Plunkett UK is a national charity supporting people in rural areas to set up and run successful community‑owned businesses. These businesses — from shops and pubs to woodlands and farms — provide vital services, create local jobs, strengthen rural economies and bring people together. We’ve championed community ownership for over 100 years because it delivers thriving, inclusive and resilient places.

About the Role

We are looking for a Policy Manager to lead our policy and public affairs work, ensuring rural community‑owned businesses have a strong voice in local, regional and national decision‑making.

You will take a “listen first, act second” approach, building trusted relationships with our members and using their lived experience to shape evidence-based policy positions. Working closely with the Chief Executive and colleagues across the organisation, you will influence political stakeholders, raise awareness of the community business model, and help create a supportive policy, legislative and funding environment.

This role also leads our research output, including our flagship Better Business Reports, and contributes to strategic organisational initiatives.

Closing date for applications: 5pm Thursday 19 March 2026

Interview date: First stage interview to be held via video conference on Monday 30 March.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the APPLY NOW button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We are committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and our approach goes beyond ‘protected characteristics’ to thinking more broadly about inclusion. Every individual will think and feel differently and we believe that these differences should be embraced, and individual needs taken into account. Additionally, the makeup of the rural communities we work with leads to their own particular diversity and exclusion challenges and opportunities compared to urban areas. Our commitment to EDI, both internally and externally, has been tailored to Plunkett and the communities we serve.

Registered Charity: 313743

No agencies please.