Head of Wales

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is the leading voice of 5.5 million small businesses and the self-employed across the UK. Since 1974, we've supported people to start, run and grow their own business. With market-leading benefits, local support, financial expertise, networking events and more, we provide our members with all the tools they need to succeed in business.

We’re also the UK’s leading business campaigner, focused on delivering change on issues that matter most. With teams across the UK, we work with governments and decision-makers to make real change happen. Our lobbying arm starts with the work of our team in Westminster which focuses on UK and England policy issues. Further to this, our expert teams in Cardiff, Glasgow and Belfast work with governments, elected members and decision-makers in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We are currently recruiting for a Head of Wales to work in close liaison with senior UK and other devolved nations colleagues to ensure a consistent policy strategy is followed, to develop our voice and influence across senior decision makers in Wales. The successful candidate will also lead a multi-disciplinary team to increase opportunities to grow our networks, partnerships and our membership.

What will you do?

This is an interesting and varied role. The successful candidate will provide leadership to ensure both National and UK policy is delivered across Wales by means of the delivery of a consistent, coordinated and professional service to the lead members, committees and general members. In addition, you will look to identify and harness opportunities to recruit and retain members in Wales and develop cross-sector relationships

Key areas of accountability include:

• Leadership of a team of advocacy and network professionals to influence others decision makers and grow FSB’s networks.
• Maintaining and developing contacts with key institutions, civil servants, policy makers, the media and senior figures from across business.
• Acting as a lead spokesperson for FSB representing the organisation in both print and broadcast media and in relevant meetings with Welsh and UK Government Ministers, Senedd Members and Welsh MPs, civil servants and representatives from across private, public and third sectors.
• Working with colleagues in other departments to ensure that all opportunities to create and support volunteering activity, in support of FSB Wales objectives, are fully maximised.
• Promoting and enabling a positive culture of engagement with members that values the contribution of volunteers and ensures adequate support for volunteer activity. 

Who are we looking for? The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant previous press/media exposure as a spokesperson to include giving live interviews.
• Experience in leading a team of advocacy professionals, public affairs activity and navigating and engaging different networks Expert knowledge of the political processes and systems of Wales, network of high-level contacts, and knowledge of the Senedd.
• The ability to influence others who have ultimate decision-making authority.
• Experience in the development of policy and research projects specifically in response to consultation.
• Aclean driving licence and own car and be willing to undertake travel across the UK.

FSB is dedicated to helping small businesses survive through these difficult times, and as our employees are at the heart of everything that we do we pride ourselves on providing highly competitive rates of pay, benefits, and internationally recognised qualifications.

We will provide you with all the relevant tools, skills and support you need to help our members every day and are also fully committed to providing you with development opportunities to enhance your skills.

FSB’s culture of inclusion, focus on health and well-being and flexible working models help ensure that everyone, regardless of background, feels included and can be successful. At FSB we believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company, and we invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realise their full potential.

In addition to a fulfilling career with FSB, you’ll also benefit from:

• 26 days holidays per year plus bank holidays with the option to buy 3 days with your   Annual Flex Pot*.
• Annual Flex Pot* to spend on benefits including additional pension, additional holidays, additional critical illness cover, cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership.
• Health cash plan* (Access to claim back numerous benefits, including towards dental treatment, optical, chiropody, physiotherapy, counselling, health and wellbeing).
• Critical illness and income protection insurance*.
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay.
• Access to an employee assistance programme and mental health first aiders.
• Group Personal Pension (GPP).
• *Applicable on completion of probationary period and subject to terms

Additional information

All applicants must be able to provide at interview stage their highest education certificates as listed on their CV and verification of their eligibility to work in the UK.

FSB is proud to be an equal opportunities workplace employer and is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees. We do not condone discrimination based on age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

We are also committed to the values of equal employment opportunity and provide reasonable adjustments to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a range of backgrounds to apply and join FSB. Candidates with a disability who require reasonable adjustments should contact the HR department.

Applicants are advised to apply early. We reserve the right to close a vacancy prior to the closing date if a high number of applications are received. If you are successful and short listed for interview you will be contacted by email.