You’ll also play an important role in managing reputational risk, providing considered advice on government engagement and ensuring activity reflects the MCA’s corporate values.

What You’ll Bring

You’ll be an experienced government affairs, public affairs or stakeholder engagement professional with a strong understanding of how politically led organisations operate.

We’re particularly interested in people who can demonstrate:

• Experience of government affairs, stakeholder engagement and events management.
• A strong understanding of local government governance, decision-making frameworks and statutory responsibilities.
• Experience of working within a politically led organisation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce persuasive briefings, speeches and engagement materials.
• High levels of political awareness and the ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• The ability to build and maintain effective relationships with political representatives, government bodies and a wide range of stakeholders.

You’ll need a degree in communications, government affairs or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.

Why choose us?

This is a high-profile opportunity to help shape the MCA’s relationships with government and support the delivery of an ambitious agenda for the West of England, including our Growth Strategy, Transport Vision and Investment Prospectus.

You’ll work alongside senior leaders and colleagues across the organisation, with the opportunity to influence how regional priorities are communicated, understood and progressed across government.

This is an opportunity to make a real difference — using your political awareness, strategic thinking and relationship-building skills to help secure the best outcomes for the West of England.

The role will likely require regular travel to, or presence in, Westminster (London) and/or Manchester. Candidates based in these locations will likewise be expected to travel to and maintain a regular presence in the West of England.

Find out more

If this sounds like your next opportunity, please apply so you can tell us why you’d be a great fit. There’s more information for you in the job description.

There’s more role-related information in the job description, but if you have any questions for the recruitment team you can contact us on Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk.

About The Company

Our offer

We are based in a new bright and airy office, with all the latest technology, close to Bristol Temple Meads Train Station.

Alongside the opportunity to make a real difference to the people who visit, live and work in the West of England, we offer an excellent benefits package including:

• 26 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years continuous service. There is also the option to increase your annual leave with our annual leave purchase scheme.
• 2 days of paid leave each year to volunteer
• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Flexible, family friendly and hybrid working options to ensure you achieve the best work/life balance and career goals. We follow a hybrid working model with typically 2 or 3 days in the office each week
• Reduced bus fare travel across the West of England

We believe in fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, empowering you to thrive in your career. We prioritise your growth and success by providing a diverse range of learning and development opportunities. Our goal is to keep you motivated, equipped with essential skills, and confident in delivering excellent services.

The salary for this role is £56,963- £62,282. This is the full-time equivalent salary, and will be pro-rata for part-time. We advertise salary ranges for job roles, with new appointments for external candidates typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, where higher skill levels or experience are applicable, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees.

Fair and Inclusive Recruitment

We want everyone to have a fair opportunity to work with us. We are committed to inclusive recruitment and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, accessible and free from unlawful discrimination, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you have an accessibility need, disability, condition or need any additional support that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process (for example, you might need to submit your application in a different format), please get in touch with our Resourcing Team at Resourcing@westofengland-ca.gov.uk. We are here to assist and accommodate your needs.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We want to understand the real person behind each application. While we recognise that some applicants may use AI tools, these should support your writing rather than replace your own voice. AI can be a helpful aid, but your personal insight and individuality are what matter most to us.

Closing dates

Our roles close at midnight on the closing date. Please note this vacancy may close early or be extended depending on the number of applications so please don’t wait to apply. If you have started your application, we’ll give you notice of the new closing date by email.

From a recruitment agency?

We’re not engaging with agencies for this role. Any CVs received from agencies will be considered as unsolicited and the property of the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, with no obligation to pay agency fees.

Attached documents

Government Affairs Manager JD.pdf