Public Affairs Manager

Paper Industries Limited; Remote; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading trade association in the UK is seeking a Public Affairs Manager to develop and deliver its Public Affairs strategy. The role involves building relationships with political stakeholders, supporting advocacy efforts, and leading CPI's policy communication. Candidates should possess experience in public affairs, a strong understanding of the UK political landscape, and exceptional communication skills. The position is home-based, preferably in London, with occasional travel to various locations in the UK and Europe. A competitive salary of £38k and benefits are offered.

Benefits

25 days paid holiday

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Experience in public affairs, government relations, or related field.
• Strong understanding of UK political landscape and legislative processes.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to analyse and communicate complex policy issues.
• Strong organisational and event management skills.
• Experience working with trade associations or in the paper/packaging industry.
• Established network within relevant political and policy circles.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships with MPs and political advisers.
• Monitor news media for relevant information.
• Support members in their advocacy efforts.
• Organise and attend politically driven meetings.
• Lead communication of CPI’s policy positions.
• Manage events for CPI staff with political stakeholders.
• Provide secretariat support for the Public Affairs Committee.
• Maintain the CPI CRM with up-to-date contacts.

Skills

Public affairs experience

Government relations

Strong communication skills

Relationship-building

Policy analysis

Event management

Understanding of UK political landscape

Networking in political circles

Job description

The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) is the leading trade association representing the UK’s Paper-based Industries, comprising paper and board manufacturers and converters, corrugated packaging producers, makers of soft tissue papers, and collectors of paper for recycling. CPI advocates for the positive image of paper as a renewable material while supporting policies that ensure a competitive and sustainable industry. CPI represents over 80 members across 250 sites with a combined annual turnover of £15million.

Role Description

The Public Affairs Manager will develop and deliver the CPI Public Affairs strategy in consultation with staff and members. This role will lead the communication of CPI’s policy positions to political stakeholders and organise events and meetings for the CEO and other staff with political stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Build relationships with priority MPs, political advisers, and influential third parties to keep them informed about the organisation’s work and policy concerns.
• Monitor news media and government sources for relevant information and share updates with CPI officers and/or members.
• Support members with their advocacy efforts by providing advice and facilitating connections with elected officials and civil servants.
• Organise and attend politically driven meetings, such as APPGs, fringe events, and government consultations.
• Lead the communication of CPI’s policy positions to political stakeholders.
• Organise and manage events and meeting opportunities for the CEO and other CPI staff with political stakeholders.
• Provide secretariat support for CPI’s Public Affairs Committee, including coordinating meetings, papers, and follow-up actions.
• Maintain the CPI CRM with an up-to-date contact list and engagement tracker.
• Ensure that the CPI CRM system is kept up to date with any changes to current sitting MPs.
• Develop and deliver the CPI Public Affairs strategy in consultation with staff and members.

Home based (preferably London) with regular travel to London, Brussels, and other locations in the UK and Europe.

Qualifications

• Experience in public affairs, government relations, or related field.
• Strong understanding of the UK political landscape and legislative processes.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to analyse and communicate complex policy issues.
• Strong organisational and event management skills.
• Experience working with trade associations or in the paper/packaging industry.
• Established network within relevant political and policy circles.

Reports to

Communications Director

Salary

£38k + 25 days paid holiday per year + benefits

Please upload your CV and covering letter during the application process.