At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead government affairs for a major infrastructure project and engage with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join McLaren Automotive, a leader in performance road cars.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, and flexible lifestyle benefits.
- Other info: Diverse team culture focused on innovation and equal opportunity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while shaping government relations.
- Qualifications: Experience in government affairs and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 61873 - 75623 £ per year.
We are looking for a Government Affairs Manager (FTC) to support delivery of a multi-site infrastructure project during a critical period of investment decision and mobilisation. This role operates within McLaren Automotive’s Strategy & Corporate Affairs function and is accountable for executing government affairs activity at pace, with a focus on planning, local authority engagement, and coordinated government interface across local, regional and national levels. The role is delivery-focused and will work across the business to ensure policy, political and stakeholder considerations are translated into practical outcomes, enabling timely project execution. In addition, the role will establish and manage a robust due diligence, reporting and audit support framework, ensuring the business meets all government requirements across the full lifecycle of the project.
What You'll Do
- Government Affairs Strategy & Advocacy
- Support delivery of McLaren’s government affairs strategy aligned to the project and related corporate objectives
- Translate policy and political developments into clear delivery actions and business implications
- Support development of briefing materials, engagement plans, and advocacy approaches
- Represent McLaren in engagement with government, industry bodies and external stakeholders
- Provide insight into policy and geopolitical risks impacting programme delivery
- Strategic Programmes & Business Integration
- Lead government affairs delivery support into Project Anchor, including funding process engagement and stakeholder management
- Planning and site delivery requirements
- Ensure policy, political and stakeholder considerations are embedded into execution plans
- Support alignment between government engagement and programme timelines
- Establish and maintain a structured due diligence framework to support government requirements at each stage of the project
- Regulatory & Policy Expertise
- Maintain working knowledge of UK policy, planning frameworks and regulatory requirements
- Monitor relevant legislative and regulatory developments affecting project delivery
- Translate regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for internal stakeholders
- Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
- Build and manage relationships with local authorities, planning bodies and regional stakeholders
- National government departments and policymakers
- Industry bodies, trade associations and external partners
- Support coordinated, consistent engagement across all stakeholder groups
- Provide evidence-based input to internal and external discussions
- Support structured engagement processes aligned to government expectations and reporting requirements
- Cross-Functional Leadership
- Coordinate activity across functions including Engineering, Legal, Communications, Finance and Sustainability
- Ensure alignment between government engagement, planning activity and programme delivery
- Support structured and consistent stakeholder engagement processes
- Work with Finance, Legal and programme teams to ensure alignment between delivery, reporting and compliance requirements
- Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Ensure government affairs activity is aligned with legal, compliance and governance requirements
- Identify and escalate planning, political and reputational risks
- Maintain clear, auditable records of stakeholder engagement
- Develop and manage a government reporting framework, including tracking of commitments, milestones and deliverables
- Structured reporting back to government stakeholders
- Support for audit requirements across the project lifecycle
- Ensure readiness for government review, assurance and audit processes
What You'll Bring
- Experience in government affairs, public policy, corporate affairs or a related discipline
- Experience engaging with UK government and/or local authorities
- Experience managing complex stakeholder environments
- Exposure to planning, infrastructure or industrial delivery programmes is advantageous
Skills
- Strong understanding of UK government and regulatory processes
- Stakeholder management and influencing capability
- Ability to translate policy into practical delivery actions
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing development
- Highly organised with strong delivery discipline, including ability to manage reporting requirements
Key Competencies
- Delivery Focus: Driving execution against programme-critical timelines
- Stakeholder Management: Building effective relationships across government and business
- Judgement & Decision-Making: Navigating complex and evolving environments
- Collaboration: Working across functions to deliver outcomes
- Adaptability: Operating effectively in a fast-paced delivery environment
What We'll Do for You
- Structured career development framework
- 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days
- Enhanced company pension scheme
- Discretionary annual bonus award
- Private medical insurance and health cash plan
- Life assurance benefit
- Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ service
- Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
- Generous parental leave policies
- A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice
Who Are We?
No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars. It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks. McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey.
Government Affairs Manager - Fixted Term Contract in Woking employer: McLaren Group
At McLaren, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and teamwork. Our Composite Laminating Shift Lead role not only provides competitive benefits and opportunities for professional growth but also allows you to be part of a prestigious brand known for its commitment to high-performance and safety. Located in a state-of-the-art facility, you'll collaborate with talented professionals dedicated to excellence, making every day at McLaren a rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Government Affairs Manager - Fixted Term Contract in Woking
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like McLaren Group, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like McLaren Group and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Government Affairs Manager - Fixted Term Contract in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for McLaren Group and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at McLaren Group
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with McLaren Group, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for McLaren Group.
