Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs
About Windward Energy
We’re committed to supporting a sustainable world to protect future generations from the impacts of climate change.
We develop energy infrastructure that will play a part in the transition to net zero. From wind energy to hydrogen, we believe in moving towards tomorrow.
Founded in 2018, and based in Edinburgh, we operate a number of green energy companies across the UK. They’re taking on some of the biggest challenges on the journey to net zero: increasing the amount of renewable energy generation; investing in new grid infrastructure to transport green energy to homes and businesses; and developing innovative long duration energy storage solutions.
What you can expect as a Windward Colleague
* Full flexibility with the option to work from home or in the office as needed.
* Flexitime with the ability to work core hours and take time back in lieu throughout the week.
* Fridays are allocated as ‘no meeting’ days to ensure down time at the end of the week.
* 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
* Private Medical Insurance from day 1 with cover for immediate family including spouse or partner and children, including direct mental health pathways and support.
* Annual pay review and discretionary bonus up to 25%.
* Employer pension contributions up to 7%.
* Electric car scheme via salary sacrifice.
* Cycle to Work Scheme
* Tech scheme – discounts on latest technology including laptops, phones, iPads for personal use
* Life assurance cover and income protection.
* Travel insurance.
* Suite of enhanced policies and provisions to support colleagues through all the moments that matter.
* Regular team socials, activities, sporting events and charity fundraisers.
The Role
REPORTS TO: Group Director of Policy and External Affairs
The Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs will help to facilitate the growth ambitions of the Windward Group, understanding and advising on and influencing the public policy landscape and the Group’s political stakeholders to positively influence key stakeholders and assist in achieving business outcomes.
The role will be based in Windward Energy’s office in Edinburgh, will be a flexible/hybrid model and will require occasional travel within the UK.
Main Responsibilities
* Plan, prepare and deliver effective and efficient public affairs engagement strategy.
* Closely monitor and provide updates to Group Director of Policy and senior management teams on government political affairs relevant to the Windward Group.
* Gather and analyse up to date intelligence on political, governmental, regulator and key influencer activities in the UK in order to advise on emerging trends, risks and opportunities and provide public affairs advice, analysis and assessment of public policy developments and preparation of public policy positions.
* Coordinate political engagement activity across the Windward Group in the UK (with a particular focus on UK Government/Westminster and Scottish Government), complimenting political engagement activity in Wales undertaken by business units.
* Prepare and coordinate input to public policy consultation responses.
* Ensure effective planning and coordination and work closely with business units to understand key activity and timescales and take action to help them deliver on their objectives from a public affairs communications and engagement perspective, supporting project teams with developing and executing impactful communications and stakeholder engagement plans needed to achieve timely progress of key projects.
* Support the Group Director of Policy taking a lead on political engagement with political audiences and representation at external events such as meetings with elected politicians, industry meetings, parliamentary groups and networking events.
* Ensure all stakeholder activity is suitably communicated and recorded and compile regular reports measuring both the outputs against plans and outcomes against objectives.
* Coordinate Group responses to media and stakeholder queries on public affairs/political matters ensuring integrity, alignment and consistency across Group.
What we look for in return
Knowledge & Skills
* Experienced professional working in public policy with knowledge and in depth understanding of the energy industry and detailed understanding of key political party’s stance on energy market related issues and ability to ‘horizon scan’ for matters relevant to Group and business unit interests.
* Comprehensive understanding of political and policy making process and environment at local, regional and national levels across the UK.
* In depth understanding of the process for development of and investment in renewable energy projects.
* Established network of political contacts and government officials (Westminster/Scotland) with ability to develop and manage relationships with political and government contacts at all levels including cabinet and opposition members through to constituency level political operators.
* Ability to analysis complex policy landscape and develop/present public policy focussed positions taking account of commercial implications for the Windward Group.
* Excellent analytical, verbal and written communication and presentation skills along with interpersonal skills which give both the credibility and capability to influence others.
* Demonstrable track record of effective advocacy and successful stakeholder engagement and in building trusted relationships.
* Ability to work collaboratively and cope well with varied and fast paced working environment.
* Senior level experience of providing strategic advice to senior management / executive audiences.
What does our culture mean to us and you?
At Windward Energy, we are committed to having a workplace that encourages and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion. This means taking account of social or personal challenges that some colleagues may face and making available, the right workplace environment, resources and opportunities, which allow all of us at Windward Energy, to THRIVE.
Our culture and the way we do things is centred around ‘belonging’. We believe that everyone should be able to be their true authentic self at Windward Energy and encourage this through promoting an inclusive environment which values and encourages different perspectives, thoughts, ideas and backgrounds, to ensure a truly innovative and exciting place to work.
We do not accept any discriminatory attitudes or behaviours. Every single colleague and potential colleague who wishes to join us, should feel confident in equality of opportunity and be free from any bullying, discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.
We hope and encourage all suitably qualified individuals to feel comfortable and energised to join our dedicated team and contribute to the UK’s shift towards sustainable energy solutions.
Head of Public Policy and Government Affairs
From £75,000 (Skills and experience dependent)
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