Job Description

We are looking for a Political & Public Affairs Manager to grow the influence of the BPC and build relationships with political stakeholders. This role involves representing a dynamic food sector by setting a political narrative, engaging with a variety of external stakeholders, and presenting coherent industry positions in the context of UK food supply and productivity. The role will work alongside our Communications Manager as an external affairs team.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to be part of the leading poultry meat trade association supporting the industry through effective lobbying of the UK government on issues that affect our sector. The successful candidate will be able to build their knowledge and experience and will be working on a range of issues including trade policy, sustainability & net zero, future relationship with the EU, and immigration & labour policy. They will also build and maintain political networks and identify opportunities to strengthen our voice.

This is a great opportunity for someone with five or more years of experience in the political and public affairs world. Experience of food and/or farming would be welcome but not essential. The person will learn about and participate in the broader issues facing the industry, will receive sector level experience and perspective, and will learn how to manage issues to the benefit of a membership organisation.

This is a crucial time for a UK food and farming industry that needs support, certainty, and consistency from the new UK Government. Food is fundamental to the social, environmental, and economic fabric of this country and poultry meat is central to accessible and affordable nutrition. This is a role that will make a difference and will help to sustainably feed this country.

Main Responsibilities:

Taking ownership of key political and public affairs issues and working with both the BPC team and members to design and achieve desired objectives
Building relationships with, and networks of, political stakeholders, e.g. MPs, Lords, Ministers and their staff, Select Committees, APPGs
Managing relationships with political stakeholders, e.g. other trade associations, think tanks, researchers, PA agencies
Managing political events, e.g. receptions, APPG meetings, party conference meetings
Supporting the production of reports, briefing papers, and insights as part of the external affairs team
Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen relationships and gathering information on key subjects
Other duties as required
Some UK travel and occasional international travel

Person specification:

Degree level or equivalent
Five+ years’ experience in either political, public affairs, or trade association roles
Experience in influencing the political agenda in person, via events, and through reports/briefings
Personable and able to build relationships with a variety of people
Understanding of Parliament (UK and devolved administrations)
Ability to grasp complex issues quickly
Ability to meet tight deadlines
Ability to work in a small team

About us:

The British Poultry Council is the trade association for those involved in the production of poultry meat – chicken, turkey, duck, and goose – in the UK. Our member businesses account for around 80% of the poultry meat production in this country, producing over one billion birds a year, and cover the whole food chain: breeding, hatching, growing, slaughter, processing, and packing. BPC members are committed to producing safe, wholesome, and nutritious food for Britain.

Salary:

c. £50,000+ depending on experience

Location:

The BPC has a hybrid-working policy. Proximity to London for in-person meetings and events is desirable.

British Poultry Council jobs

Political & Public Affairs Manager