National Nuclear Laboratory

Internal Vacancies

NNL has a vision for Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (ED&I) which aims to be an inclusive workplace that attracts diverse talent through transparent and equal policies and procedures. We want you and the diverse mix of people that we employ, customers that we service and stakeholders that we influence to feel valued. We encourage a workplace culture where everyone can thrive with a sense of belonging.

All of our current vacancies can be found on this page. You can also find more information at https://jobsearch.nnl.co.uk

The job details

Head of Corporate Affairs

Category: Science, Strategy & Innovation

Salary: Salary starting at £91,260

Closing Date: 2024-12-11

Location: Risley, Cheshire

The salary range for this position is £91,260 to £97,597 (Grade 3A).

If you have any queries regarding the position itself please contact Emma Kelly.

Please be aware that all new appointments will be made in-line with the PLC ‘New’ terms & conditions. Therefore, if you are not already on PLC ‘New’ terms & conditions and you are selected and accept this role, there will be changes made to your contractual terms. The terms and conditions of the role will be made clear in the offer letter. 

If you have any queries about the impact of applying for this role on your terms & conditions, pay, pension or benefits, please contact the HR Support Team.

Job Description for Head of Corporate Affairs:

There’s never been a more exciting time to be part of the nuclear sector. New opportunities are being created all the time. At NNL, you’ll be in the ideal place to capitalise on this momentum, face new challenges and develop a long, successful and meaningful career. 

We’re an organisation that’s here to experiment and push the limits of what’s possible. So, if you’re keen to excel in your chosen field, this is the place to do it. Because at NNL, anything is possible.

As part of NNL’s future we’re creating a Corporate Affairs team to lead on our engagement activities across external, international and government stakeholders. 

As our new Head of Corporate Affairs you’ll work alongside the VP Strategy, Head of Government Affairs and VP Communications. You will lead the Corporate Affairs team (5) comprising an International Engagement Lead, External Engagement Lead, Sustainability Manager, Comms and Marketing Manager and Corporate Affairs Officer, as well as working closely with our public affairs agency. You’ll be responsible for creating and maintaining NNL’s image with external stakeholders, building and maintaining strategic relationships and identifying opportunities to improve external impact.

We’re a purpose-driven organisation - nuclear science to benefit society; this is at the heart of our messaging and we need the right people to connect with our ambition. The increased focus on energy security and driving a change in the sector landscape has placed a spotlight on the opportunities afforded by nuclear technology. We are seeing rapid growth of UK nuclear ambitions to underpin national and energy security priorities, and so the value and profile of our work is also increasing. 

The successful candidate will demonstrate subject matter expertise, drive, strategic thinking and the confidence to develop and deliver the NNL Corporate Affairs Strategy. So if you’re a corporate affairs professional ready for your next big challenge, this could be the perfect role. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to work in a changing environment, who likes to work autonomously, enjoys a challenge and wants to make an impact.

The location for this role is flexible and can be based at a number of NNL’s sites. Please note we use an executive search agency to assist us with the recruitment for this role and we will share all applications we receive with them.

Main Responsibilities for Head of Corporate Affairs:

Reporting into the Chief Strategy Officer and working collaboratively with teams across NNL, the Head of Corporate Affairs will be accountable for shaping and executing NNL’s Corporate Affairs Strategy to enhance our brand, manage stakeholder relationships and support our corporate strategic ambitions. The role holder will lead and mentor the Corporate Affairs team, providing guidance and support to ensure high performance and professional development.

The Corporate Affairs team will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with a range of influential individuals and organisations to both share our messages and listen to what our stakeholders have to say. The team will work in close partnership with NNL colleagues who regularly engage with a range of stakeholders to encourage best practice and consider the wider impact NNL can have.

The role holder will:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive Corporate Affairs Strategy that enhances NNL’s reputation, builds positive relationship with key stakeholders and supports our corporate strategic ambitions.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including industry leaders, trade associations and community organisations.
  • Lead the planning and execution of campaigns that align with marketing initiatives and NNL’s corporate objectives. Measure and report on campaign effectiveness, adjusting as required to meet desired outcomes.
  • Represent NNL in meetings, public events and industry fora.
  • Monitor and manage NNL’s public perception, working with the Communications Team to implement strategies to enhance NNL’s reputation.
  • Lead on the development of key external messaging including corporate presentations and speeches, as well as providing content for other teams doing external presentations. Collaborate with the Communications Team to ensure consistent messaging internally and externally. 
  • Manage the development and implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility programmes.
  • Manage the relationship with NNL’s external public affairs partner including overseeing their work, setting clear objectives and ensuring alignment with NNL’s strategy.
  • Stay abreast of related industry trends, best practices and emerging technologies in corporate affairs to keep NNL’s approach current and effective.

Essential Criteria for Head of Corporate Affairs:

We are looking for an individual who has strong communication, stakeholder engagement and relationship building skills. A highly organised individual, capable of handling multiple sources of information. A proven ability to communicate and present information clearly and someone who has a continuous improvement mindset; always looking to improve processes and eliminate delays

  • Significant experience in public relations / corporate affairs, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Proven track record of managing high-profile campaigns and/or corporate communications.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing stakeholder engagement. 
  • Ability to navigate complex corporate environments and communicate effectively with senior executives and stakeholders.
  • Proven experience in developing and executing public relations / corporate affairs strategies.
  • Background in building and maintaining relationships with media professionals and securing high-quality media coverage.
  • Strong leadership and management skills, with experience in leading and developing teams.
  • Experience in managing external agencies, including setting objectives and ensuring deliverables align with strategic goals.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, industry leaders, and community organisations.
  • Knowledge of related current trends, best practices, and emerging technologies and an ability to incorporate innovative approaches.
  • Understanding of the energy sector.

Desirable Criteria for Head of Corporate Affairs:

  • Experience of working in a related sector.
Apply now
< Back to jobs list