Public Policy & External Affairs Lead - International

Public Policy & External Affairs Lead – International Division

Based in London/ Hybrid

Full Time

Working with the International CEO ,Executive Management Board (EMB) and Group colleagues this role will define and elevate QBE International’s voice on public policy, regulatory, and macroeconomic topics and issues.  The role will shape a clear international perspective on priority topics, ensuring our positions are consistent with QBE’s global stance and enabling impactful engagement with regulators, policymakers, trade bodies, and industry forums. Acting as a central hub, the role will connect internal expertise across Underwriting, Compliance, Strategy, Sustainability and Claims, to deliver timely, high-quality policy positions and advocacy.

Your New Role

• Partner with the International CEO, Heads of Insurance, Reinsurance and Asia, as well as the Executive Management Board (EMB) to identify and shape the public policy agenda, focusing on issues most relevant to key stakeholder groups including customers, brokers, colleagues, regulators, investors, government, and trade bodies (e.g. ABI, Pool Re, LMA).

• Lead the development of QBE’s positions on emerging regulatory and market developments, primarily across the UK, Europe, and Asia, through structured horizon scanning, policy papers, and consultation responses, while retaining flexibility to cover a broader scope as needed.

• Maintain a forward-looking policy calendar and ensure alignment with strategic business outcomes.

• Provide strategic support to the CEO, EMB, and senior leaders to ensure consistent and effective internal and external communication on policy matters.

• Prepare the CEO and EMB members for high-profile engagements such as investor meetings, external forums,, and Government and ministerial meetings, in collaboration with the CEO Office.

• Deliver concise, tailored briefing packs with key messages, risks, and desired outcomes.

• Build and manage influential relationships with HM Treasury, Bank of England, FCA, PRA, and relevant institutions.

• Represent QBE in key industry forums and collaborate with trade associations such as the ABI, Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI), Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers (CIAB) TheCityUK, UK Finance, and Lloyd’s market bodies.

• Amplify QBE’s policy positions externally in partnership with Brand and Communications teams.

• Lead and participate in cross-team working groups to drive delivery of QBE International’s strategic outcomes.

• Coordinate inputs from internal SMEs across Underwriting, Compliance, Legal, Risk, Strategy, Sustainability and Claims, to ensure cohesive policy development.

• Ensure all lobbying and advocacy activities meet regulatory compliance standards.

About You

• Proven experience in public policy, regulatory affairs, or external affairs within financial services, government, trade associations, or consultancy.

• Strong track record of drafting policy papers, consultation responses, and briefing senior executives.

• Deep understanding of the UK regulatory and policy landscape; EU experience is a strong advantage

• Exceptional structured writing and synthesis skills

• Political acumen and credibility with senior stakeholders.

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing capability.

• Comfortable operating as a hands-on individual contributor with matrix leadership across geographies and disciplines.

• Having the right to work in the UK is a requirement for this role.  QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion

Benefits   

We offer a range of benefits to help provide holistic support for your work life, whatever your circumstances. As a QBE employee you will have access to and benefit from: 

• 30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to 2 additional days.   

• Flexible working - balancing work and life is important so our flexible working opportunities are open to all, this can include part-time, job share and compressed hours.   

• Pension – you are automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, which entitles you to receive employer contributions of 10% of your basic salary.   

• Private medical insurance – we fund fully comprehensive private medical cover for you and all the family.    

• Family friendly policies – we offer 26 weeks leave at full pay regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or how you become a parent.   

• Short term remote work abroad - you can request up to 20 days per year to work remotely from certain locations abroad.   

To learn more about benefits of working with us, click  Rewarding our people - QBE European Operations  

Awards & Recognition:  

We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards: 

Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025: Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year, Winner: Reinsurer of the Year - QBE Re, Winner: ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Winner: Insurance Personality of the Year - Chris Wallace, Executive Director UK insurance 

AXCO Global Insurance Awards 2024 Winner: Network Management of the Year  

Insurance Business UK 5-Star Cyber Awards 2024: QBE rated as a 5-Star Cyber Insurer  

UK IT Industry Awards 2023 Winner: Green Technology Innovation of the Year  

Working Dads Employer Awards 2023 Winner: Parental Policies Award  

Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2023: QBE rated as a 5-Star Employee 

Apply now and let’s make it happen!   

If you’re looking for a career that combines your expertise and your empathy, click Apply today.  

 Your career. At the heart of it.    

Skills:

How to Apply:

To submit your application, click "Apply" and follow the step by step process.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.