Policy Executive / Manager

Salary - £Competitive (DOE)

Location - Victoria, London

The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the trade association which represents and lobbies for the UK's railway suppliers, and which campaigns for a flourishing railway sector.

We are seeking to recruit a Policy Executive/Manager to support the Policy Director in meeting the needs of our member companies. Applicants must have experience in a fast-moving policy background, a high level of organisational and drafting skills, and the ability to represent RIA at events and meetings involving senior commercial and strategic personnel in various rail sector organisations, as well as RIA’s member companies and other rail stakeholders.

Responsibilities of the Policy Manager

In consultation with the Policy Director as necessary, the main duties will include, but not be restricted to:

• Drafting policy papers, some of which may involve primary research or commissioning external research
• Preparing initial drafts and/or canvassing input from members and others as necessary for responses to various industry consultations – eg from ORR, DfT, BEIS etc.
• Representing RIA at external events, such as Network Rail’s Regional Commercial Directors’ Forum (CDF), and advocating on RIA’s behalf
• Coordinating the programme of RIA Strategic Interest Groups (SIGs) programme, working with the Events Executive, helping to set agendas, provide speakers; produce meeting notes and circulate other outputs; areas covered by SIGs include policy, SMEs (Small & Medium Sized Enterprises), Infrastructure and Train Clients, Consultants, and Earthworks and Structures Groups
• Providing support to the Policy Director in respect of the RIA Value Improvement Programme (VIP) Steering Group.
• Assisting RIA develop its regional presence.
• Working with the Policy Director to develop a forward strategic vision and programme for RIA policy activity.

The post reports to the RIA Policy Director and is London-based. The work will involve some travel within the UK, as well as potentially some EU travel.

The salary will be commensurate with the skills and experience of the person appointed.

Skills and experience

The post-holder will be expected to demonstrate the following qualifications and skills:

• Relevant current experience in a fast-moving policy background
• The high level of organisational skills required to set up and organise the regular meetings referred to above
• The ability to command the support and respect of senior commercial and strategic personnel in client organisations, RIA’s member companies and other rail stakeholders
• An appreciation of the key issues facing the rail supply chain
• The ability to work effectively in a small, collaborative team
• Good inter-personal and written communication skills
• The ability to represent RIA at external events

The post-holder would also be expected to have, or demonstrate the aptitude to very quickly develop:

• A good working knowledge of the rail industry and an understanding of the dynamics between its various parts eg Government, Regulator, clients, & suppliers and the sensitivities/tensions between them

If you are interested and would like to have more details or discuss the opportunity informally please click the 'Apply' button to complete your application, please also enclose your CV, a statement explaining how your skills and experience are relevant to the job specification above, the length of your current notice period together with details of any other relevant obligations to your current employer, and details of your current remuneration.