Stakeholder Engagement Lead

Metis is seeking an experienced Stakeholder Engagement Lead to join our growing team and lead the development of our stakeholder management capability across transport, water, environmental and infrastructure projects. The role will support the delivery of projects across London and the North West, working with public and private sector clients to develop and deliver effective stakeholder engagement strategies and plans, and manage complex stakeholder environments.

This is a strategic role focused on developing stakeholder engagement strategies. You will advise project teams and clients, and mentor consultants to deliver effective stakeholder management across complex projects. You will play a key role in shaping how Metis plans, manages and communicates with stakeholders – helping our clients navigate technical, community, political and organisational interfaces.

This role combines both strategic leadership with practical delivery. You will develop engagement strategies, advise project teams and clients, and lead the planning and delivery of key meetings, workshops, consultations and other engagement activities. The role will also include quality assurance, client advice and team development.

This is not primarily a field-based engagement role. You may support key meetings, workshops or consultation activities where required. However, the main focus will be on strategy, leadership, quality assurance, client advice and team development.

You will help establish consistent approaches, templates and best practice across the business. These will support Metis’s continued growth and strengthen our ability to deliver projects that are technically robust, socially aware and responsive to stakeholder needs.

Key objectives

Core responsibilities:

Lead the development and delivery of Metis’s stakeholder engagement and stakeholder management service offering

Support stakeholder management activities across projects in London and the North West, developing strong relationships with clients, local authorities, regulators, community groups and other key stakeholders

Prepare stakeholder engagement strategies, communications plans and stakeholder management plans for infrastructure, transport, highways, water and environmental projects, and the associated materials for delivery

Advise project managers, technical leads and clients on stakeholder risks, priorities, sensitivities and opportunities, and manage these risks throughout project development and delivery

Identify, analyse and assess key stakeholders, including local authorities, statutory bodies, community groups, businesses, residents, transport operators and other affected parties

Develop proportionate engagement approaches suited to different project stages, from feasibility and optioneering through to detailed design, construction and handover

Lead on the planning, management and delivery of consultations, workshops, briefings and stakeholder meetings where required

Provide technical review and quality assurance of stakeholder engagement outputs, including plans, reports, consultation material, briefing notes and meeting records

Work collaboratively with the project teams to ensure stakeholder considerations are embedded into project decision-making

Support the management of sensitive or complex stakeholder issues, helping project teams respond clearly, professionally and constructively

Maintain accurate stakeholder records and ensure engagement activities are undertaken in line with relevant information management and GDPR requirements

Mentor consultants and junior staff, helping them build confidence and capability in stakeholder management

Qualifications, skills and experience(Essential)
Significant experience in stakeholder engagement, consultation, communications, public affairs, community engagement or a related discipline

Experience developing stakeholder engagement strategies or communications plans for complex projects

Ability to advise clients and project teams on stakeholder risks, sensitivities and engagement approaches

Degree qualified (2:1 or above)
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear strategies,…