Head of Public Affairs

We're doing exciting things, with our highly specialist team

At Apatura, we develop projects that power clean energy and a thriving digital world, from battery storage to data centres. It's complex, high-impact work, delivered by a highly capable team who move quickly and care deeply about doing things well.

We're driven by bold ideas, a strong sense of purpose and a willingness to challenge how things are usually done. With a growing pipeline of projects and ambitious plans to expand the business, this role offers the chance to play a key part in supporting Apatura's next stage of growth.

About the role

We are creating a Head of Public Affairs role to lead our engagement with government, regulators, industry stakeholders and the media. Reporting into the COO and working closely with the Head of Marketing & Communications, you will help shape Apatura's external reputation, provide strategic political insight, and ensure the business is well positioned within an evolving policy and regulatory landscape. This is a high-impact role, combining government affairs, stakeholder engagement, media relations and reputation management at a pivotal stage in the company's growth.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead Apatura's public affairs strategy, building trusted relationships across government, regulators, industry bodies and key stakeholders.
• Act as the organisation's senior media contact, managing press relationships, reputation and responses to high-profile or sensitive issues.
• Provide strategic political insight, horizon scanning and policy intelligence to strengthen executive and board decision-making.
• Shape engagement on key policy, planning and regulatory frameworks across energy, digital infrastructure and major development projects.
• Oversee external public affairs and political advisers, ensuring alignment, impact and value for money.
• Develop high-quality briefings, consultation advise and stakeholder communications that influence decision-makers and support business objectives.
• Work closely with marketing, planning, project and community engagement teams to deliver a joined-up approach to communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Play a key role in navigating a fast-moving and evolving policy landscape, helping shape outcomes on nationally significant projects while strengthening Apatura's reputation and influence.

What we're looking for

• Significant experience in public affairs, policy, government, political advisory or corporate affairs roles.
• Strong understanding of the political, regulatory and stakeholder landscape across Scotland and the wider UK.
• Proven ability to build, influence and maintain senior stakeholder relationships across government, industry and regulatory bodies.
• Experience managing media relations, including high-profile or sensitive issues, with strong political and commercial judgement.
• Exceptional communication skills, able to translate complex topics into clear and compelling messages for a range of audiences.
• Dependable adviser to senior leaders, providing strategic counsel, challenge and advise on key issues.
• Strong track record of managing external agencies and delivering outcomes in complex stakeholder environments.
• Backgrounds such as public affairs, consultancy, parliamentary, regulatory, government or political advisory roles would be well suited.

What we offer:

• Private medical care with Bupa (household included)
• Enhanced pension scheme
• EV salary sacrifice scheme + cycle-to-work scheme
• 30 days' annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays to start, increasing with length of service, plus additional leave over the Christmas period
• Access to free, confidential counselling and other wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance scheme at 6x salary

The details

• Full-time, permanent role
• Scotland based, Edinburgh preferred

Apatura is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We believe in fostering a workplace where everyone can succeed, regardless of background, gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

We're committed to providing reasonable adjustments during the interview process for candidates with disabilities.

Recruitment Agencies

We work with selected recruitment partners when required and do not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate introductions. Any CVs submitted without prior instruction from our Talent Acquisition team and without a signed terms of business agreement in place will be considered a gift. No fee will be payable should we subsequently hire or engage the candidate through any means.

• 1 Rutland Court, Edinburgh, EH3 8FL
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