Director of Public Affairs UK – EU
The Director of Public Affairs UK – EU will play a pivotal role in shaping Aon public policy strategy in the region, and lead on key activity, including working on some of the biggest policy challenges that are affecting our business today. The role holder will represent Aon to external stakeholders, making sure our views are heard and interests are represented. It will also provide advice to senior colleagues on political & legislative developments that affect us. This role will be office based from our London head office.
At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world.
As an organization, we are united through trust as one inclusive, diverse team, and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.
As Director of Public Affairs UK – EU, you will liaise with EMEA regulatory counsel in Brussels to execute EU strategy, and leverage key cross-functional stakeholders in Marketing, Communications, Law & Compliance to shape Aon's efforts to demonstrate our positive economic and cultural impact on individuals and society.
The Public Affairs team leads the company's engagement with executive branch officials, legislators, regulators, industry trade associations and third-parties in the formation of public policy. Working closely with Aon leaders, we seek to identify key policy issues, listen carefully to others' views and opinions, and distil and share the company's perspective on those issues with external stakeholders.
Aon is in the business of better decisions
At Aon, we shape decisions for the better to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world.
As an organization, we are united through trust as one inclusive, diverse team, and we are passionate about helping our colleagues and clients succeed.
The FCA's Senior Managers & Certification Regime (SM&CR) applies to Aon from December 2019 and this role is subject to the relevant requirements of the Regime.
The primary aim of SM&CR is to drive individual accountability for all roles within the Financial Services Sector.
Aon must ensure those in senior roles, with the potential to cause significant harm to customers and the business of the firm, are deemed to be fit and proper at all times
and also to ensure everyone working in the sector adheres to a set of Conduct Rules and are held to account where they do not meet the right standards of behaviour.
What the day will look like
- Accountable for shaping and delivering Aon UK/EMEA public policy strategy
- Accountable for delivering Aon UK's public policy ambitions and plans
- Provide advice to senior colleagues on political & legislative developments that affect Aon – including being a trusted advisor to the regional CEO/senior executive team
- Ability to complete analysis of government policy and legislation and build a view on priorities leveraging lobbyist and consultant expertise as well.
- Lead and partner with cross functional stakeholders to respond to government consultations and develop positions to support the interests of Aon UK on issues
- Identify relevant external stakeholders to approach on policy topics and advocate Aon UK's position where appropriate
- Proactively look for opportunities to build relationships with external stakeholders, including government, officials and industry colleagues
- Producing clear reports and updates to Executive and Senior Management.
- Lead engagement with our industry bodies
- Will remain compliant with Company policies, regulatory, professional & legal requirements
Skills and experience that will lead to success
- Strong understanding and experience in the development and execution of public policy with key relationships inside government.
- Exposure to working in the Financial Services sector/industry would be desirable and corporate experience is required
- Experience of independently creating and delivering on a public affairs strategy with a commercial mindset
- Experience of working with internal senior level stakeholders (up to regional Chief Executive level or equivalent) and an ability to work collegiately with all parts of the business
- Strong influencing, negotiation, and networking skills, with ability to operate in a dynamic and evolving environment
- Strong communications skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to translate complex policy matters into simple messages
- Adaptable to changing priorities and able to hit the ground running when dealing with complex issues
- Self-motivated, well-organised, pragmatic and able to perform tasks independently
- Continuous drive & energy to get things done
How we support our colleagues
In addition to our comprehensive benefits package, we encourage a diverse workforce. Plus, our agile, inclusive environment allows you to manage your wellbeing and work/life balance, ensuring you can be your best self at Aon. Furthermore, all colleagues enjoy two "Global Wellbeing Days" each year, encouraging you to take time to focus on yourself. We offer a variety of working style solutions, but we also recognise that flexibility goes beyond just the place of work... and we are all for it. We call this Smart Working!
Our continuous learning culture inspires and equips you to learn, share and grow, helping you achieve your fullest potential. As a result, at Aon, you are more connected, more relevant, and more valued.
We provide individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable law. Please contact us to request an accommodation on
Aon values an innovative, diverse