Job Description
Senedd and External Affairs Manager
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) represents landowners, property managers, and rural businesses across England and Wales. Our members own or manage half the rural land in England and Wales and run over 250 types of businesses.
Our members consist primarily of landowners, large and small, with a host of business interests, for which we provide advice, networking opportunities, educational events and importantly, political lobbying. We engage formally with our members via branch and policy committees, with meetings taking place quarterly. We also feed into central policy committees, held in London, and work closely with staff teams there in terms of policy, advice and external affairs and communications.
We’re now looking for a Senedd and External Affairs Manager to lead lobbying in Wales and strengthen CLA Cymru’s political voice. This new role offers an exciting opportunity to shape our engagement ahead of the 2026 Senedd Election, working closely with the Director Wales as well as the Director of Policy and Advice and the Director of External Affairs.
Location and working arrangements
Although the role is office based at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, you’ll be expected to attend the Senedd regularly and travel across Wales to engage with CLA members. Working from home is also allowed up to two days a week.
What you’ll bring to the role:
* Ability to work independently and build strong political relationships
* Knowledge of rural policy issues and Welsh politics
* Experience in lobbying and political strategy
* Excellent communication and writing skills
* Welsh language skills is desirable
What you’ll be doing:
* Develop and implement CLA Cymru’s political engagement strategy, starting with the 2026 Senedd Election
* Build relationships with politicians, officials, and key stakeholders
* Monitor Welsh policy developments and advise on proactive responses
* Produce clear, informed briefings and updates for stakeholders and the CLA team
* Coordinate meetings and maximise engagement with members and decision-makers
* Support lobbying campaigns, events, and communications
* Represent CLA Cymru at events and liaise with the national External Affairs team
Why Join Us?
At the CLA, we champion the interests of rural landowners and businesses. You’ll be part of a supportive, knowledgeable team working at the heart of rural policy. We offer:
* 25 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays) increasing to 30 days upon 3 years’ service
* A collaborative and mission-driven culture
* 10% employer pension contribution
* SmartTech loan and retail discounts, wellbeing support, healthcare cash plan and more
Interview process:
There will be two stages to the interview process:
First stage interviews will take place in our office in Builth on Monday 9th February.
Second stage interviews will take place either in person or online on either Monday 23rd February.
Application deadline: 5pm Wednesday 4th February