Public Affairs Manager

Our purpose is to give everyone real confidence to put their money to work. With a heritage dating back more than 175 years, we have a long history of innovation in savings and investments, combining asset management and insurance expertise to offer a wide range of solutions. 

Our two distinct operating segments, Asset Management and Life, work together to provide access to balanced, long-term investment and savings solutions.

Through telling it like it is, owning it now, and moving it forward together with care and integrity; we are creating an exceptional place to work for exceptional talent.

We will consider flexible working arrangements for any of our roles and also offer work place accommodations to ensure you have what you need to effectively deliver in your role.

Role Context

Role context

• M&G operates in a complex, highly regulated environment, within a sector that is often in the public eye. Maintaining good relations with policymakers in Whitehall, Westminster, EU and in key M&G markets is critical to delivering against the business’ strategic priorities.
• The Policy and Public Affairs team (PPA) is a key part of External Relations, within the broader M&G Corporate Affairs, Brand and Sustainability function.  Reporting to the Head of Policy and Public Affairs, the role holder will help to develop and implement a strategic public affairs engagement plan for the Group that builds M&G’s reputation, influencing and positioning in our sector and beyond.
• This will include the creation and delivery of proactive engagement programmes and compelling public affairs campaigns that will positively change external perceptions of M&G and affect change with key stakeholders. The role holder will work closely with colleagues in the PPA team and wider External Relations team to ensure that activity is aligned, targeted and impactful. They will provide counsel and direction to internal stakeholders on proactive political engagement and potential issues which could affect M&G’s reputation and operating environment.
• The ideal candidate will have  a strong interest in cross-party politics, a solid understanding of  how political developments can impact an organisation’s commercial objectives and the ability to implement proactive public affairs strategies to enhance and protect M&G’s reputation.

Manager / Expert descriptors

• Decide how best to deliver and to use resources available to deliver the work.
• Deliver the work by managing others or by providing deep expertise, skills and knowledge typically supported by a professional qualification.
• Focus on delivering the work effectively and efficiently
• Will have a strong network of peers across the organisation

Manager / Expert accountabilities:

• For people managers, accountable for managing and motivating others to ensure quality of delivery to customers and stakeholders.
• For technical specialists, accountable for delivering expert advice or service, using specialist knowledge and subject matter expertise.
• Applies judgement to deliver outcomes, evaluating a range of potential solutions, considering the impact for customers, cost and risk.
• Manages conflicts that may impact delivery.
• Challenges upwards given knowledge of delivery and awareness of complex systems and the broader picture.
• Identifies and anticipates need for changes to continuously improve quality and efficiency of output.
• Manages resources and risks using expert judgment, know-how and experience.

Key accountabilities for the role:

• You will help to develop and implement a strategic engagement and public affairs plan for the Group that supports the delivery of our strategic objectives and builds M&G’s reputation and positioning.
• Work with the wider PPA Team to build and manage strong relationships with relevant Ministers, parliamentarians, civil servants, policymakers, partner organisations and other external agencies to influence the Government’s agenda and ensure the best possible operating environment for M&G throughout the UK, EU and beyond.
• Creatively leverage M&G’s physical assets, investment capabilities and internal expertise with policymakers to build a bank of advocates across all major parties. This will include coordinating a visits programme with national and local politicians and running public affairs campaigns with the support of the wider External Relations team.
• Provide political insight, monitoring and analysis, drawing on information from many sources and advise on appropriate responses. The role holder will be comfortable producing insightful analysis and summaries of prominent political developments that goes beyond national media reporting.
• Work closely with teams across M&G including colleagues in the wider Corporate Affairs, Brand and Sustainability function to ensure that our positions are effectively communicated using all communication channels as appropriate, including thought leadership campaigns.
• Ensure M&G representation at key external events including policy roundtables, party conferences, trade association steering boards and external commissions.
• Coordinate and assist with the engagement and representation of M&G’s interests on relevant trade associations and other key bodies.
• Identifying thought leadership opportunities by horizon scanning the political environment.
• Help ensure that external agencies and suppliers are deployed impactfully.

 Key knowledge, skills, requirements and experience:

• Takes a dynamic and proactive approach to political engagement, including attending industry events, think tank sessions.

• A strategic thinker who has worked in Westminster or Brussels, in a public affairs/policy role previously and/or in a highly regulated sector.
• The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who has experience of creating and organising political and industry events, both nationally and at a local level.
• A good understanding of the Westminster “village” and Brussels with a good network of established contacts with politicians, key civil servants and their teams.
• A track record of building strong internal and external relationships, plus a solid understanding of how to strengthen them.
• Experience of campaign activity, including generating a range of campaign materials that resonate with political and policymaking audiences.

Recruiter : Martyn Jack

What we offer:

At M&G, we’re committed to helping you thrive and supporting your wellbeing, both at work and beyond. Our benefits are designed to help you balance your professional and personal life, while planning confidently for your future. Our UK benefits include:

• As a savings and Investments firm we are proud to offer a valuable pension scheme of 18%, with 13% made up of Employer Contributions and 5% Employee Contributions. We also offer Share Save and our Share Incentive Plan, together with access to financial wellbeing and support services - to help give you real confidence to put your money to work.

• Enjoy 38 days annual leave including bank holidays, with the opportunity to purchase up to 5 extra days and additional flexibility through our Time Off When You Need It policy – to balance your work and personal commitments.  

• Our market leading Inspiring Families policy includes comprehensive support and paid parental leave covering maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and paternity leave - as supporting families is a core aspect of our inclusive culture.

• Health & Protection cover including Private Healthcare, Critical Illness cover and Life Assurance for you, with family options - for peace of mind.

To explore more about life at M&G and our full benefits offering, visit Life at M&G

We have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture at M&G, underpinned by our policies and our employee-led networks who provide networking opportunities, advice and support for the diverse communities our colleagues represent. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or long term condition, we are looking to attract, promote and retain exceptional people. We also welcome those who take part in military service and those returning from career breaks.

M&G is also proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, and we welcome applications from candidates with long-term health conditions, disabilities, or neuro-divergent conditions. 

If you need assistance or an alternative means of applying for a role due to a disability or additional need, please let us know by contacting us at: careers@mandg.com