Job Description
Purpose of the role
The Head of Public Affairs’ remit is to drive the development of TEAM LEWIS’ Public Affairs offering across existing and new clients and sectors in the APAC region. They will act as the face of the service in the region, leading on marketing and selling the new practice to clients in markets across the region. They will also work closely with our Public Affairs teams in the UK to help cascade and grow clients internationally.
The Head of Public Affairs will lead and/or play a significant role in new business credentials and pitches, and onboarding new client wins. The senior lead and sponsor on multi-market clients, bringing holistic thinking to tackling client briefs and problem-solving, pushing creative boundaries. Understanding the macro-economic, political and cultural trends that clients face, the Head of Public Affairs strategic and transformational insights will push clients to be braver and invest budget to break new communications ground. The role will champion client service excellence, retention and profitability, as well as use existing and emerging technology to give us the edge over competitors and the ability to move faster and more efficiently.
The Head of Public Affairs will be an active contributor to the success of the business. A notable presence, they will provide leadership and hands-on development of our people, encouraging different and more creative, innovative thinking about solutions.
Main responsibilities
Develop and implement the plan to grow the Public Affairs practice; ensuring a strong grasp of the political landscape across the region and the impact this could have for clients, brand reputation, policy tracking, issues and crisis management, and consider the launch of new services and products to meet the needs of the market
Lead, or contribute to, credentials and pitches for prospects, developing the strategic insight, strategy and messaging to drive conversion
Build relationships with senior prospect decision makers and key intermediaries and influencers across the region
Be the senior lead on APAC clients, ensuring continued excellence, profitable service and delivery of results
Run executive Public Affairs programmes for senior clients
Help build a high calibre and motivated team: set strategic team objectives; work to maximise strengths and support career development
Interview key potential hires; help on-board and mentor these hires, setting them up for success
Deliver excellent client communication; ensure that KPIs and service agreements are defined
Promote a culture of innovation and curiosity for continuous professional improvement
Lead on employee communications, contributing at meetings and attending socials
Run training sessions and work with colleagues and HR to evolve the training programme
Be a collaborative, encouraging, supportive member of the agency’s senior leadership team.
About you
Ambitious, dynamic and positive, you have proven experience of leading and growing Public Affairs teams. Your network is strong across a variety of sectors. You have a track record of winning and retaining major accounts as well as driving organic growth from existing clients. A strategic thinker, you enjoy counselling c-suite clients and policy makers as well as devising stakeholder engagement campaigns that build trust and drive change. Mission focussed and commercial, you like to exceed goals, deliver results and make a positive impact. An empathetic and charismatic leader, you know how to motivate a team. You relish business challenges and thrive on an international remit.
Additional requirements
Strong knowledge of the marketing comms industry in APAC, as well as emerging trends and technologies, using this to inform strategy, direction, and investment
In-depth experience in corporate reputation, strategic positioning, and behavioural change campaigns, plus in issues and crisis management
Understanding of trends and issues impacting corporate reputations and complex stakeholder audiences; sustainability and environmental experience are a plus
Experience in B2B and the technology sector is helpful
The ability to speak multiple languages is helpful
High level of commercial acumen, including successful commercial management
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
Ability to problem solve, project manage, prioritise, and multi-task
Integrity, humility, self-drive/initiative – and a sense of humour!
Apply for this Position
Ready to join ? Click the button below to submit your application.
Submit Application