Public Affairs & Policy Executive

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

We're seeking an enthusiastic, driven, and skilled Public Affairs & Policy Executive to join our expanding team to increase the Horticultural Trades Association’s (HTA) voice and influence.  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 on a wide range of issues, including environmental, working with a huge range of stakeholders this is the exciting and varied role for you.

About the HTA 

The HTA has 1400 members which include garden retailers, growers, landscapers and suppliers to the garden industry.  The HTA has run the National Garden Gift Voucher scheme since 1962.  This UK wide scheme encourages both new and existing gardeners to visit garden centres and retail nurseries. 

The HTA lobby and campaign on behalf of our members within the horticulture industry and provide a whole range of member services including, business solutions, events, market information and learning & development.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, the HTA campaigned to ensure garden centres were classed as essential retail which has increased the profile of the horticultural industry. 

About the role

You’ll thrive in our hard-working, fun and friendly team. Your key responsibilities will include:

• To monitor, research and communicate on public policy, political and other issues impacting the sector.  
• Develop and deliver campaigns and strategic public affairs.
• To organise and represent at key fora and events.
• To maintain critical information resources – such as databases, briefing libraries, legislation trackers.

About you

To be successful in this role, you'll need:

• Demonstrable experience in public affairs and policy, having worked in Parliament, trade association, Government, campaign organisation, PR/public affairs agency or similar. 
• Excellent team working, critical thinking ability, with a proactive, can-do attitude. 
• Professional, reliable, and accountable whilst being process driven. 
• Strong research, analytical and drafting skills, being able to digest complex information into key salient points. An awareness of political issues and consequences. 
• Excellent written, verbal and electronic communication skills. An eye for detail with the ability to multi-task, work well to tight deadlines and with competing priorities. 
• Strong administrative, organisational and time management skills. 
• IT Literate with demonstrable knowledge of MS Office including Outlook. 
• Educated to degree level in a relevant field. 
• Full UK Driving Licence and vehicle for regular travel.
• Be prepared to travel as necessary.

What we offer in return

This is an office-based role with regular UK travel (typically to members and Westminster). We are currently operating hybrid working (minimum of 2 days in the office), with our office base in Chilton, Oxfordshire. 

In addition to the below benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience and career. 

• Flexible working around the core hours of 10am – 4pm.
• Generous holiday allowance – 30 days holiday
• 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.
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
•  Free fruit, tea, coffee and biscuits provided in the office.
• On site parking 

How to apply 

Join us in championing environmental horticulture, supporting HTA members and shaping the future of green spaces. Apply now to embark on a rewarding career journey with us.

You can view the full job description for this role at the bottom of this page. To apply for the role, please send your CV and a brief covering letter to [email protected].  Closing date for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 20 August 2024.

Our aim is to recruit and retain people with the behaviours that support our mission and who will grow with us and the industry, the HTA will hire based on merit. We are open and honest in recognising that there is more that the Association can do to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings and therefore welcome applicants from all ethnic or religious backgrounds, LGBTQ+, and those with disabilities

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.