Public Affairs Manager

What you'll be doing

As Public Affairs Manager, you’ll play a central role in strengthening the IET’s influence across government, Parliament and key policy-shaping bodies. You’ll lead the development and delivery of public affairs strategies that position the IET as a trusted advisor and authoritative voice on engineering, skills and technology, ensuring our expertise informs political debate and policy development in the UK and beyond.

You’ll work closely with senior leaders, volunteers, and colleagues across the IET to identify opportunities for influence, provide timely political insight, and support the delivery of Strategy 2030. From overseeing high-profile activity such as the IET Annual Skills Survey and contributing to the National Engineering Policy Centre, to building strong relationships with politicians, advisers and civil servants, your work will help ensure the IET’s voice is heard where it matters most.

This is a highly collaborative role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery. You’ll represent the IET in key policy forums, act as a central point of contact for government engagement, and help build public affairs capability across the organisation, enabling colleagues to engage confidently and effectively in the policy landscape.

What we hope you can bring to the role

We’re looking for an experienced public affairs professional with a strong understanding of the UK political and policy environment, and a proven track record of influencing decision-makers. You’ll bring established relationships across government, Parliament or related policy bodies, along with the credibility and judgement needed to operate confidently at senior levels.

You’ll be an excellent communicator, able to turn complex political and technical developments into clear, actionable insights for a wide range of audiences (from senior leaders and volunteers, to policymakers and partners). Strong organisational skills, political awareness, and the ability to balance strategic priorities with fast-moving political developments will be key to your success.

If you’re proactive, collaborative and motivated by making a real-world impact through public affairs, we think you’ll thrive in this role.

A little more about the role

• Develop and deliver an integrated public affairs strategy that strengthens the IET’s influence and profile across UK government and Parliament
• Build and maintain strong relationships with politicians, advisers, civil servants, regulators, and partner organisations
• Lead engineering skills-related policy development aligned to Strategy 2030 and contribute to the National Engineering Policy Centre
• Manage the development, production, and impact strategy for the IET Annual Skills Survey
• Monitor parliamentary and political developments, providing timely analysis, briefings, and insight to senior leaders, colleagues and volunteers
• Identify opportunities for the IET to inform and influence policy debates and political decision-making
• Draft high-quality briefings and materials for meetings with key stakeholders
• Act as a central point of contact for government and quasi-government engagement, coordinating input from across the IET
• Advise colleagues on political announcements and support the development of appropriate organisational responses
• Represent the IET in external policy forums and cross-sector meetings
• Support public affairs capability building by providing advice, guidance, and training to staff and volunteers
• Work with international colleagues and volunteers to support public affairs activity aligned to the IET’s international strategy

A little more about what we’re looking for

• Proven experience in public affairs, with a strong understanding of the UK political landscape and how policy is shaped
• An established network of political, policy, or stakeholder contacts, with experience influencing outcomes and shaping debate
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate credibly at senior levels
• Strong analytical skills and political judgement, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex information clearly and quickly
• Outstanding written communication skills, with experience producing briefings, papers, and persuasive policy content
• Highly organised, adaptable, and comfortable managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Experience working in or with a membership organisation, professional body or complex stakeholder environment would be advantageous
• Knowledge of devolved legislatures or international policy engagement would be a plus

We’d love to get to know you

Is Imposter syndrome creeping in? Don’t worry – we’d rather hear from you this time than not hear from you at all!

Download the full job description for a little more information about the role; but also, keep in mind that we’re open to discussing flexible ways of working, including reduced hours and working in an agile way, supported by a hybrid working framework that allows you to find the best place to do your best work.

The IET will collect, use and handle personal information about you in connection with our online and offline recruitment activities. For further information about privacy please see our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

What if you could be you?

The IET is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.