External Affairs and Strategy Manager

at  Walsall Housing Group

ABOUT US

At whg, we are dedicated to providing affordable homes across the Midlands and creating sustainable communities. We believe everyone has the right to a safe and secure home, which is the foundation for a successful life. Our values— Trustworthy, Respectful, Accountable, Collaborative and Excellent — guide our work and our commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
We have been recognised as a top employer in the prestigious Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024. The awards celebrate the top employers in the UK who are leading the way in employee pride, job satisfaction and wellbeing, as well as reward and recognition.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to providing opportunities and support for all applicants, including those with disabilities.
Interested in joining our team? Visit our website at www.whg.uk.com to learn more and apply

• Ensure that our corporate plan and strategies are aligned and responsive to the external operating environment.
• Monitor the external operating environment including regulatory and public policy changes to ensure our strategies are contemporary.
• Support the effective communication and interpretation of the corporate plan and strategies into the business.
• Support the Executive Team in strategic reviews providing appropriate analysis and insight.
• Develop and lead on stakeholder management (including mapping and engagement) to support delivery of our Corporate Plan.
• Undertake focused horizon scanning of the external operating environment to understand emerging risks and opportunities.
• Monitor parliament, local and devolved governments for updates on relevant policy areas and provide timely briefings to senior leaders and board members.
• Build a network of senior contacts across the sector and key regional stakeholders.
• Provide prompt and regular briefings (briefings may be written or verbal) to senior colleagues on the latest news and information about influential individuals, partners and target organisations.
• Attend sector and political conferences, networking events, webinars and research seminars to ensure you are well informed and up to date.
• Manage the External Affairs budget, including setting and monitoring spend.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Proven experience in a similar role.
• A communications and/or external affairs professional qualification.
• Experience working with and advising colleagues at all levels, up to and including executive level.
• A strategic mind with the ability able to analyse insight and intelligence.
• Experience building and maintaining professional relationships.
• Well-developed networking and influencing skills.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills and present a professional style.

You will be a self-starter, able to work collaboratively with various stakeholders respectfully and professionally. You will have a proactive, confident and positive approach. You will also be self-motivated and accountable with the ability to work across teams.