At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead government engagement and public policy strategies for maritime autonomy in the UK and Europe.
- Company: Join Saronic Technologies, a pioneer in autonomous maritime solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy stock options, competitive salary, medical insurance, and generous time off.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for growth and impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of maritime operations and drive innovation in defence.
- Qualifications: Experience in government affairs and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.
Role Overview
Saronic is establishing a long-term presence in the UK and Europe to support the delivery of next-generation autonomous maritime capability, sovereign industrial capacity, and defence innovation. As part of this expansion, Saronic is seeking a Director, Government & Strategic Affairs to help shape the political, regulatory, and strategic environment required to accelerate maritime autonomy adoption in the UK and support Saronic’s broader European growth strategy. Reporting to the UK & Europe Lead, the Director, Government & Strategic Affairs (UK & Europe) will represent Saronic’s interests before His Majesty’s Government, Parliament, the Ministry of Defence, trade bodies, regulators, and other key stakeholders. The role will be central to supporting Saronic’s UK growth strategy while helping coordinate government engagement and strategic affairs activity across select European markets.
Responsibilities
- Developing and executing government engagement and public policy strategies that support Saronic’s long-term business objectives in the UK and Europe.
- Supporting Saronic’s positioning within UK defence, industrial, regulatory, and innovation strategies, including engagement across MOD, Royal Navy, DE&S, Dstl, DfT, DBT, Treasury, Cabinet Office, and associated stakeholders.
- Leading engagement on regulatory, legislative, and policy matters related to maritime autonomy, defence innovation, and sovereign capability development.
- Supporting the development of regulatory and policy frameworks required for autonomous maritime operations in the UK.
- Identifying, shaping, and supporting strategic opportunities that enable Saronic to win, maintain, and grow business across defence and adjacent sectors.
- Providing political, regulatory, and strategic advice to senior leadership to inform business planning, market strategy, and investment decisions.
- Supporting company executives in their engagement, profile building, and relationship management with Government, Parliament, military leadership, and industry stakeholders.
- Representing the company before government officials, parliamentarians, industry bodies, regulators, academic institutions, and strategic partners.
- Working closely with Growth, Legal, Corporate Development, Communications, Mission Operations, Engineering, and external advisers to align political engagement with broader business priorities.
- Coordinating with Saronic’s global government relations and growth teams to ensure alignment across UK, European, and wider international initiatives.
- Supporting the development and coordination of government relations strategies across select European markets, including management of external advisers, consultancies, and strategic stakeholder engagement efforts.
This role will work closely with colleagues across Growth and associated business lines while serving as the lead for UK government and strategic affairs activity and supporting the coordination of strategic engagement efforts across Europe.
Required Qualifications
- Proven experience in government affairs, public policy, defence strategy, public affairs, or related fields.
- Experience developing and executing government engagement strategies within complex or highly regulated sectors.
- Established networks across UK Government, Parliament, Defence, national security, and associated industry stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of UK Government decision-making, defence procurement, industrial policy, and legislative processes.
- Experience advising senior executives on political, regulatory, defence, or strategic risk matters.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality briefing materials, policy papers, and executive-level communications.
- Strong organisational and stakeholder management capabilities, with the ability to manage multiple high-priority workstreams simultaneously.
- Ability to operate independently in a fast-moving, high-growth environment with sound judgement and attention to detail.
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain UK Security Check (SC) clearance.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Preferred Experience
- Experience within the defence, maritime, aerospace, autonomy, AI, dual-use technology, or national security sectors.
- Familiarity with UK defence acquisition, sovereign capability development, and defence industrial strategy.
- Experience engaging with organisations such as MOD, Royal Navy, DE&S, Dstl, DfT, NSO, DBT, Treasury, Cabinet Office, NATO, or AUKUS-related stakeholders.
- Exposure to European government affairs, defence policy, or multinational stakeholder engagement environments.
- Experience managing external advisers, consultancies, or strategic government affairs partners across multiple jurisdictions.
- Experience operating within a high-growth technology or venture-backed environment.
You should be comfortable operating at the intersection of policy, technology, defence capability, and commercial strategy. This role requires initiative, strong judgement, excellent relationship management skills, and the ability to translate complex political and regulatory environments into actionable business outcomes. You will join a fast-moving team working to redefine maritime capability through autonomy, advanced manufacturing, and scalable technology.
Benefits
- Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success.
- Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses.
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive private health insurance.
- Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays.
- Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents.
This role requires the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Employment may also be subject to applicable security, export control, and government contracting requirements.
Director, Government & Strategic Affairs (UK & Europe) in London employer: Saronic
Saronic Technologies is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the rapidly evolving field of maritime autonomy. With competitive salaries, stock options, and comprehensive health benefits, employees are empowered to grow professionally while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in defence and technology. The company's commitment to employee well-being, coupled with its strategic presence in the UK and Europe, provides unique opportunities for meaningful engagement with government and industry stakeholders, making it an ideal place for those seeking impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Government & Strategic Affairs (UK & Europe) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Research is key! Dive deep into Saronic Technologies and understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you tailor your conversations but also show that you’re genuinely interested in what they do. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points during interviews!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your experience in government affairs and strategic engagement clearly. The more comfortable you are with your answers, the more confident you’ll come across.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After any meeting or interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It’s a simple gesture that keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Director, Government & Strategic Affairs (UK & Europe) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director, Government & Strategic Affairs role. Highlight your experience in government affairs and public policy, and show how it aligns with Saronic's mission to revolutionise maritime autonomy.
Showcase Your Networks:We want to see your established connections within UK Government and Defence sectors. Mention any relevant relationships you've built that could help Saronic navigate the political landscape effectively.
Communicate Clearly:Your written communication skills are crucial for this role. Ensure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. We’re looking for high-quality materials that reflect your ability to produce executive-level communications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Saronic.
How to prepare for a job interview at Saronic
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in Saronic Technologies' mission and the specifics of maritime autonomy. Brush up on recent developments in UK defence policy and how they relate to autonomous technologies. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Network Like a Pro
Leverage your existing connections within government and defence sectors. If you have contacts who can provide insights or even a referral, reach out! Building rapport with key stakeholders is crucial for this position, so don’t hesitate to mention any relevant connections during your interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully navigated complex regulatory environments or developed effective government engagement strategies. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Director, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to produce high-quality briefing materials and articulate complex ideas clearly. Consider bringing a sample of your work, like a policy paper or briefing document, to showcase your writing skills.
