Head of Corporate Affairs

Hutchison Ports – Port of Felixstowe is the UK’s largest deep water container port and a major gateway for global trade. As a Head of Corporate Affairs, you will coordinate engagement across the business and with external partners, while also overseeing corporate communications, crisis response and reputation management. You will ensure that PR, media and digital communications support the organisation’s broader public affairs and policy objectives.

• Competitive pension: 8% employer contribution (min 4% employee)
• Life Assurance: 14× annual salary for pension scheme members (4× for non-members)
• Annual profit share bonus and performance related bonus
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): confidential counselling, stress & anxiety support, financial wellbeing guidance, plus access to our Wellbeing Hub
• On site Occupational Health Team and wellbeing support

• Paid leave, enhanced sick pay terms, and family friendly policies
• Volunteering days supporting our local community
• Perkbox retail discounts, wellbeing content and savings across hundreds of brands

• Access to development pathways, accredited training, and career progression opportunities across our port network

• Lead external engagement with government, policy makers, regulators, industrial bodies, trade associations and Freeport East/UKMPG, building relationships and influencing policy positions in line with HPUK interests.
• Research, analyse and interpret legislation, policy proposals and regulatory developments; prepare responses, advise on public policy strategy, and support evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Strengthen HPUK’s reputation through community and stakeholder engagement, representing the company in local partnerships, and identifying opportunities to enhance its public profile.
• Deliver corporate communications activity including strategic advice, crisis management support, CEO briefing, PR material, website content, social media, and coordination with Group Corporate Affairs and external consultants.

• Previous experience in building credible, influential relationships with ministers, policy makers, civil servants, politicians, industry bodies and local authorities.
• Degree‑level education (or equivalent experience) with strong corporate affairs/public affairs background, excellent communication skills, and high standard written English.
• Proven experience managing external and government relationships, including sound judgement on compliance, lobbying ethics, emergency response and legislative processes.
• Ability to analyse complex issues, work to tight deadlines, produce high quality reports.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming workplace where everyone can thrive. We celebrate individual differences and believe that embracing diversity drives innovation, creativity, and stronger collaboration across our teams. As part of this commitment, we consider all qualified applicants and encourage open conversations about flexible working. We offer a supportive, community‑focused environment and are proud to hold Chartered Status from Women in Maritime.

Our dedicated Diversity & Inclusion committee supports a range of employee networks, including our Women’s Network, PRIDE, Early Careers, Veterans & Reserves, Disability, and Culture groups.

Our recruitment process has been designed for you to easily apply and highlight the best of your skills, expertise and personal attributes. We want you to be prepared, confident and the best version of you for this role.

• Apply online – share your relevant experience and transferable skills.
• Anonymous shortlisting – all identifiable details are removed before hiring managers review applications.
• First Interview & task – scenario‑based activity + competency interview.
• Outcome – we aim to update all candidates as soon as possible after the process has concluded.

Hutchison Ports UK is able to sponsor skilled worker visas in cases where the role fits the requirements set out by the UK government. Please refer to the government website via this link to understand the requirements needed. In cases where a post‑study visa is used initially, it may be the case that the skilled worker visa requirements will not be met once this visa has expired.

Bring your commitment, teamwork and drive—and we’ll give you a career, not just a job.