Group Public Affairs & Engagement Manager

Group Public Affairs & Engagement Manager

12 Months Contract | Remote

A quick look at the role
As Group Public Affairs and Engagement Manager at Biffa, you’ll lead the development and delivery of strategies that strengthen our influence, shape policy and build relationships with key stakeholders across government, industry and beyond.

Working closely with the Group Resources & Waste Policy Manager and Strategic Communications team, you’ll champion policies that drive the circular economy, decarbonise the waste sector and support sustainable communities. You’ll also provide insight into emerging legislation, helping Biffa manage risks, seize opportunities and reinforce our position as an industry leader in sustainable waste management.

Your core responsibilities

• Develop stakeholder engagement strategies by mapping key stakeholders and building influential relationships across government, politics, industry and environmental organisations.
• Shape and advocate Biffa’s policy positions by working with business leaders, developing advocacy materials and supporting consultation responses.
• Champion Biffa’s public profile by promoting our role in the circular economy, waste sector decarbonisation and sustainable waste management.
• Monitor political and regulatory developments to identify emerging risks and opportunities, providing actionable intelligence to inform business strategy.
• Represent Biffa externally through industry bodies, trade associations, conferences and stakeholder events to strengthen relationships and influence policy outcomes.
• Lead stakeholder communications and engagement by delivering events, briefings and presentations, ensuring Biffa’s positions are accurately reflected in public and media communications.
• Support reputation and issues management by working with Strategic Communications on government-related crisis communications and benchmarking public affairs activity against industry best practice.
• Manage external public affairs partnerships by overseeing the relationship with Biffa and Company Shop Group’s Public Affairs agency.

Our essential requirements

• Degree in political science, communications, public affairs or a related discipline, with at least four years’ relevant experience in public affairs, policy, communications or stakeholder relations.
• Proven experience developing stakeholder engagement strategies, building influential relationships and managing external agencies.
• Strong understanding of the UK political landscape, government processes and parliamentary procedures.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to develop compelling written materials, present confidently and translate complex policy issues for diverse audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess policy developments and identify business risks and opportunities.
• Collaborative, adaptable and proactive, with the enthusiasm to build industry knowledge, engage diverse stakeholders and support Biffa’s sustainability ambitions.
• Experience in the waste management, recycling or environmental services sector, or in climate and sustainability policy, regulation and legislation. (Desirable)
• Qualifications in sustainability or environmental management. (Desirable)

Changing the way people think about waste.

At Biffa, we love working with waste. Whether we’re turning it into sustainable power, finding new ways to recycle it or simply keeping it off the streets, we believe every day is an opportunity to improve the lives of millions. It’s a view that’s shared by our 11,500+ people around the country, who trust us to provide them with a career that’s always rewarding, often challenging, but never dull. And it’s why we’re the UK’s No. 1 choice for business waste management.

Dedicated to diversity.

Being inclusive is core to our culture at Biffa; we believe different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds are key to developing a creative and effective working environment that represents our communities and generates the best outcomes for colleagues, customers and stakeholders, which is why you’ll find us championing diversity, equity and inclusion at every turn.