Job Purpose
The Head of Policy & External Affairs is responsible for leading N-Gen Energy’s engagement with government, regulators, system operators, and wider external stakeholders to shape a supportive policy, regulatory, and political environment for the business.
The role exists to ensure N-Gen is influential, credible, and proactive in national and regional energy policy debates, particularly across gas, hydrogen, storage, and the energy transition. The postholder will translate complex technical and commercial positions into clear, persuasive external narratives, while advising the Senior Leadership Team on policy risk, opportunity, and strategic positioning.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
Policy & Regulatory Leadership
- Develop and lead N-Gen’s policy strategy across relevant UK energy markets, including hydrogen, gas networks, storage, CCUS, and system resilience.
- Monitor, analyse, and influence policy and regulatory developments from DESNZ, Ofgem, NESO, HSE, HM Treasury, and related bodies.
- Provide clear, timely advice to the SLT and Board on regulatory risk, policy direction, and strategic implications.
- Lead the preparation and coordination of consultation responses, policy submissions, and evidence to regulators and government.
External Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as N-Gen’s interface and coordinator with key external stakeholders, including:
o Central and local government
o Regulators and system operators
o MPs, metro mayors, and local authorities
o Trade associations, industry forums, and think tanks
- Develop and maintain a structured stakeholder engagement plan aligned to business priorities.
- Support major project milestones and announcements through effective political and external engagement.
Strategic Narrative & Communications
- Work with Head of Communications & Marketing to shape and maintain N-Gen’s external narrative on the role of gas and hydrogen in a pragmatic, affordable, and secure energy transition.
- Ensure alignment between policy positions, corporate strategy, and external messaging.
- Prepare briefing notes, speeches, presentations, and stakeholder materials for senior executives.
- Represent N-Gen in external forums, working groups, and industry events where appropriate.
Internal Leadership & Coordination
- Act as the internal policy and external affairs centre of expertise.
- Build strong working relationships across commercial, technical, and delivery teams in N-Gen and where appropriate other affiliated organisation.
- Support the development of internal understanding of policy and regulatory context.
- Contribute to the future development of policy and external affairs capability as the organisation grows.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Significant experience in energy policy, regulation, public affairs, or external affairs, gained within:
o Energy companies, networks, or developers
o Government departments or regulators
o Trade associations, consultancies, or policy organisations
- Strong understanding of the UK energy system, with particular knowledge of gas, hydrogen, or infrastructure regulation.
- Proven experience engaging credibly with senior policymakers, regulators, and external stakeholders.
- Ability to interpret complex policy and regulatory issues and translate them into clear, actionable advice.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting high-quality briefings and submissions.
Desirable
- Experience working on hydrogen policy, low-carbon energy projects, or major infrastructure programmes.
- Familiarity with regulated energy frameworks and price control environments.
- Established networks across UK energy policy, regulatory, or political communities.
- Experience supporting senior executives or boards in high-profile external or politically sensitive environments.
Qualifications Required
- A degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. Public policy, economics, engineering, law, politics, or a related field).
- Postgraduate qualification (e.g. MSc, MBA, MPA) is desirable but not essential.
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. Energy, policy, or public affairs) is desirable.
What we offer
- Permanent Full Time role
- Salary: £70-85k dependant on experience
- Performance related bonus
- 40 Hours per week
- Full range of other flexible benefits
Direct applicants only - no recruitment support required.