At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead government affairs strategy in the UK and Ireland, advocating for impactful public policies.
- Company: Join a leading cloud and software innovator shaping the future of technology and policy.
- Benefits: Empowering culture, collaborative environment, and opportunities to make a real societal impact.
- Other info: Make a tangible impact on the digital future of the UK and Ireland.
- Why this job: Drive conversations on cloud innovation, AI, and cybersecurity while influencing key decision-makers.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in government relations with strong networks in London and Dublin.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
In this pivotal position, you will be the driving force behind our government affairs strategy in the UK and Ireland, strongly supporting business growth and mitigating policy risk. You will champion the company’s vision across the political and regulatory landscape—bridging innovation and governance in one of Europe’s fastest growing technology markets.
What you’ll build
- Shape and execute a bold government affairs strategy for the UK/IRL market, successfully advocating public policies that result in visible business success and policy risk mitigation.
- Build trusted relationships with ministries, regulators, parliamentary bodies, and digital industry coalitions; grow, maintain, and leverage extensive government and stakeholder networks; closely align and cooperate with GA colleagues globally, in particular in the EU (Brussels), the United States, and Germany.
- Position our Sovereign Cloud and AI solutions at the centre of national digital policies and decision-making to drive demand, adoption and business results.
- Monitor politically influenced business risks and provide analyses and advice to internal stakeholders for action.
- Position SAP as an innovation partner and technology leader through content development and targeted outreach to stakeholder groups.
- Represent the company in high stakes conversations on cloud security, data protection, AI regulation, and digital infrastructure.
- Anticipate and identify policies and regulations that can impact the company, advocate for technology and industry-supportive policies and regulations.
- Liaise with governments and relevant authorities in times of crisis.
- Provide SAP internal clients with expert content and guidance for reaching and influencing key audiences within the public sector and strategic decision-making.
- Actively position SAP innovations and solutions in the public sector, defense and critical national infrastructure via engagement with stakeholders.
- Anticipate political and social developments that create value for the brand and translate them into actionable opportunities for the business.
- Advise internal organizations on properly navigating governmental structures and how policy may impact business units throughout the go-to-market cycles as well as via their business operations.
- Coordinate with relevant internal organizations to help shape, build, and execute effective development strategies within the public sector.
What You Bring
- Degree in Law, Political Sciences, Economics or similar.
- 10-15 years experience in government relations, public affairs, political advisory, or regulatory strategy—preferably within the tech or cloud ecosystem.
- Strong credibility with senior policymakers and industry leaders, including a reliable and trusted network in London – Dublin is a plus.
- Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and advocate effectively on behalf of large, complex organizations.
- Deep expertise in UK political and digital policy environment; Ireland is a plus.
- Ability to simplify complex issues, influence at the highest levels, and drive alignment across stakeholders.
- Passion for cloud innovation, digital transformation, and responsible technology.
- Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.
Why You’ll Love Working With Us
- Join one of the world’s most innovative cloud and software leaders.
- Work at the intersection of technology, policy, and societal impact.
- Drive conversations on Cloud, technological sovereignty, AI and cybersecurity.
- Enjoy a culture built on empowerment, collaboration, and purpose.
- Make a tangible impact on how the UK and Ireland accelerate its digital future.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, etc.), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements. SAP is committed to the values of Equal Employment Opportunity and provides accessibility accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. Successful candidates might be required to undergo a background verification with an external vendor.
Head of Government Affairs - UK/IRL in London employer: SAP SE
At SAP, we pride ourselves on being a leading innovator in the cloud and software industry, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters empowerment, collaboration, and purpose. As the Head of Government Affairs for the UK and Ireland, you will have the unique opportunity to shape impactful policies while working alongside top-tier professionals in one of Europe's most vibrant technology markets. Our commitment to employee growth, inclusivity, and making a tangible difference in society makes SAP an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Government Affairs - UK/IRL in London
✨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 SAP SE, 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 SAP SE 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 Head of Government Affairs - UK/IRL in London
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 SAP SE 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 SAP SE
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with SAP SE, 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 SAP SE.
