The Corporate Affairs Manager will lead external and internal communications, stakeholder engagement and regulatory compliance for a mid to large-sized organisation. This senior role supports the executive team and Board, shaping reputation strategy, public policy responses and media relations. The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with excellent interpersonal skills and sound commercial awareness.
Corporate Affairs Manager Job Profile
The Corporate Affairs Manager is responsible for developing and delivering a coherent corporate affairs programme that safeguards reputation and advances business objectives. This includes public affairs, corporate communications, media relations, issues management and liaison with regulators and industry bodies.
Reporting to the Director of Communications or Chief Legal Officer, the post requires strong stakeholder engagement, an ability to translate complex regulatory matters for non-specialists and experience of working with senior leaders and Boards.
Corporate Affairs Manager Job Description
The Corporate Affairs Manager will draft and execute strategies that protect and enhance the organisation's public profile. They will manage proactive communication campaigns, reactive media responses and long-term stakeholder plans. A key responsibility is to analyse policy changes and regulatory developments, advise senior colleagues and coordinate submissions or responses to consultations.
In addition, the role oversees corporate messaging across channels, including press releases, statements, speeches and digital content. The manager will cultivate relationships with journalists, policy makers, trade associations and community groups, arranging briefings and events where appropriate. Crisis preparedness and incident response are central duties; the incumbent must be able to lead a coordinated response, produce Q and As and support spokespeople under pressure.
The post-holder will also support corporate governance initiatives, assist with sustainability and ESG communications, and work closely with legal, HR and commercial teams to ensure alignment across the organisation. Budget management, supplier oversight and performance reporting are required to demonstrate impact and value for money.
Corporate Affairs Manager Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a strategic corporate affairs plan aligned to organisational objectives.
- Monitor political, regulatory and sector developments and provide timely briefings to senior leadership and the Board.
- Manage media relations, including proactive outreach, press releases and reactive statements.
- Lead issues and crisis management, coordinate cross-functional response teams and produce clear lines to take.
- Prepare and coach spokespeople for media and stakeholder engagements.
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, industry groups and community stakeholders.
- Oversee corporate messaging, speeches, corporate reports and digital content.
- Support ESG, corporate responsibility and sustainability communications.
- Manage agency partners and suppliers, ensuring deliverables meet quality and budget expectations.
- Measure and report on activity, using metrics to refine strategy and demonstrate impact.
- Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and ethical standards in all communications.
Corporate Affairs Manager Requirements and Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Policy, Law, Business or related discipline; postgraduate qualification desirable.
- Proven experience in corporate affairs, public affairs, corporate communications or similar, ideally within a regulated sector.
- Strong understanding of UK political and regulatory environments and experience engaging with policy makers.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear, persuasive and audience-appropriate content.
- Demonstrable media handling and crisis management experience.
- Comfortable briefing and presenting to senior executives and Boards.
- Analytical skills with the ability to interpret policy and regulatory documents and translate implications for the business.
- Experience managing budgets, external agencies and suppliers.
- High level of commercial awareness and ability to work cross-functionally.
- Strong ethics, discretion and commitment to corporate governance.
