Policy Manager – Economy and Innovation
Location: techUK, 10 St Bride street, London, , EC4A 4AD
Hours: 35 hours
Salary: £30,000-£40,000
Planned start date: 1 July 2021
techUK Overview
techUK is the trade association which brings together people, companies, and organisations to realise the positive outcomes of what digital technology can achieve. With over 800 members (the majority of which are SMEs) across the UK, techUK creates a network for innovation and collaboration across business, government, and stakeholders to provide a better future for people, society, the economy, and the planet. By providing expertise and insight, we support our members, partners, and stakeholders as they prepare the UK for what comes next in a constantly changing world.
Role Purpose
The global pandemic has accelerated the pace of digitisation around the world and put digital technologies at the forefront of thinking about economic growth. techUK works directly with the UK government and other stakeholders to help develop new policy ideas that can drive innovation and economic prosperity across the UK. In this exciting role you will work with some of the world’s leading technology businesses in developing innovative new policy ideas that can be applied nationally and regionally across the UK.
The role will require you to analyse and understand how technology can drive positive economic change and to develop creative policy solutions to some of the UK’s most pressing economic challenges. From driving investment in R&D to levelling up economic opportunity.
The role holder will work within techUK’s Policy and Public Affairs teams to build a case for effective policy interventions and represent techUK members to officials and Politicians in Whitehall, Westminister and beyond. techUK also expects the role holder to be able to develop their own ideas and take the initiative to drive forward policy recommendations and campaigns to support the UK tech sector.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a major trade association’s thinking on some of the key policy and economic questions that will face the UK as it aims to build back from the impacts of the pandemic.
techUK is looking for a range of candidates from different backgrounds. If your experience does not fully align with the competencies and experience below, but you feel you would succeed in this role please set out in you cover letter why you believe you would be a good fit for the position.
Key responsibilities:
- Assist the Head of Policy in developing techUK’s economy and innovation policy work programme, including but not limited to: successfully leading, managing and delivering internal and external events; the smooth running of meetings; and managing and implementing stakeholder engagement activities; acting as point of contact for techUK members;
- Build relationships within and outside Government, including with BEIS, HM Treasury, DCMS and other stakeholders such as other industry bodies and partners such as the CBI and DIGITAL EUROPE;
- Research policy issues and draft papers and consultation responses for government, Parliamentary committees and others;
- Be able to situate techUK’s asks within the wider political and policy context;
- Ensure effective use of web and social media to communicate techUK’s positions and points of view;
- Provide secretariat support for techUK internal and external working groups as and when required;
Competencies:
- Strong interpersonal skills and good at building relationships;
- Highly effective communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex information effectively to a range of audiences;
- A self-motivated individual who is comfortable coming up with ideas and seeing these through into deliverable projects;
- A team player who is comfortable and able to work with relevant teams across techUK;
- Has a can-do approach and comfortable working in a high pressure, fast paced environment with competing demands;
- Able to articulate, explain and sell the benefits of techUK to a range of audiences from government to potential new members;
Person Specification
Essential Knowledge and Experience:
- Proven experience building relationships with stakeholders, developing workplans and delivering to deadlines;
- Intellectually curious and able to demonstrate experiences of having to learn quickly and distil complex issues into clear concise information;
- A working knowledge of and ability to comment on economic issues and policy;
- A strong understanding and interest in the UK policy and political landscape;
- A solid grasp of the workings of Whitehall and UK Parliamentary process;
Desired Knowledge and Experience:
- Proven track record of coordinating events;
- An understanding of the role of trade bodies;
- Comfortable working with and analysing numbers i.e. data sets and economic data;
- Experience presenting and speaking in public forums;
- An understanding of policy making across the UK including how and where key economic decisions are made in the UK’s governance structure i.e., between Westminster, Whitehall, Devolved Governments and local authorities.
This role reports to the Head of Policy. This is a full time role based out of techUK’s London offices, however techUK operates a flexible working policy. Currently all staff are working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This role profile is a guide to the work that is required but does not form part of any contract of employment and may change from time to time to reflect changing circumstances.
The successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. Due to the volume of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us within 3 weeks of applying, please deem your application as unsuccessful on this occasion.
The salary pays up to £30,000-£40,000 per annum based upon experience.
Our culture is one of collaboration, inclusivity and empowerment which is reflected in our core values:
Respect: for each other, our work and our stakeholders
Courage: when embracing change and transformation
Integrity: honesty and genuine through our approach
Generosity: in sharing time and knowledge and celebrating great work
Pride: in our industry and how we represent it
How to apply
To apply for this role, please send a short cover letter (max. 500 words) and a copy of your CV together with your salary expectations to lorraine.dias@techuk.org
Application deadline: 10 June 2021
Web link: https://www.techuk.org/
Email address: lorraine.dias@techuk.org
Phone number: 02073312047
More about techuk
techUK is the trade association which brings together people, companies, and organisations to realise the positive outcomes of what digital technology can achieve. With over 800 members (the majority of which are SMEs) across the UK, techUK creates a network for innovation and collaboration across business, government, and stakeholders to provide a better future for people, society, the economy, and the planet. By providing expertise and insight, we support our members, partners, and stakeholders as they prepare the UK for what comes next in a constantly changing world.