External Affairs Manager
The company
From day one, Thakeham has been driven by a clear vision: to transform the way people think about new-built developments.
Over 20 years later, that ethos is still very much alive, reflected in our numerous awards and reputation in the sector. Today, Thakeham employs close to 250 people and has a forecasted revenue of £199 million in 2024/25.
An infrastructure-led community creator and strategic land promoter, Thakeham is committed to partnerships, innovation and creating amazing places to live and work. We are industry-leading in sustainability and biodiversity. We were one of the first to introduce Zero Bills homes in partnership with Octopus Energy.
We pride ourselves on our ‘Infrastructure first’ approach, ensuring communities release the benefits of new development at the outset, rather than later in the process. We deliver social, affordable and retirement housing for a wide range of housing associations and local authorities.
People are Thakeham’s most important asset, and this is reflected in the way we operate. We are proud to be listed in the Top 100 Best Large Companies to Work For 2024.
Our people enjoy excellent rewards and working conditions in an exciting and growing business. We offer exciting career opportunities, and are keen to develop, guide and support our employees, regardless of what stage they are in their careers.
We value diversity and encourage people to bring their full authentic selves to work. A Gold Armed Forces Covenant signatory and supporter of armed force’s charity Building Heroes, Thakeham operates a Talent for Development outreach campaign for military veterans and college leavers.
Work and fun should not be mutually exclusive and Thakeham offers a range of social events such as quiz nights, BBQs and all staff parties. We run informal lunch and learns and take on charity challenges such as the Housebuilder Challenge. We encourage people to volunteer in their communities, offering two paid days per year to do so. Where roles allow, our summer hours policy in June, July and August allows people to enjoy longer weekends with their loved ones. A flexible approach to working is available all year round.
At Thakeham we build communities, together.
The department
The External Affairs department provides support to all areas of the business, ensuring we engage effectively with a range of stakeholders to promote our vision and values. We support the Land and Planning teams to research new opportunities, and deliver comprehensive public and stakeholder engagement for planning promotions and applications. We lead on political engagement and delivering a number of local showcase events together with party political conference activity and national engagement.
Due to our continued growth we are looking for an External Affairs Manager to work within a friendly team environment.
The role
The role holder will support the External Affairs team in leading comprehensive political and stakeholder engagement for a range of planning promotions and applications. You will be responsible for designing and delivering engagement strategies for a number of sites in a geographic area, building and developing relationships with local stakeholders and the wider public.
You will organise public exhibitions and stakeholder events, and with your strong written and digital communications skills draft materials such as letters, websites, exhibition boards and press releases. You will also work with the wider team on identifying positive engagement opportunities and developing our exciting conference programme.
You will also play an active role in the growth and development of colleagues, helping them to succeed in their career.
The role holder will be expected to get involved with all aspects of the External Affairs department when required, we have team approach to everything we do.
The ideal candidate will be working as an Account Manager in an agency setting, or perhaps as a strong Senior Account Executive looking for the next step up. You will have experience of the development and planning sectors, and are now looking to move in-house and gain sector specific experience. Experience of politics in the South of England is desirable, together with political understanding perhaps gained through voluntary party activity. You will be passionate about the built environment and enthusiastic to work on a range of strategic projects.
This list is not exhaustive. Tasks will be allocated to reflect increasing levels of development and experience.
The required skills
- Strong understanding of local government and the planning process in England
- Experience of working with local politicians and stakeholders including the media
- Experience of supporting events management
- Demonstrable interest or active involvement in politics or current affairs
- Strong communication and organisational skills, together with a can-do attitude
- Hardworking, flexible, pro-active team player with the ability to work to tight deadlines
- Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Office)
- Strong attention to detail
- Driving licence and own car for travel (mileage paid)
The benefits
- Competitive salary
- Car allowance
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Annual holiday allowance 26 days increasing to 27 after 3yrs service and 28 after 5yrs service (plus bank holidays)
- Life assurance
- Private medical insurance
- Health screening
- Pension scheme
- Bonus scheme
- Flexible working hours in a modern office environment / Working from Home Policy
- Excellent development and progression opportunities for the right candidate
- Company Social events
Plus a whole range of other employee benefits that we can tell you all about, our employees are rewarded for their performance, attitude and results.
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We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment and treating people fairly. We will treat all job applicants and employees equally regardless of age, race, religious belief, colour, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We welcome applicants from all sectors of society and we are committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all.
