Director of External Affairs

Job Location: London

Additional Location Information:

Salary: Competitive

Contract type: Permanent

Posting End Date: 12/12/2025

At BUUK Infrastructure, our vision is to be the leading utility partner to accelerate the UK towards net zero for all our customers. Our group of companies has been the major drive for change and innovation over 30 years.

We provide a supportive environment that is committed to enabling our people to be the best – ensuring they feel proud to be themselves and part of BUUK Infrastructure.

We are looking for
Director of External Affairs
who would like to help us reach our mission to "earn customer loyalty and drive business growth by providing consistently excellent service".

Purpose of this role
The Director of External Affairs is responsible for developing and executing strategies that enhance BUUK's reputation, relationships, and influence with external stakeholders. This includes both government relations and strategic partnerships. The Director ensures consistent messaging, proactive engagement, and effective advocacy that supports the organization's mission and strategic objectives.

Your Key Responsibilities Are
Lead BUUKs external affairs function and team.

Develop and implement an integrated external affairs strategy aligned with BUUK's strategic objectives and goals.

Advise senior leadership on emerging public, political, social, policy, and industry trends that could affect BUUK and its subsidiaries.

Direct BUUK external affairs engagement and influence key stakeholders on BUUK strategic priorities.

Manage specialist providers of external affairs support and specialist advice.

Oversee content strategy for speeches, public statements, reports, and social media.

Collaborate with internal communications and marketing teams to ensure brand alignment.

Act as the primary contact for external public affairs correspondence.

Maintain a good understand of the key government stakeholders and help foster good working relationships with DESNZ, DEFRA, DESIT & MCHLG.

Work independently and take accountability for developing and delivering initiatives.

Coordinate advocacy efforts and prepare policy briefs, position papers, and testimony as needed.

Provide subject matter expertise on external affairs to relevant internal stakeholders.

Attend internal and external meetings, which may involve travel, e,g, London or other BUUK office locations.

Oversee content strategy for speeches, public statements, reports, and social media.

Collaborate with internal communications and marketing teams to ensure brand alignment.

Qualifications
Undergraduate Degree relevant to the role.

Experience/Knowledge
Experience in leading external affairs teams and or campaigns.

Experience in managing complex projects.

Experience of developing stakeholder engagement strategies.

Experience of the energy sector and/ or other regulated markets.

Experience with Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.

Abilities/Skills
Self-motivated, self-starter with an ability to work with limited guidance.

Can manage multiple priorities in a changing environment.

Excellent analytical and communication skills.

Ability to present complex concepts & arguments to all stakeholders.

Ability to build effective relationships with internal & external stakeholders.

Good demonstrate approach to problem solving.

Excellent attention to detail, producing high quality work.

Ability to develop campaigns and supporting materials to promote the Group's strategic objectives.

Innovative thinker who proactively uses new techniques to meet company objectives.

Desirable
Post Graduate Qualifications.
Worked in or closely with Government departments – DESNZ, DEFRA, DESIT, MCHLG.

Maintain a helpful and informative work environment.

Able to lead members of a team.

Project management skills or the ability to implement complex changes across business functions.

Conditions of Employment
What Can You Expect From Us
Cost of living annual pay review.

Company pension contributions up to 10% if employees contribute 5%.

33 days holiday including bank holidays with the ability to purchase an additional 2 weeks.

Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.

To say thank you, each time you successfully refer someone you will receive a referral payment of £1000 (net of tax).

Hybrid working for eligible roles.

Development opportunities to reach your career aspirations.

BUUK has an award-winning culture. We care about your wellbeing and safety as we all deserve the right to go home safe, every day. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, we respect each other and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in all we do.

Research shows that women and people from different underrepresented backgrounds often only apply for a job if they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you would like to be a part of our team and you meet many, but not all our requirements for this role, please apply. You can also ask us about flexible working options.

Please note we reserve the right to close the role early. Therefore, if you're interested in this role, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

What's the best thing about BUUK?

We asked our people.
From the supportive culture and opportunities to grow, to the great friends and chocolate brownies, our people tell us what they love most about working at BUUK.

We all matter.

Find Out About Our Supportive Culture.
Hear how our shared sense of mutual respect and belonging underpins out culture and supports us all.