Executive Director, External Affairs

Executive Director, External Affairs

c.£150,000 + benefits

Permanent

Full-time (35 hours per week)

Wimbledon (flexible and hybrid working)

The role

As the Executive Director, External Affairs, you will play a central role in strengthening the CIPD's position as an authoritative and influential voice on work, employment and people management, including strategic responsibility for the organisation’s international policy, research and influence work.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and operating as a key member of the Executive Team, you will lead the CIPD's advocacy, public affairs, policy, research and media engagement, ensuring its expertise translates into meaningful influence across government, business and the wider public debate.

This is a significant leadership appointment at an important point in the CIPD's development. The organisation has an opportunity to strengthen its contribution to l discussions on productivity, economic growth and the future of work, demonstrating the vital role of effective people management in creating successful organisations and productive, opportunity-filled workplaces.

What you’ll be doing

• Strategic Leadership and Influence: developing and delivering an integrated advocacy and external affairs strategy that strengthens the CIPD's reputation, authority and influence.
• Public Affairs, Policy and Advocacy: leading the CIPD's public affairs, policy and advocacy activity, shaping debates on work, employment, people management and labour market issues.
• Press, Media and External Profile: leading the CIPD's media engagement, developing a more proactive approach to shaping public debate and strengthening the organisation's external profile.
• Executive Leadership and People Management: providing effective and inclusive leadership to the policy, research, public affairs and media functions, establishing clear priorities and a shared sense of purpose.

What you’ll need to be successful

• Significant senior leadership experience in public affairs, corporate affairs, policy, advocacy or external engagement within a complex, high-profile or stakeholder-intensive organisation.
• A demonstrable track record of shaping public debate, influencing policy or regulatory outcomes, or strengthening an organisation's external reputation and influence. An established record of building effective relationships with senior business leaders and stakeholders beyond their own organisation.
• Experience operating at Executive Team or equivalent senior leadership level, with the credibility to work as a trusted partner to the Chief Executive and fellow Directors.
• Confidence and credibility as a senior external representative, with experience of media engagement, public speaking or other high-profile advocacy activity.
• Experience working with or overseeing research and policy functions, with the ability to translate evidence and analysis into compelling arguments and effective external engagement.
• A strong understanding of, or the ability to develop expertise quickly in, the UK and global labour market, employment landscape and people profession.

About CIPD

CIPD help organisations thrive by focusing on their people, supporting our economies and societies. They're the professional body for HR, L&D, OD and all people professionals – experts in people, work and change. With over 160,000 members globally – and a growing community using their research, insights and learning – they give trusted advice and offer independent thought leadership. And they are a leading voice in the call for good work that creates value for everyone.

CIPD offer an inclusive and collaborative working environment, a wide range of development opportunities and a competitive benefits package, including 28 days’ annual leave (with the option to buy and sell), a personal development allowance, access to an award-winning pension scheme and a strong focus on wellbeing, including a private health insurance. They also support colleagues at different life stages, with enhanced parental leave, fertility and family-forming support, and support for those who are full-time carers for their loved ones.

CIPD value everyone as an individual and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, ensuring fair opportunities for all and strengthening how we work and deliver impact together.

If you're interested in this opportunity, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible via our search partners, Vox Partners.

Please note, the deadline for applications is on Monday 23 November 2026 at midday.