Director, Government Relations

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 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 well-being matters 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 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.

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 UK’s 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 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 bi-lateral 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.
• 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 present. Coordinating 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, multi-matrix 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 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 high-profile 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.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working. Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process.

Great journeys start here, apply now!