Department: Corporate Affairs

Reporting to: Director of Corporate Affairs

Grade: 2

Starting Salary: £88,362 per annum + £6,077 per annum Car Allowance

Base: London

Closing date: 13 November 2026 (We may close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received ahead of the closing date)

Interview date: In-person interviews are scheduled to take place on 1st and 3rd December 2026, with successful candidates invited to a final-stage interview on 9th December 2026.

Who we are:

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

The role:

We are looking for an experienced Head of External Affairs to join the team on a fixed term contract, providing maternity leave cover for the role.

Whilst working with stakeholders and partners to build the PLA’s external reputation as a trusted port, you will also be responsible for increasing engagement with the Thames Vision strategy and its goals.

The successful candidate will use new and established networks and industry trade bodies/representative groups, proactively engaging with MP’s, Assembly Members and other elected representatives to further the PLA’s business priorities progress toward the Thames Vision goals.

You will coordinate the PLA’s role in external steering groups and memberships of representative organisations/trade bodies to ensure maximum benefit and value-for-money.

What we are looking for:

You will be educated to degree level and/or have at least ten years’ equivalent experience.

Essential

• Experience in senior-level stakeholder management in the ports/maritime/transport & logistics industries or a comparable sector; used to working in a complex stakeholder environment, turning strategy into action

• Familiar with policy making and how to establish influence

• Existing networks in Whitehall, Westminster and City Hall, with a particular focus on local government; effective political antenna and acumen

• Proven ability to build and leverage networks to deliver policy change or improvements

• Experienced line manager, able to lead an engaged and high-performing team

• Ability to provide strategic counsel to senior leaders

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

Desirable

• Although maritime experience would beneficial – transportation, logistics, police, utilities would all be an advantage.

• Experience of working in a highly unionised workforce

• Line Management Experience

Our Behaviours

You naturally demonstrate our values:

One Team – acting with integrity, delivering on commitments, and upholding safety and standards.

Do the Right Thing – collaborating, valuing others’ expertise, and supporting colleagues.

Always Improving – bringing fresh thinking, learning from mistakes and driving continuous improvement.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 30 days annual leave + Bank Holidays

• Private Health Insurance

• Generous pension scheme - up to 14% employer contribution

• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Access to MyGymDiscounts

• Reward and recognition portal, with access to a range of discounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Sian Foster (Director of Corporate Affairs) via her EA at Helen.Lawrenson@pla.co.uk

Inclusion Statement

The PLA are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Candidates will be assessed against the essential requirements for the role. Where candidates can demonstrate relevant transferable skills and experience, we encourage them to apply.

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.