Reference: 99759
Date Added: 16 July 2026
Closing Date: 17 August 2026
Job Title: Director of External Affairs and Growth
Working For: Employee Ownership Association
Location: Manchester
Salary: £65,000 p/a
Length of Contract: Permanent
Job Details
We are recruiting for a Director of External Affairs and Growth to join the eoa’s Senior Leadership Team and help accelerate the growth of the UK employee ownership sector.
This is a high-profile leadership role responsible for strengthening the eoa’s external influence, building strategic relationships, shaping policy, and increasing awareness and adoption of employee ownership.
You will lead the eoa’s external affairs, policy and insights, marketing and communications, and events activity. You will also help secure the grant funding, sponsorship, commercial partnerships, and income needed to support sustainable sector growth.
The role would suit an experienced external affairs, advocacy, or policy leader with strong commercial judgement, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and experience leading high-performing teams.
Location: Manchester (hybrid). You will be expected to
attend the office at least twice per month, and more
often where needed.
Full recruitment pack available at:
https://employeeownership.co.uk/common/Uploaded%20files/careers/Director%20of%20External%20Affairs%20and%20Growth%20Recruitment%20Pack.pdf
Closing Date: 17 August 2026
Interview/Start Dates
- stage 1 virtual interview via teams 26 August
- stage 2 in-person discussion w.c. 31 August
Applications should be submitted before 9:00am on closing date. We will close this
vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
Application Details
Please submit:
- A two-page CV
- And one of either:
- Cover letter setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
- Video (maximum 10 minutes) setting out your motivation, approach, and what you will bring to the role
Please send your enquiries or applications to jobs@employeeownership.co.uk
The eoa welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly thosewho are under-represented. We recruit based on values, skills, and contribution to our purpose.
Website: https://employeeownership.co.uk/