International Relations jobs in United Kingdom

Location: Reading United KingdomIn 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 tomorrows possible.Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career 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 wellbeing matters to us and thats why we offer you the flexibility to do whats important to you; whether thats part time hours job sharing home working or the ability to flex your 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 working closely with Thales UKs CEO. This role operates across Whitehall Westminster the devolved assemblies and relevant public policy organisations to help inform and shape a political environment that is conducive to Thales growth ambitions. It also has responsibility in close cooperation and alignment with Director of Communications for managing our brand recognition and corporate reputation with this key audience group.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Setting the strategic direction for all engagement with UK Government (Home Office DSIT HMT MOD Treasury regional/national Embassies etc.).

• Oversee and manage all Thales in the UK interaction with HMG (Ministerial and Officials) driven by GR campaigns IMCs and Policy requirements.

• Be seen as the principal point of contact between HMG and Thales UK in policy matters at the most senior levels.

• Be the expert strategic political advisor to Thales UK CEO and leadership forum.

• Develop plan and execute with the GR/PR team and relevant TUK team members targeted GR campaigns to achieve set outcomes and deliverables for Thales in the UK.

• Act as PoC for Crown Reps and sit on the PEM.

• The Government Relationships Team shall act as PoC enabler and support for Group International Relations Team and for senior Group visits to the UK.

• Act as additional fire power for Ministerial meetings Select Committee appearances etc.

• Ensure engagement is planned with key political stakeholders across UK in support of Thales requirements.

• Active political engagement in support of Thales brand positioning policy advancement and growth opportunities.

• Maintaining strong relationships with and acting as a of single point of contact for relevant MPs SPADs Private Office officials and civil servants in order to facilitate engagement and policy input.

• Delivering intelligent and professional political governmental and public policy insight advice and stakeholder management programmes.

• Provide input to bilateral government discussions and implement policy initiatives & strategies related to segments and countries.

• As the main owner of the relationship with HMG Defense exports teams and departments ensure that Thales UK is part of by support or driving interests on HMG supported or led international campaigns on defense exports.

Key responsibilities:

• Developing and implementing the Thales GR strategy in the UK aligned with the Thales purpose our business plans and growth ambitions. This includes:

  • Providing leadership across the organisation on all Government relations strategies and issues ensuring that there is alignment with UK KAM and Domain business plans. Acting as an advocate for and the guardian of Thales reputation with all political and governmental audiences.

• Working with the Director of Communications to ensure that external comms campaigns have maximum political impact and align with the strategic priorities of the business.

• Gain Government support for Thales campaigns investment and bids as appropriate

• Support the delivery of major events and exhibitions through programmes of political engagement and representation.

• Prep of Thales CEO as required for political engagements and represent Thales UK at political engagements.

• Advise SAM/KAM including writing papers (proposals notes) and discussion guides (technical guides program development) for spokespeople at external and internal meetings regarding public policy issues and stakes

• The delivery of timely monitoring and analysis of relevant legislative and political developments (including Debates PQs Departmental announcements etc.) and dissemination of information internally.

• Identifying upcoming Parliamentary and Departmental reports and enquiries for which a Thales input would be beneficial to the business. Then coordinating (and directly drafting) Thales submissions to these enquiries.

• Identifying MP Select Committee evidence sessions at which it would be beneficial for Thales to and preparing senior Thales attendees at the committee sessions hearings.

• Representing Thales externally at identified Trade Association and stakeholder meetings and proactively identifying opportunities for joint working.

• Be an active and value adding member of the Business Growth Leadership Team as well as Sales & Account Leadership Team.

• Team leadership responsibilities for the Head of MoD Strategic Engagement & Exports and the Head of Public Affairs and their team in order to deliver full scope and responsibilities of Government Relations Department.

• Engagement with relevant colleagues across the Thales Group international and institutional affairs network to ensure coordinated messaging.

About You:

To be considered for this role you must be able to demonstrate the following Minimum Valuable Experience (MVE):

• Demonstrably outstanding stakeholder management collaboration and influencing skills at a senior level in a complex multimatrix business advocacy organisation or agency.

• Strong recent experience in one or more public institutions cabinet or central administration level in the fields of International Relations Defence Civil Critical National Infrastructure & Security sectors.

• Highly developed knowledge of UK Governmental operations and political processes.

• A highly proactive approach to identifying and maximising opportunities for political or communications influence.

• Knowledge experience of and interest in the Knowledge and experience of the process of reputation management and influencing political and stakeholder perception.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to tailor messages for various audiences and channels.

• Experience managing multiple highprofile projects simultaneously and effective delivery of communications in times of pressure of crisis.

• This role is open to individuals who currently hold or are able to attain at least an SC level of security clearance.

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In line with Thales Baseline Security requirements candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

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