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Interim Executive Director - Communications & Public Affairs

Greater Manchester Temporary View Job Description
Executive leadership opportunity to shape strategy, communications and external relations within a nationally significant regulator during a period of transformation.
  • Opportunity to shape national strategy, communications and stakeholder influence
  • Lead transformation of communications & public affairs for a UK regulator

About Our Client

Our client is a high-profile UK regulator at the forefront of data use, innovation and public trust. With a clear and ambitious strategy focused on building confidence in responsible data use, the organisation plays a critical role in shaping how government, industry and society navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.As they enter a period of significant organisational change and transformation, they are strengthening their executive leadership capability across communications, public affairs and external engagement to better influence, connect and lead in a rapidly evolving environment.

Job Description

This Executive Director role sits at the heart of the organisation's leadership team, bringing together strategy, communications and external relations to drive a more joined-up, outward-facing approach.

You will:

  • Lead the development and stewardship of corporate strategy, ensuring it is clearly articulated, evidence-based and responsive to a changing external landscape
  • Act as a senior strategic integrator, connecting regulatory priorities, stakeholder insight, communications and organisational objectives into a coherent narrative
  • Shape and lead engagement with key stakeholders including government, Parliament, regulators and industry, strengthening the organisation's influence and reputation
  • Provide executive leadership of communications, ensuring a consistent, credible and impactful narrative across internal and external audiences
  • Lead and evolve the public affairs and external relations approach, bringing greater alignment, clarity and strategic intent to stakeholder management
  • Play a key role in organisational transformation, working alongside executive colleagues to design and embed a future-fit structure across communications and public affairs
  • Support and develop high-performing teams across communications, public affairs and engagement functions



This role offers the opportunity to shape both the immediate operating model and the longer-term structure, including redefining how external relations, policy and communications work together.

The Successful Applicant

We are looking for a senior leader who can operate confidently at executive level and bring clarity and direction in a complex, high-profile environment.You will bring:

  • Significant experience in senior leadership roles spanning strategy, communications, public affairs and external relations
  • A strong track record of operating in politically sensitive or highly regulated environments
  • Experience of engaging and influencing at the most senior levels, including government and board-level stakeholders
  • The ability to navigate ambiguity and lead through change, shaping both structure and approach
  • Strong judgement, credibility and resilience, with the ability to balance competing priorities
  • A collaborative leadership style, with experience of building and developing high-performing teams
  • A clear understanding of the importance of public trust, accountability and effective regulation



Experience in regulatory environments is helpful, but not essential - we welcome candidates from across the public, private or not-for-profit sectors who bring strong external engagement and leadership capability.

What's on Offer

  • Competitive daily rate depending on experience
  • Opportunity to work within a well-regarded public sector organisation in Greater Manchester
  • Engage in impactful work that contributes to community development and transparency.
  • Interim position offering flexibility and hybrid working, travel to Manchester will be required with the ability to also work from the London office



If you are ready to take on this rewarding challenge as an Interim Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, apply today to make a meaningful impact in the public sector.

Contact
Nicola Harper
Quote job ref
JN-052026-7019561
Phone number
+441618286230

Job summary

Job function
Marketing & Agency
Subsector
Public Sector & Not-For-Profit
Sector
Public Sector
Location
Greater Manchester
Contract type
Temporary
Consultant name
Nicola Harper
Consultant phone
+441618286230
Job reference
JN-052026-7019561