Principal Policy Officer (Government Relations)
Salford Council
Job reference: 001840
Salary: £48,710 - £51,802
Location: Salford Civic Centre
Employment type: Permanent
Hours Per Week: 36
Closing date: 22 August 2025
About us
Salford is an innovative and well-connected global city. One of many strengths and significant opportunities to grow and thrive. With one of the fastest growing populations in the North of England, the city is well placed to exploit future growth opportunities and continue to deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits for local people.
To do this, we need to ensure we successfully engage and influence government and other key stakeholders to make the case for Salford and positively influence the national policy landscape. An effective and compelling approach to public affairs is key to this mission; ensuring Salford can capitalise on its unique strengths and make the most of our already extensive national and regional reach and influence.
About the Role
The Principal Policy Officer (Government Relations) is a new role that will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to increase Salford’s national and regional influence, build and manage stakeholder relationships including with central government, and improve the council’s ability to attract external funding. This role requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to navigate complex political and policy environments.
About you
We are looking for someone with proven experience working in government relations or a public policy environment, with a successful track record of engaging a wide range of stakeholders including MPs, civil servants and elected members.
You will have a strong passion for politics and a sound knowledge of the national political landscape, government priorities, and parliamentary processes.
The role requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex information. An appropriate degree or professional qualification is desirable but not essential. The role will also involve travel to London as required.
If you have queries about the role, contact Jonathon Stancombe (Manager of Policy & Partnerships) at Jonathon.Stancombe@salford.gov.uk .
We will not be accepting candidates who require a sponsorship for this position.
Want to know more about Salford?
As an authority we are dedicated to improving the lives of our residents, and as an employer we are passionate about helping individuals to thrive in their work. We are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive culture and are proud of our professional accreditations which champion this.
Find out about our city as a place to live, work & grow, and learn more about the amazing work we are doing. You’ll also find out about the wealth of benefits we have to offer you on our Salford pages!
Continuous Service commitment
New employees can keep their service related benefits when moving between a whole host of public sector organisations within Greater Manchester, which include: Councils, NHS, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, Transport for Greater Manchester, as well as many others under this scheme. Find out if this applies to you on our Continuous Service page..
Guaranteed Assessment Schemes
We have made a commitment to improve the employment opportunities for people with disabilities, care leavers, carers, and ex-military personnel by way of a Guaranteed Assessment Scheme. Our application forms ask you to indicate if you meet any of the criteria within this scheme, and so to find out more and if you qualify please visit our Guaranteed Assessment Scheme page..
Privacy Statement and Data Protection
Our core data protection obligations and commitments are set out in the council’s primary Recruitment and Employment Privacy Notice which can be found at https://www.salford.gov.uk/gdpr
