Public Affairs Manager

Company Description

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world’s trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be h accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We’re one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Reporting to the Head of External Communications and Government Relations, the Public Affairs Manager is a key role responsible for executing the company’s government relations strategy, with a particular focus on building and maintaining relationships with government entities, regulatory bodies, and key stakeholders across the UK and Ireland.

The role will support the company's regional business objectives by fostering positive relationships with government and industry partners and monitoring political and regulatory developments that could impact our business.

This is a critical and fast‑paced position requiring an individual with outstanding organisational, planning, and time‑management skills, and experience working under pressure to tight deadlines. Strong contacts within central and local government are essential.

The role requires exceptional communication and writing skills, a strategic mindset, and the confidence to challenge and influence senior colleagues where required. Candidates must be able to think creatively, guiding the team in developing new ways and channels to tell AECOM’s stories.

The role sits within AECOM’s external communications team, which consists of media relations and public affairs functions, and external agencies providing media and government relations services. In partnership with senior leaders across the business, you will develop profile‑raising opportunities with stakeholders in local and central government.

Government Relations:

• Support the Head of External Communications & Government Relations to execute AECOM’s government relations strategy in alignment with the business strategy.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with central and local government stakeholders, devolved administrations, regulatory bodies, and industry associations to influence policy and regulatory developments.
• Engage with key political stakeholders to deliver intelligence back into the business and to advocate AECOM priorities in alignment with government.
• Monitor and analyse legislative and regulatory changes that could impact the company, supporting the Head of External Communications & Government Relations in providing strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Support and coordinate planning around major industry conferences and political events, such as party conferences and round tables, ensuring AECOM’s voice is heard in government.
• Coordinate meetings between AECOM and relevant government ministers, departments, local authorities, and devolved administrations.
• Attend networking and other events in Westminster relevant to AECOM.
• Ensure AECOM contributes to relevant government whitepapers and other industry consultations, positioning the company as a thought leader across our core markets.
• Work with the Head of External Communications & Government Relations to manage external government relations agencies and advisers.

Stakeholder Engagement and

Collaboration:

• Support engagement with relevant external stakeholders, including industry partners, trade associations, NGOs, and community leaders, in consultation with the Head of External Communications & Government Relations.
• Ensure AECOM is represented at key industry events, conferences, and public forums to…