Role Overview
Senior external affairs leader to shape and deliver LHP's external engagement strategy across regional, national and international stakeholders, positioning LHP as a recognized front door for health and life sciences collaboration.
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Managing Director and working closely with the Executive Group, you will develop and lead a coherent external affairs strategy aligned to LHP’s system ambitions. You will shape a clear, consistent system narrative across partners, ensuring alignment in external messaging and positioning. You will build senior relationships with NHS, academia, government and industry, support the Managing Director and Executive Group in positioning LHP, and act as the key interface between LHP and external stakeholders. You will lead the development of strategic approaches to influencing regional and national policy, investment and partnership opportunities, coordinate LHP’s role in major system initiatives and provide senior support on stakeholder strategy and engagement planning. You will contribute to briefings, positioning papers and strategic communications for senior leaders and ensure effective coordination of external engagement activity across the partnership.
Qualifications
* Degree or equivalent and subsequent experience in a related field
* Masters degree/postgraduate qualification in a related field and significant experience in external affairs, stakeholder engagement or strategic partnerships within health, life sciences, public sector or related environments
* Experience of working at a senior level within complex multi‑partner systems
* Experience engaging with senior stakeholders across NHS, academia, government and industry
* Experience supporting organisational or system‑level positioning, influence or reputation
* Experience working across the research, innovation and translation pipeline
Desirable Criteria
* Experience within the UK health and life sciences ecosystem, including clinical trials and commercial research
* Experience engaging with major industry partners including large pharmaceutical organisations and SMEs, high levels of political awareness, judgement and credibility
* Ability to operate effectively at a senior level with confidence and authority
* Excellent relationship‑building and influencing skills across complex stakeholder groups
* Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into coordinated action
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of senior briefings
* Ability to convene, align and facilitate across organisational boundaries
* Facilitation and negotiation skills
* Ability to manage ambiguity and shape emerging opportunities
Benefits
* Flexible working options including reduced hours, compressed hours, fixed shifts, time back in lieu and home working, subject to business needs
* Committed to equality and diversity with an inclusive workforce that reflects the local community
Equal Opportunity Statement
We encourage applicants from the following groups that are currently under‑represented in our workforce: black, Asian and minority ethnic; lesbian, gay, bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ+); disabled; male; and age 16‑24.
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