Job Description

Salary £77,833 - £85,119 per annum | Full time | Hybrid working | County Hall, Preston

About the role

We are looking for an experienced, confident and politically astute Head of External Affairs to lead how we position, influence and represent Lancashire at local, regional and national level.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping the council’s external narrative, managing reputation and profile, and ensuring our engagement with partners, stakeholders, media and opinion‑formers is purposeful, coordinated and focused on impact. You will play a critical role in ensuring Lancashire has a clear, credible and confident voice in key conversations.

Reporting to the Director of Communities and Engagement, you will work closely with elected members, the Chief Executive and Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic advice and leadership on external engagement, influence and reputation management.

It goes without saying that your strong networking and relationship building skills will really stand you in good stead as you represent the Councils best interests with all our stakeholders.

We know you will love the community impact of this role and having the ability to see your work directly improve the quality of life for residents will be a key driver for you.

What you’ll be responsible for

As Head of External Affairs, you will:

• Lead the development and delivery of an external affairs strategy aligned to the Council Plan, place priorities and major reform agendas.
• Act as the council’s senior professional lead on external positioning, influence and reputation management.
• Shape and own the council’s external narrative—ensuring consistent, credible and compelling messaging about Lancashire’s priorities, achievements and ambitions.
• Advise elected members and senior leaders on high‑profile issues, external risks and opportunities, stakeholder positioning and engagement approaches.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders across local government, central government, public services, business, the voluntary sector and beyond.
• Oversee strategic engagement with regional and national bodies, ensuring our activity is targeted where it adds most value for Lancashire.
• Ensure external engagement activity is coordinated, high‑quality and focused on delivering tangible outcomes rather than being reactive or fragmented.
• Provide senior leadership within the Communities and Engagement directorate, modelling collaborative, confident and inclusive leadership.

Why join us?

• We are a county full of strong communities, proud places and big ambitions. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape how Lancashire is seen, heard and be influential at a time of significant change for local government and public services
• You will really hone and develop your skills as you work with external partners on strategic developments in a dynamic work environment
• Development and practical delivery of creative solutions for positioning the work of the Council publicly in a manner that creates a positive perspective of the organisation delivering for Lancashire
• We offer flexible and hybrid working, a supportive senior leadership environment, and the chance to have real impact on the future of our county

Interested?

There is only so much we can fit in our advert so we really welcome interested people to contact Clare Coupe our Director of Communities and Engagement to have a confidential and informal chat about the role: clare.coupe@lancashire.gov.uk

Closing Date: 25/05/2026 Interview Date: 11/06/2026

& Person Specification