Our mission is to break down the barriers of today to release the potential of tomorrow. Join us today and release yours.

There are two things that we want to share with anyone considering joining us.

Firstly, we’ve got big ambitions for our colleagues and the future of the organisation. These include our vision that inclusion and accessibility drive every conversation we have and every decision we make. We want our workforce to fully represent the communities and customers we serve, because a diverse business is a better business. We value every colleague, their diversity and the contribution that they make. When we say you’re welcome at Openreach, we really mean it.

Secondly, the one thing the pandemic has taught us is that a lot of current and future colleagues, where and when possible, want to embrace hybrid working. Therefore, we are introducing smart working at Openreach. Smart working means having the flexibility to choose, as a team, how and where you work depending on your team’s deliverables and needs; when you are at your shared core location to connect with others and when not. It may not be for every role, and, as part of the recruitment process, you’ll have the chance to discuss smart working and how it might work for the job you are applying for.

About this role

Openreach’s aim is to unlock opportunities across the UK for our customers, our people and our planet by building, maintaining and connecting communities to our network.  We seek to do this in the most responsible and sustainable way we can.  

This new role is a core part of the External Affairs & Policy team. It will help develop policy in support of Openreach’s objectives in England, Scotland and Wales.  

Working with the Head of Policy, this Manager will play an important role in commissioning and delivering research that will support Openreach’s policy development, including focusing on the ‘levelling-up’ agenda and longer-term issues such as the move to electric vehicles.  It will also be required to support activity in the devolved administrations. 

You'll have the following responsibilities

Accountable for supporting the development of policy that will support Openreach’s objectives. 

Particular focus in supporting policy development in Wales, Scotland and the North of England, as well as the ‘levelling-up’ agenda

Drafting consultation responses and evidence papers across different Departments and other external bodies (e.g., NIC, NAO)

Creation and maintenance of the internal relationships required to assist in the development of policy positions with the aim of bringing about positive policy change, protecting and enhancing Openreach’s reputation.

Working with the External Affairs team, and other units within Corporate Affairs to develop external engagement plans (including with Ministers, MPs, MSPs, MS’, civil servants, trade bodies, third-parties, Councillors, think tanks etc.

Will be required to write Board papers for the Chair and members of Openreach’s Policy, Scotland, Wales and North Boards and present to each group and other members of the Exec as required. 

Providing strategic counsel to the Corporate Affairs team and as required Policy, North, Wales and Scotland Boards.

As a core member of the External Affairs & Policy team, constructively challenge, influence and support Openreach thinking on policy and engagement

You'll have the following skills & experience

Experience working within Westminster or Local Government, a think tank or consulting firm.

Ability to plan and execute against multiple priorities

Relationships with external stakeholders and expertise in developing policies, influencing change and responding to consultations.

Ability to clearly articulate the impact of policy changes on the business and vice versa.

Experience of developing external/public affairs strategies and programmes to bring about meaningful changes.

Understanding of the UK’s political and policy landscape with good policy and political antennae to help shape approaches

Understanding of telecoms sector and the market context in which Openreach operates

Comfortable operating at a senior level within a business, including with Exec and CEO.

Benefits

As well as offering a competitive base salary, you'll also have a rewarding bonus scheme, access to equity schemes and an attractive pension offer. 

We value different perspectives, skills and experiences. Diversity makes sense for us, our customers and our ambitions. We're creating an inclusive working culture where people from all backgrounds can succeed.

About Openreach

Openreach Limited runs the nation’s digital network. We play a key role in British society, helping homes, schools, hospitals, broadcasters, government, businesses and more connect to the world.

We're a wholly owned subsidiary of BT Group, and our customers are the 640+ communications providers who sell phone, broadband and Ethernet services to homes and businesses. And we’re on a mission - to make the country’s digital network services faster, better and more affordable.

Our people are experienced, resourceful and innovative, working on vital projects that help support the nation at work, in learning, on the move, at rest, at play, in emergencies and much more.

So if you’d like to be a part of an exciting organisation that’s making a real difference, why not join us today? You can read more here about working at Openreach.

How to Apply

It's easy to apply online; you just need a copy of your up-to-date CV and to follow the step-by step process. Don't worry if you need to make changes - you'll have the opportunity to review and edit your work on the final page. We look forward to receiving your application!