Head of Policy (UK) at Drax

Head of Policy

Location: London preferred, can be flexible on location

Drax is seeking an experienced and influential Head of Policy to lead the development and delivery of our UK policy agenda at a critical moment for the energy transition.

This role sits at the heart of how Drax engages with public policy, government and wider stakeholders. You’ll shape policy priorities that underpin our corporate strategy, provide trusted counsel to senior leaders, and ensure Drax is well positioned in a complex, fast-moving and highly regulated policy environment—particularly across energy, climate change, sustainability and net zero.

Who we are
We’re not just talking about making a difference, we’re making it happen. We generate dispatchable, renewable power and create stable energy in an uncertain world. Building on our proud heritage, we have ambition to become the global leader in sustainable biomass and carbon removals.

You’ll be joining our teams of practical doers, future thinkers and business champions. We’re enabling a zero carbon, lower cost energy future for all, and working hard to decarbonise the planet for generations to come.

About the role
As the Head of Policy, you’ll represent Drax externally at a senior level, work closely with colleagues across the business and External Affairs, and lead a high-performing policy team focused on impact and delivery.

Key responsibilities:

•  Identify and lead delivery of key policy priorities that support Drax’s corporate strategy.
• Ensure cross-cutting policy themes and critical enablers are well developed and supported across the organisation.
• Represent Drax at a senior level through government, political and stakeholder relationships, and on public platforms.
• Support third-party engagement and communications in priority policy areas.
• Advise internal teams including Strategy, Investor Relations, Climate Change, Viable Fuels, Carbon Capture, Regulation, Innovation and Commercial on current and future policy trends.
• Collaborate with colleagues across External Affairs to ensure alignment between policy objectives, public affairs activity and external communications.
• Manage external consultancies providing policy analysis or project support.
• Provide authoritative counsel to senior leaders, including the Executive Committee and Group Board, on UK policy developments and implications.
• Draft clear, concise and persuasive policy briefings to support political engagement and policy reform.
• Oversee monitoring and assessment of public policy developments impacting the Group.
• Represent Drax’s policy positions in external forums with policymakers, industry peers and opinion formers.
• Coordinate responses to enquiries from elected representatives, working with internal teams to ensure appropriate sensitivity and rigour.
• Maintain close collaboration with international public affairs and policy leads and the Regulation function.
• Oversee technical studies to support policy development and lead consultation responses on key policy issues.
• Manage the policy budget and lead, develop and motivate a high-performing policy team.
  

We’re open to flexible working arrangements and are happy to discuss these on a case-by-case basis.

About you
You’ll be an experienced policy and government relations professional with a strong understanding of how policy is shaped and delivered in complex, regulated environments.

You’ll bring:

•  A strong interest in politics and public policy, with particular focus on UK energy, climate change, sustainability and net zero.
• Proven experience leading regulatory, fiscal or political engagement strategies, with direct interaction with government institutions and senior stakeholders.
• Experience working in highly regulated sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, construction, oil and gas or similar.
• First-hand knowledge of government decision-making processes and strong networks across political parties and relevant government departments.
• A proven ability to distil complex technical and commercial issues into clear, compelling messages for policymakers.
• A track record of challenging the status quo and influencing legislation to support business and sector outcomes.
• Experience building coalitions and alliances to address complex legislative challenges.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate insight into actionable policy proposals.
• Passion for securing lasting policy change that supports the role of renewable energy in the economy.
• Excellent influencing skills and credibility in senior corporate environments.
• Excellent organisational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience influencing trade associations and industry bodies by framing issues in a broader economic and societal context.
• Proven experience building and leading effective, delivery-focused policy teams.

Rewards and benefits:
As you help us to shape the future, we’ve shaped our rewards and benefits to help you thrive and support your lifestyle. If successful in this role you’ll get:

• A discretionary bonus depending on company performance
• Private Healthcare
• SAYE (Sharesave): discretionary scheme from time to time
• Personal accident cover
• Group personal pension plan where we’ll pay up to 10%
• Holiday 25 days plus bank holidays
• Reimbursement of the cost of your annual membership of one relevant and appropriate professional body

We’re committed to making a tangible impact on the climate challenge we all face. Drax is where your individual purpose can work alongside your career drive. We work as part of a team that shares a passion for doing what’s right for the future. With Drax you can shape your career and a future for generations to come.

Together, we make it happen.

At Drax, we’re committed to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their role. To make this a reality, we actively work to better represent the communities we operate in, foster inclusion, and establish fair processes. Through these actions, we build the trust needed for all colleagues at Drax to contribute their perspectives and talents, no matter their background.

How to apply:
Think this role’s for you? Click the ‘apply now’ button to begin your Drax journey!
If you want to find out more about Drax, check out our LinkedIn page to see our latest news.  
We understand that you may have some additional questions about the role. If you’d like to have a confidential chat to discuss the role in more detail, please email careers@drax.com