External Affairs Manager

• External Affairs Manager Role Profile
• Disclosure Questions

Orbit is a fantastic business and one that’s really going places.

Orbit was formed in 1967 with the aim of providing good-quality housing for people who would otherwise not be able to afford to buy their own home.

Over 50 years later, we’re one of the leading housing providers in the UK.  Our services have diversified, our housing portfolio has expanded, and our reputation as an innovator within our sector has grown.  But one thing that has never changed.  Our belief in people and what they can achieve.

Your role at Orbit.

Everything we do is about challenging the status quo to make things better for each individual – whether they work with us or live in the communities we help thrive. Our work is hugely varied. From engagement with politicians, trade bodies and key publications, to brand management across our diverse portfolio and Community Investment initiatives, we’re working to deliver more for every single person who lives in an Orbit home.

Through analysis, research and employee / stakeholder engagement, the Interim External Affairs Manager will look to understand and assess the impact of the external environment on Orbit and develop Orbits response to changes in the external environment. 

You will review and monitor the external environment, identifying impact, risks and opportunities to include government policy, the economy, competition, best practice, and innovation.

You will produce timely briefing notes / papers and concise policy analysis relating to the external environment for Boards, Executive and Leadership Teams, drawing out key implications and recommendations for Orbit. Lead on drafting and co-ordinating of group-wide responses to relevant Government and stakeholder consultations and work with internal teams to inform strategic and operational responses to changes in the external environment so that Orbit continues to meet customer and societal needs.

You will support Orbit’s national campaign and influencing work through timely and relevant policy analysis and research working with the Head of Corporate Communications to coordinate influencing of MPs, local authorities, combined authorities and other key stakeholders.

Provide advice and guidance on requests of senior managers and operational teams relating to Government policy or similar. Evaluate the social and financial impact of Orbit services in order to inform future investment and strategy.

What will help you make a difference.

We require someone with significant experience of liaising and building relationships with external stakeholders to obtain information and influence. You will possess excellent knowledge and understanding of the current policy and political context in which Orbit operates and understand the political and policymaking process at a national, regional and local level. 

You will possess a wealth of experience in researching a wide range of topics and use insight and analysis to influence company strategy and plans.

It is hoped that you will be a highly critical thinker with good analytical and report writing skills and the ability to present to diverse audiences.

We know that an inclusive environment makes us more accessible and ensures we attract, engage, promote and retain great people. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity/nationality, disability, or military service.

Why Orbit?

Rewarding your contribution.

For those who want or need more of a work life balance our view is that this role is suitable for WorkSmart. This means we would consider a more flexible working arrangement, where your hours and work location are managed according to business, customer and personal needs. Agile working arrangements will be discussed during the interview process.

Some of our core benefits include:

• Group bonus potential up to 15% of salary
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and the “Orbit day”
• Private medical insurance
• Excellent contributory pension scheme
• Life assurance
• A great pick and mix of flexible benefits including the option to buy and sell holiday and much more

Our culture and purpose.

We know that great people are central to achieving our ambitions and as such we want everyone to have a voice and make a positive difference.  We are proud to be a Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to work for, this demonstrates we place people at the heart of everything we do. We continue to create a culture that celebrates diversity and an environment where everyone feels able to contribute towards achieving together.

We support our colleagues to be at their best through our wellbeing programme #ThisIsMe, our corporate learning programme, opportunities for professional development, our innovative approaches to making the world and our homes a greener place and our leading reward and recognition package. Because of this our people tell us Orbit is a great place to work for.

At Orbit, our people are enthusiastic and passionate about making a real difference to our customers and communities. We are one team where everyone is connected and encouraged to have the freedom to think differently.

Each year we build many new affordable homes and manage a total portfolio of around 45,000 properties.  Over 100,000 people live in an Orbit home and our innovative approach empowers every one of them to grow and thrive.  We are commercially driven. The more profit we make, the more we invest into the communities that we work for, improving services and playing a key role in driving UK housing growth.

Work for Orbit.  Believe in people.

We have so much more that we’d like to share with you so please submit your CV demonstrating the value you could bring to Orbit.

We put the safeguarding of our customers, colleagues and contractors at the heart of everything we do and as such, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check.

Application deadline: 7 April 2021