Public Affairs & Policy Executive

Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where your ideas can make a real impact? 

We're seeking a talented, driven, and skilled Public Affairs & Policy Executive to increase the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) voice and influence.  This is an exciting and demanding role focusing on a variety of issues impacting the environmental horticulture industry, in particular border trade and import policy, regulation, and engaging with political stakeholders.  You will develop and support public affairs and policy campaigns in Westminster and devolved nations to achieve defined objectives.

If you're a proactive communicator keen to work with a range of stakeholders on a wide range of issues including environmental, then this exciting and varied role is for you!

This full-time office-based role involves regular UK travel (typically to members and Westminster) and comes with hybrid-working options. You will be required to spend 1-2 days/week in our main office in Chilton, Oxfordshire, for team meetings, and then 1-2 days/week either in our London office or at events.  The rest of your week can be spent working from home or in one of our offices, whichever you prefer.

Why join us?

• Be at the heart of public affairs and policymaking for a growing industry that matters for the economy, the environment, and wellbeing.
• Work with a supportive, inclusive, and forward-thinking team.
• Excellent professional development opportunities. 
• Hybrid and flexible working environment with national travel to keep things varied and interesting.
• Exposure to high-level policy discussions, stakeholder engagement, and strategic decision-making.

About the HTA 

The HTA has 1,350 members, including garden retailers, growers, landscapers, and suppliers to the garden industry.  The HTA lobbies and campaigns for its members within the horticulture industry and has an excellent reputation.  We provide our members with the opportunity to learn, be creative, and network with others in the industry.

We have been running the National Garden Gift scheme since 1962. These garden gift cards can be bought and redeemed at HTA Garden centre members sites throughout the UK and can also be purchased online and in some supermarket gift card malls.  It is the biggest garden gift card scheme in the country – locking in over £30 million of consumer spend to horticulture and our members’ businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the HTA campaigned to ensure garden centres were classified as essential retail, which has increased the profile of the environmental horticultural industry. 

Our culture

Our culture is built on our core values of being Member Focused, Collaborative & Inclusive, Trusted, and Innovative.  We put our members at the heart of everything we do, ensuring their needs and aspirations guide our decisions and actions.  We foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where every team member’s voice is valued, and diverse perspectives drive creativity and success. Trust is central to our relationships, both internally and externally, and we are committed to acting with integrity and transparency in all that we do.  We embrace innovation, continuously seeking new ways to improve and push boundaries, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve in delivering exceptional service and results. If you’re looking for a workplace where these values are lived every day, and where you can make a real impact, we’d love to have you join us.

As an organisation, we are deeply committed to supporting and developing our team. Whether you're at the start of your public affairs and policy career or looking to take the next step, we’ll give you the tools, mentoring, and opportunities you need to thrive.  From one-to-one coaching and access to training, to hands-on experience with high-impact campaigns, we invest in your growth so you can help grow the industry.

About the role

In this role you will work at the intersection of policy, politics, and industry, helping to shape the future of UK horticulture.  You’ll contribute to our lobbying efforts, manage key stakeholder relationships, and support members on regulatory issues.  No two days will be the same – one day you could be helping to write a policy briefing, the next visiting a member business or attending an event at Westminster. 

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Monitoring, researching and communicating on public policy, political and other issues impacting the sector.  
• Helping to draft engaging and informative policy briefings, consultation responses, and position papers.
• Support the delivery of public affairs campaigns and HTA-hosted events.
• Developing and maintaining productive relationships with MPs, civil servants and other external contacts in our industry.
• Organising and representing the HTA at key events.
• Work collaboratively across teams to ensure alignment of messaging and strategic priorities.

About you

You will have the below: 

• A passion for politics, policy, and the environment 
• Previous experience working in in Parliament, a trade association, Government, campaign organisation, PR/public affairs agency or similar. 
• Educated to degree level in a relevant field. 
• Critical thinking ability
• Excellent written, verbal and electronic communication skills. 
• Strong research, analytical and drafting skills, being able to communicate complex information in a concise, accurate and clear way and in a range of formats (written, verbal, presentations, etc). 
• An eye for detail with the ability to multi-task, work well to tight deadlines and with competing priorities. 
• Understanding of and interest in UK political processes, politics and policy developments. 
• Strong organisation and workload management skills.
• IT Literate with demonstrable knowledge of MS Office including Outlook. 
• Willingness to travel and attend events outside of office and office hours. 

Desirable

• Understanding, experience and interest in UK devolved political settings and processes.
• Experience or expertise on issues relating to environmental horticulture, for example, trade policy, skills, environmental policy or similar. 
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Behavioural competencies

• Collaborative team player, professional, reliable and approachable.
•  A proactive, can-do attitude. 
• Drive and commitment to delivery. 
• Strong member focus.
• Able to effectively engage and build effective relationships with colleagues across the organisation and external stakeholders.

Our benefits:

• Generous holiday allowance – 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Pension auto enrolment - 4% employee & 5% employer pension contributions as standard with matched contributions up to 10%
•  Life assurance
• Health Cash Plan
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Cycle 2 Work and Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice schemes
• Regular wellbeing and social activities 
• On site parking in Oxfordshire office

How to apply 

Join us in championing environmental horticulture, supporting HTA members and shaping the future of green spaces.  Apply now to be part of a team dedicated to promoting and supporting a thriving industry!

To apply for the role, please send your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to [email protected].  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

:Closing date for applications is 17:00 on Friday 2 May 2025.

The HTA is committed to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion into our culture and our talent processes.  We believe in creating a workplace where our people are treated with dignity and respect, a workplace free of barriers or discrimination in relation to age, race, religion, philosophical belief or lack of belief, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, disability, pregnancy and maternity.  We are focused on providing an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process and will make accommodations upon request for candidates wherever needed and practical throughout the hiring process.

This advert is only open to direct applicants, NO AGENCIES should apply. All applicants must have valid references and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.