Head of Policy & Strategy - #2122734

• Job Title: Interim Head of Policy & Strategy
• Area of Work: Public Policy, Strategy, Government Relations
• Contract Type: Interim
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Duration: Initial 6-month contract with potential for extension
• Competitive: Inside IR35
• Location: Liverpool - Hybrid Working (2 days per week on-site)
• Sector: Public Sector
• Start Date: ASAP

Overview
Hays is delighted tobe supporting a prominent public sector organisation in the appointment of anInterim Head of Policy & Strategy.
This is a criticalleadership position created to provide strategic policy leadership andorganisational stability during a period of transition. The successfulcandidate will lead a well-established policy function, providing senior-leveladvice, strategic direction and oversight across a broad and complex policyportfolio.
Working closely withexecutive leaders and senior stakeholders, you will act as the organisation'sleading source of policy expertise, bringing together subject matter expertsfrom across multiple disciplines to develop cohesive policy recommendations andstrategic priorities.


The Role
Reporting into thesenior leadership team, you will be responsible for leading the organisation'sPolicy Team and ensuring policy development continues at pace throughout aperiod of organisational change.
You will providestrategic oversight across a diverse policy portfolio, helping to shapeorganisational priorities while managing complex stakeholder relationshipsacross government and the wider public sector landscape.
The position requiresa confident and credible leader capable of operating at executive level,influencing senior decision-makers and providing high-quality policy advice ina fast-moving environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Policy Team, providing strategic leadership and direction.
• Oversee the development and delivery of policy and strategy across multiple organisational priorities.
• Act as a trusted senior adviser on policy matters to executive leaders and key stakeholders.
• Bring together policy experts and specialist teams to develop coherent policy recommendations.
• Build consensus across complex internal and external stakeholder groups.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration to ensure alignment of policy objectives.
• Support the organisation through a period of transition and change.
• Ensure policy development and strategic thinking are delivered to a high standard and within agreed timescales.
• Represent the organisation with senior partners, government stakeholders and external organisations.

Skills & Experience Required
Essential

• Significant leadership experience within UK Central Government or a similarly complex policy environment.
• Proven track record of leading policy and strategy functions.
• Experience managing broad policy portfolios across multiple disciplines.
• Strong people leadership, team management and coaching capability.
• Demonstrable experience influencing senior stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Ability to navigate complex organisational and political landscapes.
• Excellent strategic thinking, judgement and problem-solving skills.
• Experience delivering high-quality policy outcomes under pressure and against competing priorities.

Desirable

• Previous experience leading cross-government or multi-stakeholder policy agendas.
• Experience within economic, growth, corporate strategy or wider public policy functions.
• Exposure to highly regulated, politically sensitive or complex operating environments.
• Experience supporting organisations through periods of restructuring or transformation.
• Knowledge of housing, homelessness, economic development or related policy areas.

Person Specification

• Credible and authoritative policy leader.
• Excellent communicator capable of engaging confidently with senior stakeholders.
• Collaborative and collegiate leadership style.
• Skilled at bringing together diverse viewpoints to achieve consensus.
• Politically astute with excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Comfortable operating in ambiguous and evolving environments.
• Resilient, adaptable and delivery-focused.
• Able to quickly establish themselves as a trusted adviser and strategic partner.

The Opportunity
This assignment offersthe opportunity to play a pivotal role within a high-profile public sectororganisation at an important stage of its development.
You will join a seniorleadership environment where policy, strategy and stakeholder engagement arecentral to organisational success, providing leadership across a broadportfolio with significant visibility and influence.
The role will suit anaccomplished policy professional who can quickly add value, build confidenceamongst stakeholders and provide strategic leadership through a period ofchange.

Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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