We are looking for a Policy Manager to lead our policy and public affairs work, ensuring rural community-owned businesses have a strong voice in local, regional and national decision making.
The Policy Manager will champion Plunkett UK’s policy and public affairs work, ensuring that the voices, experiences and priorities of rural community-owned businesses are effectively represented in local, regional and national policy discussions.
The role holder will advocate for a supportive policy, legislative and funding environment in which the community-owned business sector can flourish.
A core element of this role is developing strong, trusted relationships with Plunkett’s community business members.
The postholder will take a “listen first, act second” approach, grounded in regular consultation and engagement, to understand members’ needs and translate these into clear, evidence-based policy positions and advocacy.
The role is focused on influence rather than management, and will work closely with the CEO and colleagues across the organisation to support Plunkett’s strategic objectives.
You will be expected to carry out any other duties that may reasonably be required in line with your main duties. All Plunkett staff members are expected to adhere to Plunkett’s policies and processes.
The successful candidate should have the following knowledge, experience, skills and attributes:
We are committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and our approach goes beyond ‘protected characteristics’ to thinking more broadly about inclusion. Every individual will think and feel differently and we believe that these differences should be embraced, and individual needs taken into account. Additionally, the makeup of the rural communities we work with leads to their own particular diversity and exclusion challenges and opportunities compared to urban areas. Our commitment to EDI, both internally and externally, has been tailored to Plunkett and the communities we serve.
We ask that you complete a diversity monitoring form in order to monitor the effectiveness of our policies. The completion of this form is voluntary.
To apply for the role, please firstly read our recruitment pack, which you can download here.
Please submit an up-to-date CV and covering letter, including a supporting statement of no more than 2 sides of A4 outlining your suitability for the role according to the job description.
Please send your application to: hr@plunkett.co.uk
Closing date for applications: Thursday 19 March 2026 at 5pm
Interview date: First stage interview will be held on Monday 30 March 2026 via video conference. Second stage interviews will be held at Plunkett UK’s offices in Woodstock, Oxfordshire (likely to be w/c 7 April 2026).
No agencies please.
