AMS PSR

On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Senior Public Affairs Manager (Inside IR35) for a 4 month contract based remotely (travel to Swindon as and when required for meetings, will be expected)

Network Rail is at the heart of revitalising Britain’s railway. From Crossrail – Europe’s largest civil engineering project – to investment in world-class stations and major programmes of electrification, we're involved in some of the most ambitious and diverse ventures that this country has ever seen. We at Network Rail are dedicated to becoming one of Britain's best employers and believe this starts with placing the candidate at the heart of everything we do!

As a Senior Public Affairs Manager, your main responsibilities will be to: 

• Analyse and manage the development and delivery of strategies and activities in the government / public affairs environment that enable the delivery of the objectives contained in Network Rail’s corporate communications strategy.
• Lead activities in responding to key legislative proposals, government consultations, and other strategic political consultations and developments that impact upon the company.
• Provide a comprehensive contact programme for passenger representatives’ bodies and other national stakeholder groups, and provide assistance as appropriate to senior Executives in their interactions with those groups.
• Provide direct management and development of a team including carrying out regular 121’s, appraisals, objective setting and performance monitoring.
• Manage designated public affairs activities, including meetings, receptions and tours within agreed financial budgets.
• Analyse, plan and manage, public affairs activities which are fully co-ordinated and consistent with other communications strategies and activities.
• Establish an effective network of internal and external contacts as appropriate to carry out the public affairs function.
• Take part in on-call arrangements to deal with out-of-hours media requirements on behalf of the company.
• Implement the major incident communications plan as required.

Essential

• Substantial experience in public affairs / lobbying / local government 
• High standards of written and spoken communication
• The experience and personal credibility to work effectively with senior managers
• Strong influencing skills 
• Proven ability to grasp, understand and promote complex and sensitive issues in a persuasive and sensible way
• Ability to develop and maintain a wide network of stakeholder contacts
• A proven understanding of all relevant political calendars and legislative assemblies

Desirable

• Evidence of good planning and financial skills, with the ability to deliver projects and activities on time and within budget
• Experience of directing and managing agency support
• Educated to degree level
• Relevant professional qualifications
• Evidence of continuing professional development

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Network Rail guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.

This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

Network Rail guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following “this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.