Head of Policy

Head of Policy

Location:
London preferred, can be flexible on location

Drax is seeking an experienced and influential

Head of Policyto lead the development and delivery of our UK policy agenda at a critical moment for the energy transition.

This role sits at the heart of how Drax engages with public policy, government and wider stakeholders. You’ll shape policy priorities that underpin our corporate strategy, provide trusted counsel to senior leaders, and ensure Drax is well positioned in a complex, fast-moving and highly regulated policy environment—particularly across energy, climate change, sustainability and net zero.

We’re not just talking about making a difference, we’re making it happen. We generate dispatchable, renewable power and create stable energy in an uncertain world. Building on our proud heritage, we have ambition to become the global leader in sustainable biomass and carbon removals.

You’ll be joining our teams of practical doers, future thinkers and business champions. We’re enabling a zero carbon, lower cost energy future for all, and working hard to decarbonise the planet for generations to come.

As the Head of Policy, you’ll represent Drax externally at a senior level, work closely with colleagues across the business and External Affairs, and lead a high-performing policy team focused on impact and delivery.

• Identify and lead delivery of key policy priorities that support Drax’s corporate strategy.
• Ensure cross-cutting policy themes and critical enablers are well developed and supported across the organisation.
• Represent Drax at a senior level through government, political and stakeholder relationships, and on public platforms.
• Support third-party engagement and communications in priority policy areas.
• Advise internal teams including Strategy, Investor Relations, Climate Change, Viable Fuels, Carbon Capture, Regulation, Innovation and Commercial on current and future policy trends.
• Collaborate with colleagues across External Affairs to ensure alignment between policy objectives, public affairs activity and external communications.
• Manage external consultancies providing policy analysis or project support.
• Provide authoritative counsel to senior leaders, including the Executive Committee and Group Board, on UK policy developments and implications.
• Draft clear, concise and persuasive policy briefings to support political engagement and policy reform.
• Oversee monitoring and assessment of public policy developments impacting the Group.
• Represent Drax’s policy positions in external forums with policymakers, industry peers and opinion formers.
• Coordinate responses to enquiries from elected representatives, working with internal teams to ensure appropriate sensitivity and rigour.
• Maintain close collaboration with international public affairs and policy leads and the Regulation function.
• Oversee technical studies to support policy development and lead consultation responses on key policy issues.
• Manage the policy budget and lead, develop and motivate a high-performing policy team.

You’ll be an experienced policy and government relations professional with a strong understanding of how policy is shaped and delivered in complex, regulated environments.

• A strong interest in politics and public policy, with particular focus on UK energy, climate change, sustainability and net zero.
• Proven experience leading regulatory, fiscal or political engagement strategies, with direct interaction with government institutions and senior stakeholders.
• Experience working in highly regulated sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, construction, oil and gas or similar.
• First‑hand knowledge of government decision‑making processes and strong networks across political parties and relevant government departments.
• A proven ability to distil complex technical and commercial issues into clear, compelling messages for policymakers.
• A track record of challenging the status quo and influencing legislation to support business and sector outcomes.
• Experience building coalitions and alliances to address complex legislative challenges.
• Strong analytical skills with…