Global Public Affairs and Policy Experts

As part of Hanson Corporate, our public affairs and policy practice recruits the people who shape how organisations engage with government. Since 2005, we have built a successful track record in public affairs recruitment across key markets, supporting businesses, trade associations, think tanks and charities through both executive search and recruitment.

With consultants based across all major political hubs, we combine global reach with local political insight. We are connected at the highest ministerial levels, working with ex-government ministers, MPs, political journalists and seasoned professionals across highly regulated sectors. We recruit for roles including Heads of Policy, Public Affairs and Government Relations Directors, Managing Directors and board-level executives, for both consultancies and in-house teams, along with government relations roles

Our Public Affairs and Policy Executive Search and Recruitment Approach

Our search process is targeted, discreet and built on political insight. We begin by understanding your organisation, the objectives of the role, your policy priorities and your leadership culture. Drawing on our network across Westminster, Brussels, Washington and the Gulf, we identify and engage candidates with the political judgement, stakeholder credibility and sector knowledge to deliver lasting influence. Every public affairs search is led by a senior consultant with direct experience of the political environment, ensuring alignment between candidate experience and your objectives.

Our Expertise in Public Affairs and Policy Recruitment

Public affairs and policy professionals shape how organisations are understood by government and how regulation affects their business. We recruit across the full discipline, from government relations and lobbying through to public policy, regulatory affairs and political communications, with particular expertise in highly regulated markets.

Demand has never been greater. Shifting trade policy, economic security measures and a fast-expanding regulatory agenda on technology, AI and sustainability mean businesses are engaging government at national and international levels. We help organisations secure the professionals who can manage these complexities, across sectors including energy, healthcare, technology, financial services and consumer.

Why choose Hanson Search as your Recruitment Partner

As an independent, employee-owned executive search firm, we take a personal approach to every public affairs and policy recruitment brief. Clients get the depth of a specialist practice and the reach of a global firm, with relationships built across two decades in political and regulatory markets. Unlike many traditional headhunting firms, our partners lead every search directly, drawing on deep, highly developed networks to uncover exceptional talent. We take it personally. We don’t stop until we deliver the best candidate for your role.

Organisations win in complex political environments through people with judgement, credibility and connections, and finding them takes market knowledge alongside human insight. That is what our consultants bring to every shortlist. As a certified B Corp, we also support our clients in building a more sustainable supply chain through ethical hiring practices and values-led recruitment.

Public Affairs and Policy Recruitment FAQs

What public affairs and policy roles do you recruit?

We recruit across public affairs, government relations and policy, from consultants and managers through to senior leadership roles. This includes Heads of Public Affairs, Public Affairs Directors, Government Relations Directors, Policy Directors and senior policy specialists, as well as wider corporate affairs appointments where public policy is a core part of the role.

What public affairs and policy roles do you recruit?

We recruit across public affairs, government relations and policy, from consultants and managers through to senior leadership roles. This includes Heads of Public Affairs, Public Affairs Directors, Government Relations Directors, Policy Directors and senior policy specialists, as well as wider corporate affairs appointments where public policy is a core part of the role.

Why use a specialist public affairs recruitment firm?

Public affairs and policy recruitment requires a good understanding of the political and regulatory environment as well as the talent market. Our consultants work closely with clients to understand the policy issues, stakeholder landscape and experience required, then use our network and market knowledge to identify candidates with the right combination of policy expertise, political judgement and influence.

Hire Exceptional Public Affairs and Policy Talent

Looking to hire public affairs, government relations or policy professionals in London, Brussels, Washington, the Gulf or beyond? Or are you a senior leader in these markets seeking your next challenge?

Contact our team of specialist consultants today for a confidential conversation.

Explore Our Public Affairs and Policy Specialisms