Jack Wharton
London,United Kingdom
Summary
Experienced public affairs professional specialising in local government relations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication. Proven record of leading high-performing teams and delivering complex projects and programmes that strengthen organisational reputation and stakeholder trust. Skilled in managing public affairs strategies, coordinating multi-stakeholder initiatives, and implementing communication frameworks that enhance operational efficiency and community relations.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Public Affairs Manager
Network Rail
Blackfriars, London
02.2022 - 11.2025
- Lead public affairs across Wessex route, managing one public affairs manager and four community relations staff.
- Maintained strong relationships with Members of Parliament, local authorities, and key partners.
- Fostered a high-performance team culture focused on stakeholder engagement and performance targets.
- Served as Project Manager for Railway 200 programme in the Network Rail Southern region, coordinating year-long activities and campaigns with train operators, colleagues and stakeholders.
- Introduced structured framework for community relations to enhance delivery standards through performance data analysis.
- Developed collaborative agreements with heritage railways, securing national approvals to strengthen partnerships.
- Provided strategic support to senior executives for interactions with politicians and department officials.
- Planned and executed successful industry events, including Windrush Day and London Waterloo's 175th Anniversary.
Constituency Manager
Bim Afolami MP, Member of Parliament for Hitchin & Harpenden
Hitchin, Hertfordshire
06.2018 - 02.2022
- Managed day-to-day operations of constituency office, overseeing team to ensure workflow efficiency.
- Handled constituent casework and correspondence, drafting responses and liaising with relevant entities.
- Directed constituency-wide campaigns, engaging stakeholders including community groups and government officials.
- Fostered relationships with stakeholders to support MP’s initiatives and collaborations.
- Collaborated on communications strategy, ensuring effective dissemination of information to press and communities.
- Organised high-profile conferences for up to 150 attendees on critical issues such as Climate Change.
- Scheduled and attended meetings and surgeries, enabling constituents to voice concerns and seek assistance.
- Monitored constituency trends, providing insights on constituent positions related to legislation.
Business Development Executive
PEI Media
Farringdon, London
06.2016 - 05.2018
- Exceeded sales target for 2017, achieving 117% of annual goal.
- Fostered new business opportunities and expanded revenue from existing accounts.
- Demonstrated strong understanding of B2B engagement and sales processes.
- Enhanced presentation skills to effectively communicate value propositions.
- Developed negotiation and influencing abilities to secure better deals.
- Maintained high standards in customer service through thorough evaluation and consultation.
Education
BA (Honours) - International Relations
University of Lincoln
Lincoln, Lincolnshire 09.2011 - 05.2014
A-levels - Government and Politics, History, English Language and Literature and Mathematics
Hitchin Boys School
Hitchin 09.2004 - 01.2011
Skills
- Local government affairs
- Customer relationship management systems
- Strategic communication
- Government liaising
- Project Management
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Team Leadership
HOOBBIES & INTERESTS
Keen interest in reading world history and contemporary political issues. Keeping up to date with current political events and furthering knowledge within the topic broadly. Enjoy playing rugby & cricket and follow football and formula 1.
Affiliations
- Rugby, Football, Cricket, History, Politics and Travelling
Timeline
Senior Public Affairs Manager
Network Rail
02.2022 - 11.2025
Constituency Manager
Bim Afolami MP, Member of Parliament for Hitchin & Harpenden
06.2018 - 02.2022
Business Development Executive
PEI Media
06.2016 - 05.2018
BA (Honours) - International Relations
University of Lincoln
09.2011 - 05.2014
A-levels - Government and Politics, History, English Language and Literature and Mathematics
Hitchin Boys School
09.2004 - 01.2011