Policy and Public Affairs Executive

Would you like to develop your career in policy and public affairs, from a Westminster base at the heart of political and industry decision-making? This role offers the chance to work on the largest ongoing reform programme in the public sector, contributing to live policy issues, engaging directly with senior stakeholders, and helping shape the environment for UK businesses.

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is looking for a Policy and Public Affairs Executive to support delivery of RIA’s key priorities while building first-hand experience of Government, Parliament, policy events and senior industry engagement:

• Making the strategic case for sustained, long-term rail investment;
• Supporting the industry in preparing for Great British Railways (GBR);
• Helping commercial organisations navigate an increasingly complex and fragmented funding landscape.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong interest and, ideally prior experience, in public policy, transport, infrastructure and public affairs. The role requires strong policy analytical skills as well as varied skillset and adaptability to a range of tasks. It provides excellent exposure and insight into the most senior and influential decision makers in the rail industry. You will work on high profile issues to influence decisions and promote the value of the rail supply sector engaging with Government, Parliament and industry stakeholders. 

What you’ll do

This is a varied and fast-paced role combining policy analysis, events delivery and influencing, with the opportunity to lead distinct areas of work. Reporting to the Policy & Public Affairs Director, you will:

• Support development of RIA policy positions on rail investment, reform and industry structure;
• Draft briefings, consultation responses, summaries and thought leadership content to a high standard;
• Translate complex issues into clear, accessible messages for members and external audiences;
• Monitor and analyse industry developments including rail reform, funding, devolution, infrastructure priorities and legislative developments;
• Plan, coordinate and help deliver policy events, roundtables and member-facing discussions, including liaising with speakers, shaping agendas and ensuring strong follow-up;
• Help generate and support RIA’s campaigns activity, including developing creative ideas for campaigns and associated political and government engagement;
• Take ownership of defined workstreams, with scope to build expertise in specific policy issues over time.

About You

This role would suit someone with policy and public affairs expertise, ideally within a trade association, transport, infrastructure and/or political environment. We are particularly interested in candidates who are intellectually curious, confident handling detail, motivated by the opportunity to contribute to substantive policy and influencing work, and enjoy networking.

You’ll likely be a strong fit if you:

• Have a strong interest in public policy, politics and the rail / infrastructure / transport sectors;
• Have strong analytical and written skills, with the ability to draft briefings, summaries and reports to a high standard;
• Be able to understand, analyse and communicate complex policy issues clearly and concisely;
• Have a creative mind, with the ability to generate ideas for campaigns;
• Be interested in influencing and stakeholder engagement, including political audiences;
• Be organised and able to manage multiple priorities at pace, including supporting the delivery of events and stakeholder activity;
• Be proactive, collaborative and comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders;
• Be motivated by a role that offers meaningful responsibility, close team working and regular exposure to senior external stakeholders.

It would be helpful if you have experience in policy, public affairs, Parliament, events delivery, a membership body or a related area, but we are open to candidates with transferable experience and the right level of analytical ability, judgement and motivation.

Why Join RIA?

• Work on high-profile national priorities including rail reform, decarbonisation and economic growth;
• Be based in Westminster, with regular proximity to Whitehall, Parliament and key industry stakeholders;
• Gain exposure to senior decision-makers across Government and industry;
• Build experience across both policy development and real-world influencing;
• Benefit from a supportive team environment with strong learning and development opportunities;
• Contribute to a sector that plays a vital role in the UK economy.

RIA is a trade association representing UK-based rail suppliers, supporting a diverse membership from SMEs to major multinational companies. This gives the successful candidate a distinctive opportunity to work at the intersection of policy, politics and industry, while contributing to issues that matter for growth, investment and the future of rail.

Additional Information

We offer a competitive benefits package (including 25 days annual leave, workplace pension, support with travel costs, health insurance scheme). The role offers clear scope to grow in responsibility as you develop, and we are keen to support progression through meaningful work, coaching and external learning opportunities where possible.

Our recruitment process is likely to include a practical written assessment so candidates can demonstrate their analytical and drafting skills.