Senior Public Affairs and Stakeholder Manager

Responsibilities

• Support the development and delivery of public affairs and stakeholder engagement strategies for priority policy areas, ensuring alignment with RDG’s corporate objectives and wider industry priorities.
• Build, maintain and deepen senior‑level relationships with MPs, peers, government departments, officials, devolved administrations and key third‑party stakeholders.
• Provide strategic counsel and expert advice to the Director of Communications and Head of Stakeholder Engagement. When required, provide this support for senior RDG figures on behalf of Head of Stakeholder Engagement.
• Produce high quality briefings and correspondence for meetings, events and evidence sessions.
• Manage all MP correspondence that is received by RDG working with industry colleagues to provide timely and accurate information.
• Monitor and analyse political developments, legislation and policy proposals, providing timely insight and recommendations to RDG members and internal stakeholders.
• Work alongside RDG policy team on the monitoring and engagement of the Railways Bill.
• Provide strategic guidance and support for communications colleagues to shape and deliver advocacy campaigns that build support for RDG priorities, working closely with communications, policy and external partners.
• Identify and secure opportunities for RDG and industry leaders to engage at external events, conferences and forums, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging.
• Be an advocate for the railway and be a senior member of the RDG communications team, providing direction and support to colleagues and members.
• Work collaboratively across RDG directorates to embed stakeholder and political considerations into wider organisational activity.
• Support the Head of Stakeholder Engagement with planning, prioritisation and continuous improvement of the team’s work.

• Significant experience in public affairs, stakeholder engagement or government relations, ideally within a complex, regulated or membership‑based environment.
• Proven ability to engage credibly with senior political and stakeholder audiences and influence decision‑makers.
• Strong understanding of UK political and parliamentary processes, including legislation and scrutiny.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting for senior leaders.
• Experience working in or alongside the transport, infrastructure or public policy sectors.
• Experience of leading or coordinating advocacy campaigns across multiple stakeholders.

• Political Analysis
• Legislation Monitoring
• Briefing Production
• Correspondence Management
• Strategic Counsel

• Excellent Communication Skills
• Relationship Building
• Collaboration
• Influencing Skills