Head of Public Affairs – Regional and Research Partnerships

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced Head of Public Affairs to lead on the development of regional and research partnerships, including locally focused Innovation & Skills development at the National Composites Centre (NCC).

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. You will join this dynamic organisation as it embarks on implementing its new 5-year strategy, one that is growth and impact focused.

Reporting to a member of the Leadership Team you’ll lead the development of strategic public affairs, partnerships, and policy activities with regional partners, delivering a targeted approach to research, innovation, investment and skills.

Key responsibilities:

• Proactively develop and implement a regional stakeholder strategy that positions the NCC as a thought leader, with emphasis on regional activities and opportunities through effective professional relationships.
• Lead stakeholder engagement on pioneering regional initiatives (in and beyond the South West) to achieve growth ambitions. To include Combined Authorities, Pan-Regional Partnerships, regional businesses and national and regional investment funds.
• Incubate and advance NCC’s relationships with regional/national University and research assets, including knowledge centres and incubators.
• Influence policy and investment decisions to achieve business impact and collaborate with partners to meet business growth objectives.
• Monitor policy and political developments, using these insights to inform NCC’s advocacy and organisational strategy.
• Inform NCC’s approach to its investment in regional talent and skills, working with the regional supply chain, academic/vocational institutions and national departments e.g. DfE and Skills England.
• Prepare and review briefings for senior level meetings or events with Ministers, senior civil servants, local leaders, parliamentarians and businesses at C-Suite level.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and local innovation ecosystem e.g. UKRI and Innovate UK, to ensure a coherent, impactful messaging strategy.
• Work effectively with the ‘Head of Public and Government Affairs’ to ensure local-national alignment and join up NCC teams and communications colleagues to deliver an aligned, organisation wide approach.

So, what are we looking for?

• Strong understanding of the business support, innovation, and skills landscape at both national and regional levels.
• Demonstrable professional experience and knowledge of public affairs including liaison with the political and policy environment; producing high quality briefings and supporting senior visits.
• Developed understanding of strategic account management principles and experience in driving their adoption for key stakeholder relationships.
• Exceptional written and oral communications, able to assimilate complex information for a wide audience.
• The post involves regular travel to Bristol and London.

What do we offer in return?

• Hybrid and flexible working as standard, annual salary reviews, company paid private medical insurance, up to 12.5% employer pension contribution, great people, honorary staff status at the University of Bristol. With a genuine focus on wellbeing, EDI and learning and development this is a chance to build your career in a thriving R&D facility with a bright future.

About The Company

Not sure you meet all the requirements? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs if they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do. At the NCC we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.

We ensure that all hiring decisions are made without regard to age, race, national origin, sex, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, or any other protected characteristics, and will treat all applications with the strictest confidence. We’re always open to hearing how we can support flexible working in different ways, including part-time work. Please don’t be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered. We wish you every success in your job search.