Head of UK Policy & Public Affairs

Because people are more than just your day job.
Connect, our way. 

People and Cultureat Primark

What’s a career at Primark all about? The positive impact you’re making, the experiences you’re having and the people you’re with. You’re our inspiration. Embrace what sets you apart, own your career and develop in ways you never expected. Leave your mark. And do it your way.  

Our team has created a workplace of inspiration and growth. Be a part of building an inclusive and empowering culture, where every colleague’s unique abilities are recognised and celebrated. Collaborate with a team committed to the wellbeing of our workforce and define what it means to work at Primark.

What You’ll Do as Head of UK Policy & Public Affairs

In your role, you’ll collaborate with different people across a range of skillsets. Here’s a flavour of your day-to-day: 

• Serve as the senior UK lead for Policy & Public Affairs, advising leadership with strategic insight on policy and political developments impacting Primark’s business and reputation.
• Shape and guide UK Corporate Affairs by aligning Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability efforts for consistent messaging and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop and deliver a proactive UK Public Affairs strategy, including stakeholder mapping and long‑term relationship management across government, regulators and industry bodies.
• Partner with UK Communications and Group Corporate Affairs teams to ensure integrated campaigning and full alignment of political, policy and communication activities.
• Represent Primark at senior-level engagements with ministers, officials and trade bodies, strengthening the company’s influence on policy issues affecting retail and sustainability.
• Lead cross‑business policy coordination, monitor emerging legislation, and translate complex policy changes into clear strategic recommendations for senior leaders while managing UK agency performance.

What You’ll Get

People are at the heart of what we do here, so it’s essential we provide you with the right environment to perform at your very best. Let’s talk lifestyle:   

Let’s talk lifestyle: Healthcare for individual plus dependents, pension, car allowance and potential bonus. 27 days of leave, plus bank holidays and if you want, you can buy 5 more. Because Primark is all about tailoring to you, we offer Tax Saver Tickets, fitness centre, and a subsidised cafeteria.  

What You’ll Bring  

Here at Primark, we want everyone to feel valued – so please bring your authentic self to work, of course with some other key experience and abilities for this role in particular: 

• Over 10 years’ experience in Public Affairs/Government Relations, with proven success influencing policy across Westminster and retail‑relevant sectors, supported by strong networks with government and trade bodies.
• Deep understanding of policy areas impacting retail and experience operating in complex, fast‑moving consumer goods or multi‑territory retail environments.
• Skilled in stakeholder management within matrix organisations, with a strong track record of aligning diverse internal teams and communicating policy implications clearly to senior audiences.
• Experienced in managing high‑impact, dynamic issues—particularly in sustainability—while providing strategic guidance and mitigating risks.
• Strong influencing, analytical and communication capabilities, with the credibility to represent the business confidently in high‑profile external settings and act as a trusted advisor internally.
• Highly organised, results‑driven team player with a can‑do attitude, able to deliver under pressure, navigate complexity, and lead effective planning, execution and reporting of Public Affairs activities.

Does this sound like you? Great, because we can’t wait to see what you’ll bring. You’ll be supported within a team of equally capable people, celebrating who you are and aiding you reach your potential. At Primark, we’re excited about our future - and we’re excited to develop yours.  

About Primark 

At Primark, people matter. They’re the beating heart of our business and the reason we’ve grown from our first store in Dublin in 1969 to a £9bn+ turnover business and over 80,000 colleagues and over 440 stores in 17 countries today. Our values run through everything we do. In essence, we're Caring and always strive to put people first. We're also Dynamic, bravely pushing the boundaries to stay ahead. And finally, we succeed Together.   

If you need any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request, during your recruitment journey, such as extended time or breaks between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, mobility access, or assistive technology please contact your talent acquisition specialist. 

All offers of employment are subject to background checks, including right to work, reference education and for some roles criminal, and financial checks. If you have any concerns, please reach out to our talent acquisition team to discuss. 

Our fashion isn’t one-size-fits-all and neither is our culture. Primark promotes equal employment opportunity, we strive to create an inclusive workplace where people can be themselves, access opportunities and thrive together.

If you require extra support at any stage of the selection process, please get in touch with our team at removingbarriers@primark.co.uk.