Senior External Affairs Manager

460337 Senior External Affairs Manager Department for Transport Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 14th May 2026

📍 Location: Birmingham, Leeds, London (This role is suitable for hybrid working) 💷 Salary: National - £44,241; London - £48,581 A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% 🕘️ Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time 🏆️ Available Positions: 1

We're looking for an experienced external engagement professional to join our team, leading stakeholder relationships across the transport, business and supply chain sectors. You'll provide strategic advice to Ministers and senior leaders, develop high-quality engagement plans and events, and manage an External Engagement Officer. With a background in government relations, public affairs or communications, you'll champion best practice engagement across the Department and play a key role in delivering our strategic priorities.

Top Responsibilities Building effective and proactive relationships with key organisations in the transport, business and supply chain sectors to support the Department’s objectives. Supporting the wider External Engagement team to deliver the Department’s strategic engagement strategy, including developing stakeholder handling and engagement plans for high-profile and controversial issues. Providing strategic advice to Ministers and our Executive Committee on stakeholder engagement and handling and develop a programme of high-quality engagement events and visits that highlight Ministerial and Departmental priorities. Managing an External Engagement Officer, supporting them to plan and deliver Ministerial visits and develop their skills and capability. Producing briefings and communications material for key audiences, such as businesses and industry organisations, to promote better understanding of key issues and initiatives. Gathering intelligence and analysing the effectiveness of external engagement to help inform current and future engagement strategies. Championing the establishment of common engagement principles and best practice to improve the quality of stakeholder engagement across the department and its agencies. Assisting policy teams within the Department in the development and delivery of their own stakeholder engagement programmes.

Benefits Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary. Read more about Civil Service Pensions here 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave). 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday. Access to the staff discount portal. Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc. Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues. 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff. Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.

About You To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience: A strong track record in government relations / external affairs / public affairs and/or communications. Have developed and maintained relationships with stakeholders from a range of sectors. The ability to voice opinions to senior leaders and to prioritise and manage competing demands.

How to Apply 👉 Read the full description and apply here: https://bit.ly/4f59PtB This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Thursday 14th May 2026