Public Affairs Specialist - Boots UK

Closing Date: 10th May

Location: London or Nottingham

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Recruitment Partner: Frankie McCallister-Lyas

About the role:

An exciting opportunity to join the Public Affairs team at Boots, helping to shape the development of public policy to support UK business objectives and manage Boots’ engagement with political and government stakeholders.

The Public Affairs Specialist will report into the Head of Retail Public Affairs, supporting the team to respond to political developments and implement strategies to shape policy and strengthen Boots’ relationships and reputation with political audiences.

Key responsibilities:

• Assist with the monitoring and analysis of UK political and policy developments, supporting the Public Affairs team to advise on business impacts and implement appropriate responses

• Work with the Head of Retail Public Affairs and Head of European and Healthcare Public Affairs to develop and communicate policy positions to UK political stakeholders

• Prepare written communications materials for internal and external audiences e.g. briefings, monitoring reports and summaries, MP letters, responses to government consultations etc.

• Build and maintain a network of business contacts and ensure they are informed on key developments impacting public affairs activity

• Identify and help leverage opportunities to promote Boots UK company agenda and ESG activities to political audiences

• Contribute to the work of the wider Healthcare Development and Public Affairs team and other business functions e.g. ESG, Comms, HR, Legal, Pharmacy

• Maintain a record of political stakeholder engagement and plan a contact programme e.g. at Party Conferences

• Facilitate meetings and events with political stakeholders in Westminster and Whitehall

• Support with the management of relationships with trade associations, think tanks and public affairs consultancies, including in the UK Devolved Nations

• Help deliver ROI on public affairs team activity

What you’ll need to have:

• Knowledge of UK political and policy issues, governmental structures, and parliamentary / legislative processes, including in Westminster and the Devolved Nations

• At least 2-3 years’ experience working in a relevant public affairs or policy role

• Understanding of Boots company priorities and key sectoral issues

• Experience working on projects or campaigns designed to engage or influence political audiences

• Team player with relationship-building and stakeholder management capability

• Comfortable working flexibly in a small team and matrix structure

• Organised and proactive, with a focus on delivery and results

• Positive approach, with ability to problem solve and use own initiative

• Able to travel to meetings in London, Nottingham and across the UK, in line with company requirements

It would be great if you also have:

• A relevant degree (e.g. Politics)

• Political or Parliamentary experience

• Knowledge of UK healthcare or retail policy desirable

• Communications and/or Events management experience

• Research and Project Management skills

Our benefits

• Boots Retirement Savings Plan
• Discretionary annual bonus
• Generous employee discounts
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave pay and gift card for anyone expecting or adopting a child
• Flexible benefits scheme including holiday buying, discounted gym membership, life assurance, activity passes and more.
• Access to free, 24/7 counselling and support through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Programme.

We have a great range of benefits in addition to the above that offer flexibility to suit you - find out more at boots.jobs/rewards. Please note, any salary estimates given on third-party sites are not provided or endorsed by Boots and may not be accurate.

Why Boots

At Boots, we foster a working environment where consideration and inclusivity help everyone to be themselves and reach their full potential. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, passionate about embracing the diversity of our colleagues and providing a positive and inclusive working environment for all. As the heart of everything we do at Boots, it's with you, we change for the better.

What's next

We are always open to discussing possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you, including job share and reduced hours. If you require additional support as part of the application and interview process, we are happy to provide reasonable adjustments to help you to be at your best.

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