveys that provide unique perspectives on the UK Vending & Automated Retail industry and owned data platforms.
2. Support identification of media campaigns that help to get the industry on the front foot through communications, rather than simply reacting to issues.
3. Support the Chief Executive in the delivery of a long-range AVA strategy which achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress.

Day-to-day responsibilities will include (with Communications & Events Executive):

1. Media monitoring and overseeing the monitoring services provided by third parties.
2. Briefing and liaising with the Chief Executive, as the AVA spokesperson, on appropriate media opportunities.

The Candidate

1. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field e.g. Politics, Public Administration, Social Policy, Policy Studies, Business Studies.
2. Demonstrable experience in public affairs and policy, having worked in Parliament, trade association, Government, campaign organisation, PR/public affairs agency or similar.
3. Experience and knowledge of policy making and parliamentary processes, with understanding of successful lobbying techniques of policymakers.
4. Have proven experience of planning and executing integrated campaigns over a variety of platforms.
5. Proven experience of ability to build and interpret data from various sources, analyse findings and present them clearly and accurately to make a clear and compelling case for policy and legislative change.
6. Have proven experience of delivering on competing priorities within a time-pressured environment (e.g. consultation response deadlines).
7. Hold a current driving licence and access to a car (or have access to public transport) as this role may require the staff member to travel regionally.
8. Ability to work within a small team and have a flexible approach.
9. Good communications skills, both oral and verbal.
10. Structured, proactive approach to working with ability to think ahead, plan time & react quickly to resolve issues.
11. Knowledge of and competence in the use of required web-based media and IT technologies.

The AVA Offers

1. A competitive salary package including pension.
2. 25 days annual leave (plus public holidays).
3. Potential hybrid/working from home (depending upon location).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £34,000.00-£36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

1. Company events.
2. Company pension.
3. Work from home.

Schedule:

1. Monday to Friday.

Experience:

1. Public Affairs: 1 year (required).

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wetherby LS22 7SU.

Application deadline: 28/02/2025
Reference ID: PAM025