Public Affairs Manager

Public Affairs Manager

The Public Affairs Manager supports the Director of Strategic Delivery & Policy by delivering on the day‑to‑day operations of the Public Affairs team. The role supports translation of Cairn’s policy and advocacy priorities and ensures Cairn is recognised as a trusted, solutions‑driven partner across all stakeholders.The role strengthens Cairn’s position as a leading Irish business with priority focus across housing, planning, infrastructure and sustainability, ensuring alignment with enterprise strategy and supporting strong, evidence‑based policy engagement.

Role Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

• Maintain comprehensive stakeholder maps and engagement plans
• Build, steward and deepen relationships with government departments, regulators, elected representatives, agencies and community partners.
• Coordinate briefings, meetings, follow‑ups and engagement packs to support senior‑level interactions.
• Develop and execute advocacy campaigns aligned to Cairn’s strategic priorities (housing, planning, infrastructure, sustainability).
• Prepare high‑quality briefing notes, position papers and consultation responses.
• Ensure messaging aligns with the corporate narrative and the broader Cairn brand.
• Support engagement with industry bodies, forums, events and community initiatives to strengthen Cairn’s reputation and influence.
• Coordinate local engagement activities that support development delivery and enhance community relationships.

Policy & Regulatory Monitoring

• Conduct horizon scanning and provide timely intelligence on legislative, political and regulatory developments.
• Produce succinct, actionable insight updates for leadership teams and relevant functions.
• Identify risks, opportunities and emerging trends that may impact Cairn’s operations or strategic direction.

Operational Delivery & Reporting 

• Lead the operational cadence of the Public Affairs function, including meeting preparation, logistics, stakeholder dashboards and KPI tracking.
• Maintain accurate records of engagements, commitments and actions to support governance and reporting.
• Work with Brand, Strategy, Sustainability, Development and Communications to integrate policy positioning into corporate messaging.
• Support internal alignment on key policy issues and ensure consistent, accurate narrative across functions.

Role Requirements

• 5+ years in public affairs, government relations, policy, regulatory engagement or similar fields.
• Proven experience working with government departments, regulators or industry bodies.
• Strong background in policy development, legislative processes and political systems.
• Excellent written communication and ability to produce concise, high‑quality briefing documents.
• Strong relationship‑building skills with ability to represent Cairn professionally at senior levels.
• Analytical capability and comfort interpreting policy, regulatory and technical information.

 Working with Cairn:

At Cairn, we believe it is essential that our employees feel valued and appreciated. We therefore offer above industry average remuneration packages with a comprehensive benefits portfolio that’s ready to support you for whatever life brings.

We are delighted to offer a suite of benefits when you join Cairn which include;

• Competitive salary
• Performance related bonus
• Pension scheme with matching contributions
• Full health insurance with Irish Life health
• Annual salary review
• Continuous Professional development (CPD) programme & funding
• Paid maternity & paternity leave
• Free Cairn annual leave days
• Life assurance
• Income protection
• Employee Assistance Programme with VHI
• Tax saver - travel and bike to work
• Culture Committee
• Talent Development Programmes
• Approved Profit Sharing Scheme (APSS)

The Cairn purpose is to build sustainable communities where people can thrive.

At Cairn, it’s not what we build, it’s why we build. It’s about putting down a marker that will stand for generations to come. Creating new communities of connection and belonging for an Ireland where people can thrive. Reshaping, redefining, reinvigorating our place in the world. Building for people, progress, and potential. Because when Cairn build, it’s Built For Good.