Director of Policy & Public Affairs

Competitive salaries and excellent benefits including up to one day’s paid leave each year to undertake volunteering opportunities

The Manufacturers’ Organisation | Make UK

We are seeking an exceptional Director of Policy & Public Affairs to lead Make UK’s policy function and play a pivotal role in shaping the debate around UK manufacturing.

This is a high-profile, senior leadership opportunity for someone who understands how policy gets made, knows how to influence decision-makers and can turn research and insight into ideas that make a real difference.

Responsibilities

The role

You’ll lead a talented policy team, setting the strategic direction for Make UK’s research, policy and influencing activity. You’ll identify the issues that matter most to manufacturers, develop compelling evidence-based policy solutions and make sure our thinking cuts through with the people who matter.

A key part of your role will be building influential relationships across Government, Parliament and the Civil Service. Working closely with our Executive Director and CEO, you’ll spot opportunities to influence the political agenda and ensure the voice of UK manufacturing is heard at the highest levels.

You’ll also become a prominent external voice for Make UK, engaging with politicians, policymakers, senior stakeholders and the media, while building your own profile as a credible voice on the issues affecting manufacturing.

Because our members are at the heart of what we do, you’ll work closely with businesses across the sector, leading major policy committees and membership boards and ensuring our policy agenda reflects the challenges and opportunities manufacturers are facing.

Requirements

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for an experienced policy professional who can combine strategic thinking, political insight and strong leadership.

You will have:

• Proven experience designing, managing and delivering research projects that have influenced policy.
• The ability to oversee research across a broad range of policy areas, with recognised policy expertise.
• A strong understanding of the UK political and policymaking landscape and experience developing effective advocacy strategies.
• The ability to spot strategic opportunities and develop creative interventions that achieve results.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with senior external stakeholders and internal teams.
• Strong people leadership skills, with a genuine focus on developing and supporting your team.
• Excellent presentation, public speaking and media skills.
• The ability to write clearly, concisely and engagingly for different audiences.
• Experience providing high-quality policy advice and management support to boards, committees and senior stakeholders.
• Degree-level education

Experience within amembership or not-for-profit organisation would be advantageous.

Why Join Make UK?

This is an opportunity to take a leading role in one of the UK’s most important sectors. You’ll be joining an organisation that works directly with manufacturers and senior decision-makers to influence policy, support businesses and champion the future of UK manufacturing.

We’re looking for someone who is collaborative, credible and confident, with the ability to build strong relationships, take ownership and operate effectively at senior level.

With over 125 years of experience, Make UK is a leading provider of essential business support and a champion for manufacturing industry in the UK. Make UK has the close ear of Government and is a trusted provider of essential services for world leading manufacturing companies across the country. Everything we do is designed to inspire British manufacturers to compete, innovate and grow.

Make UK staff enjoy a good benefits package and values a diverse workforce and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Benefits to include, but not limited to: no bank holiday/weekend work, flexible hours, health cover, matched pension contributions up to 8%, and life assurance.

We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and we recognise the contribution that Service personnel, both regular and reservist, veterans and military families make to our organisation and have pledged to support this by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.

Our Values at Make UK: Inclusivity & Diversity, Integrity, Innovation, & Collaboration

Make UK

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Bio

Make UK is a leading advocate for UK manufacturers, championing growth, innovation, and resilience in the sector. With a history spanning over 130 years, the organisation has supported businesses of all sizes, from ambitious start-ups to global industry leaders.Through campaigning, sector expertise, and a comprehensive range of business services, Make UK helps manufacturers navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Its extensive network fosters collaboration across regional and national communities, enabling businesses to share knowledge and drive industry progress.Make UK provides deep expertise in critical areas such as skills development, policy advocacy, and compliance. Its renowned apprenticeship training programs equip the next generation with the skills needed to support the sector’s future.Committed to shaping the landscape of UK manufacturing, Make UK continues to influence policy, support innovation, and empower businesses to thrive in an evolving industrial environment.

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