Director, Government Relations

Thales; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Director of Government Relations to shape and execute political engagement strategies in the UK. This pivotal role involves collaborating with senior leadership to enhance the company’s brand recognition and influence within governmental circles. You will lead initiatives that drive growth and foster relationships with key political stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional stakeholder management skills and a deep understanding of UK governmental operations. Join this dynamic team to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment where your contributions will be valued.

Benefits

Flexible Working Hours

Home Working Options

Career Development Opportunities

Inclusive Recruitment Process

Qualifications

• Outstanding stakeholder management and collaboration skills.
• Strong experience in public institutions and international relations.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction for engagement with UK Government.
• Manage Thales interactions with key political stakeholders.
• Develop and execute targeted government relations campaigns.

Skills

Stakeholder Management

Public Policy Insight

Political Engagement

Communication Skills

Project Management

Education

Degree in Political Science or Related Field

Job description

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

In fast-changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security, and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their careers with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security, and Space. Your health and well-being matter to us, and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part-time hours, job sharing, home working, or flexible start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Title: Director of Government Relations

Location: Carlton Gardens, London / Green Park, Reading

Would you like to be at the heart of setting and executing the UK governmental and political engagement strategy for Thales in the UK?

As the UK Director of Government Relations, you will be part of the Business Growth Leadership Team and work closely with Thales UK’s CEO. This role operates across Whitehall, Westminster, the devolved assemblies, and relevant public policy organizations to help inform and shape a political environment conducive to Thales’ growth ambitions. It also involves managing our brand recognition and corporate reputation with this key audience group, in close cooperation and alignment with the Director of Communications.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Setting the strategic direction for all engagement with UK Government (Home Office, DSIT, HMT, MOD, Treasury, regional/national, Embassies, etc.).
2. Overseeing and managing all Thales interactions with HMG (Ministerial and Officials), driven by GR campaigns, IMCs, and Policy requirements.
3. Being the principal point of contact between HMG and Thales UK in policy matters at the most senior levels.
4. Serving as the strategic political advisor to Thales UK CEO and leadership forum.
5. Developing, planning, and executing targeted GR campaigns with the GR/PR team and relevant TUK team members to achieve set outcomes.
6. Acting as Point of Contact for Crown Reps and sitting on the PEM.
7. Supporting the Group International Relations Team and senior Group visits to the UK.
8. Providing additional support for Ministerial meetings, Select Committee appearances, etc.
9. Ensuring engagement with key political stakeholders across the UK to support Thales’ requirements.
10. Maintaining strong relationships with MPs, SPADs, Private Office officials, and civil servants.
11. Delivering political, governmental, and public policy insights and stakeholder management programs.
12. Providing input to bilateral government discussions and implementing related policy initiatives.
13. Managing relationships with HMG Defense exports teams and supporting international campaigns on defense exports.

Key responsibilities:

1. Developing and implementing the UK GR strategy aligned with Thales’ purpose, business plans, and growth ambitions.
2. Leading organization-wide on Government relations strategies and issues, ensuring alignment with UK, KAM, and Domain business plans.
3. Working with Communications to maximize political impact of external campaigns.
4. Gaining government support for campaigns, investments, and bids.
5. Supporting major events, exhibitions, and preparing the CEO for political engagements.
6. Advising SAM/KAM and preparing discussion materials for public policy issues.
7. Monitoring legislative and political developments and managing Thales’ responses.
8. Identifying parliamentary reports and inquiries for Thales input and coordinating submissions.
9. Representing Thales at trade association and stakeholder meetings, and identifying joint working opportunities.
10. Participating actively in leadership teams and managing the Government Relations team.
11. Coordinating with international and institutional affairs networks for consistent messaging.

About You:

To be considered, you should demonstrate the following Minimum Valuable Experience (MVE):

• Outstanding stakeholder management, collaboration, and influencing skills at a senior level.
• Recent experience in public institutions, cabinet, or central administration, especially in International Relations, Defence, Civil, Critical National Infrastructure & Security sectors.
• Deep knowledge of UK Governmental operations and political processes.
• Proactive approach to influencing political and communication strategies.
• Experience in reputation management and stakeholder perception influence.
• Excellent communication skills, tailored for various audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under pressure.
• Eligible for or able to attain at least SC security clearance.

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Candidates will need to provide evidence of identity, work eligibility, and employment/education history for up to three years. Some roles may require full Security Clearance, which involves further checks. For details, refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales, we offer careers, not just jobs. With 80,000 employees across 68 countries, our mobility policy supports career development at home and abroad, in existing or new fields. We embrace flexibility to work smarter.

Thales UK is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment. We provide reasonable adjustments to support neuro-diverse applicants and those with disabilities or long-term conditions. For adjustments or questions, contact Resourcing Ops or the Early Careers Team.

Great journeys start here, apply now!