Role Overview

We’re looking for an experienced policy professional who can solve complex challenges at the juncture of industry, Government and regulation. The role involves growing a strong network across the telecommunications policy landscape, developing leadership positions, growing an evidence base for policy interventions and providing advice both to Government and the sector.

The Broadband Stakeholder Group

The Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG) is the UK’s advisory body on broadband policy. It provides a neutral forum for organisations across the broadband value-chain to discuss and resolve key policy, regulatory and commercial issues, with the ultimate aim of helping to create a strong and competitive UK knowledge economy.

The BSG’s diverse network includes telecoms operators, manufacturers, investors, service providers, mobile network operators, broadcasters, new media companies and content/OTT producers, as well as central and local government, devolved administrations, and Ofcom.

Purpose

The Head of the BSG is responsible for its smooth operation, including ensuring financial support for the work of the body on a not-for-profit basis. You would lead the development of the BSG’s work programme and be responsible for identifying, commissioning and launching projects in support of the programme. The current areas of focus for the BSG include how to incentivise the deployment of and demand for full fibre and 5G networks, the migration to All-IP for voice services, digital inclusion and skills for both citizens and SMEs, diversity, the future regulatory framework and net neutrality.

As a key leader for the organisation, you would act as a spokesperson to the media, representing the body in policy and public affairs activity such as before Parliamentary committees and speaking at conferences, dinners and wider events.

You would lead the small but dedicated secretariat team including a policy manager. You would also work with and support the BSG’s non-executive Chair, Stephanie Liston.

The position requires the ability to work with a large and diverse selection of external stakeholders, manage work spanning the full range of broadband policy issues, undertake and commission analysis of complex issues coupled by the ability to communicate and promote this analysis clearly and effectively to a broad audience.  The ability to drive consensus and broker compromise is also key to the role.

The ideal candidate will have experience in leading a team and will have an excellent understanding of policy development, public affairs, stakeholder management and regulatory affairs. Knowledge and experience of broadband or of the wider technology, media and telecommunications brief is essential.

Key responsibilities

• Develop the BSG work programme, including initiating projects and work-streams and preparing and writing BSG reports, articles and letters on broadband policy

• Full operational responsibility of the BSG, responsible for sponsor relations and ensuring financial support for the BSG on a not-for-profit basis
• Engage with BSG stakeholders, including DCMS, Ofcom and industry on the development of policy positions and the ongoing development of the BSG work programme
• Represent the BSG in a multitude of fora, including conferences, Parliamentary committees and in front of trade and national media
• Line manager for BSG Policy Manager and Team Assistant (shared), and responsible for briefing and engaging the non-Executive Chair in the work of the BSG
• Any other duties that might from time to time be required by the BSG and techUK

Person Specification Competencies

• First-class verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability in stakeholder management including client/relationship management
• A sales and marketing/promotional ability to gain new sponsors as required and to keep existing sponsors who fund the BSG on an annual basis
• Ability to use the tools and technologies techUK provides; including but not limited to Microsoft Office, including Dynamics or other CRM systems, mobile and home working software as appropriate, and web tools
• Demonstrable management expertise and ability to work with small but dedicated team

Essential Knowledge and Experience

• Excellent understanding and experience of the UK political system and policy formulation processes

• Experience of working in, or knowledge of broadband the technology, media and telecommunications sectors is highly desirable

The BSG works out of the offices of techUK near St Paul’s, the trade association facing the tech sector.  techUK supports the work of the BSG and is the employer of BSG staff.  The BSG is funded by a wide range of sponsors who are broadband stakeholders in the UK, plus DCMS. This role reports into techUK’s Director of Markets.

This job description is a guide to the work you may be required to undertake but does not form part of your 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 the commencement of employment.

The salary range for this role is £45,000-£60,000 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