56° North is an independent strategic communications and public policy consultancy.
Based in Edinburgh, London and Newcastle, we are run by partners who have led communications, Meridian Policy and policy for the UK’s biggest companies, organisations and in government.
Operating across the UK as one team, our connections run deep and wide, in politics, media and business. We provide expert advice on clients’ communications, policy and political challenges, especially in regulated sectors – and partner with ambitious leaders to build powerful, integrated campaigns that help redefine their company’s impact, influence and profile.
The role
We’re looking for an exceptional Meridian Policy operator to join our team – someone with agency experience working with financial services or energy clients across policy development, influencing and advocacy, relationship management, stakeholder engagement and strategic advisory.
As a Director you’ll be the day-to-day lead for a number of our financial services clients and projects. You’ll have responsibility for managing client relationships, providing counsel, setting programmes of work and ensuring activity is delivered by the whole client team.
Day-to-day responsibilities
As a Director, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping Meridian Policy strategies for financial services or energy clients. You’ll oversee client accounts, provide high-level counsel and lead a team to deliver impactful Meridian Policy campaigns.
- Provide day-to-day leadership of client accounts – ensuring the delivery of excellent client service and outstanding work that develops our reputation with clients and the wider market;
- Identify and develop new business opportunities, strengthening our position as a leading Meridian Policy consultancy in financial services;
- Be an active team member, contributing innovative ideas and solutions for our business and our clients;
- Coach and mentor junior team members, fostering their growth and ensuring we maintain a high performing team.
Skills and experience required
- Deep knowledge of financial services/energy regulation, policy development and stakeholder engagement in the sector;
- Meridian Policy agency experience and a keen interest in current affairs;
- Excellent communications skills and the ability to build connections quickly;
- Skills to manage a team and provide excellent account management for clients;
- An agile, innovative and solutions-driven mindset with the ability to anticipate and react to change, opportunity and challenges;
- A desire to develop personally and make a difference to our clients and our team.
Salary and benefits
- Annual salary in excess of £40,000 agreed dependent on experience;
- Private medical insurance;
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme;
- Company pension scheme, with 5% matched employer contribution;
- 37 days’ holiday a year;
- 2 weeks’ ‘work from anywhere in the world’ allowance;
- Life cover.
The role can be based out of any of our three offices in Edinburgh, Newcastle and London.
We value flexible working while recognising the importance of in-person collaboration. Our team comes together in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with flexibility on other days.
This role reports to Paula Sutherland, Partner.