Head of External Affairs
The Department of Health and Social Care is seeking a leader to manage external affairs and build trusted relationships with influential organisations, the NHS, and charities. You will provide strategic advice to ministers and senior officials, ensuring government policies are understood and stakeholder insights shape communications. You will also lead and develop a high-performing team of external affairs professionals, working closely with media and strategic communication colleagues. This role offers an opportunity to influence public health issues and major announcements through stakeholder engagement.
What they're looking for
- Extensive experience of leading external and public affairs functions
- Strong track record of engaging, influencing and advising senior leaders
- Excellent judgement and strategic thinking on complex issues
- Experience of leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication and stakeholder skills
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to UK nationals, Republic of Ireland nationals, Commonwealth citizens with work rights, EU/EEA/Swiss/Turkish nationals with relevant settled or pre-settled status.
Selection process
Applications will be sifted the week commencing 12/10/2026. Interviews will take place the week commencing 19/10/2026 by video.
Apply on Civil Service Jobs ↗Originally listed on Civil Service Jobs.