Local Public Affairs Manager

Are you fascinated by London politics? Do you know your way around local government, understand what makes councils tick and enjoy building relationships with the people shaping our city?

We're looking for a Local Public Affairs Manager to help strengthen our relationships with councils, councillors, MPs and other local stakeholders across London.

Peabody is one of London's oldest and largest housing associations. We provide homes for more than 220,000 people, and our work reaches into neighbourhoods across the capital. As a not-for-profit organisation with a strong social purpose, we have an important role to play in the places where we work, alongside residents, councils and local partners.

This is a varied role for someone who enjoys politics, people and making things happen. You'll work closely with our Regional Managing Directors, helping them build strong local relationships, navigate political issues and make sure we're playing an active and constructive role in the communities we serve.

You'll be part of our Corporate Affairs team, working alongside colleagues in public affairs, policy, communications and external relations. You'll also spend plenty of time working with operational teams and senior leaders across the organisation.

What you'll be doing

• Working closely with our Regional Managing Directors to develop local stakeholder engagement plans, build relationships and identify opportunities to work with councils and other partners.
• Keeping on top of what's happening in London politics, from changes in council leadership to emerging local issues, and helping colleagues understand what it means for our work.
• Building and maintaining relationships with councillors, MPs, local authority officers and other political and civic stakeholders.
• Advising senior colleagues on local politics, preparing briefings for meetings and visits, and helping them engage confidently and effectively with political stakeholders.
• Helping us manage sensitive local issues, including advising on political enquiries, reputational risks and how best to respond.
• Working with communications and neighbourhood colleagues to make sure local stakeholders know what we're doing in their areas, including our investment in homes, services and communities.
• Supporting visits, events and opportunities to bring together residents, colleagues, elected representatives and local partners.

What you'll bring

Above all, we're looking for someone who is genuinely interested in London, its politics and its people. You'll understand the pressures facing local government, have good political instincts and enjoy working with people across different organisations and teams.

You might currently work in a council, in an elected representative's office, in public affairs or in another role that has given you a good understanding of local politics and decision making.

You'll also bring:

• Strong knowledge of London government, local politics and how councils operate, including the relationships between elected members, officers and local partners.
• Experience working in a political or public affairs environment, ideally including direct engagement with councillors or local authorities.
• Good political judgement and the confidence to give clear, practical advice to senior colleagues.
• Excellent writing skills, whether you're preparing a briefing for a senior leader, drafting a letter to an MP or helping colleagues get a message across.
• The ability to build trusted relationships, work collaboratively and bring people together.
• A proactive, organised approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities and respond quickly when issues arise.
• Curiosity, enthusiasm and a willingness to get to know the different places, people and priorities that make up London.

Experience in housing would be helpful, but we're equally interested in people who understand local government and want to put that knowledge to work in an organisation with a strong social purpose.

What We Offer

• 30 days’ annual holiday, plus bank holidays
• Two additional paid volunteering days each year
• Flexible benefits scheme, including family friendly benefits and access to a discount portal
• 4 x salary life assurance
• Up to 10% pension contribution
• Professional development and opportunities to broaden your experience

Why Join Us?

When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values, Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

Please read before applying

Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licensed UK employer.

This advert will close on 29th October 2026. However, we reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Our Assessment Process

Our fair, inclusive and transparent recruitment process includes an in-person Interview. This will be held at our Westminster Bridge Road office across the following dates 5th and 6th November 2026.

If you have any questions about this role, please email Talent Specialist, Ryan Loasby

This is a summary of a vacancy from the advertiser. Read the full job description and apply →