Government Affairs Director - UK and Ireland

Government Affairs Director - UK and Ireland

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Boeing Company

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead government affairs and strategy for Boeing in the UK and Ireland.
  • Company: Join Boeing, a leader in aerospace innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible work options, and extensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in shaping policies and strategies in aerospace.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership and deep understanding of UK political landscape required.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

At Boeing, we innovate and collaborate to make the world a better place. We’re committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful and inclusive, with great opportunity for professional growth. Find your future with us.

Boeing is seeking a strategic, commercially minded business leader to join and lead our UK and Ireland Government Affairs and Strategy team based in Westminster, London. This role combines stakeholder engagement, industrial policy leadership, internal leadership, and market‑shaping initiatives to strengthen Boeing’s position as a trusted partner in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and innovation across the UK and Ireland. This position sits as a member of the UK and Ireland Leadership Team and reports directly to Boeing’s UK & Ireland President.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead enterprise-level strategy and government affairs across commercial and defence portfolios.
  • Lead and manage UK & Ireland Government Affairs team (including Short Brothers).
  • Adviser to President, Boeing UK & Ireland and Managing Director Boeing Defence UK, and ad hoc enterprise business unit leaders on political, policy, regulatory, and other strategic issues, shaping business and public affairs strategies.
  • Active member of Boeing UK Leadership Team, and Boeing Defence UK (BDUK) Leadership Team.
  • Cohere, develop and shape regional business strategies, including M&A, investment decisions, strategic intelligence gathering and sharing, and coalition building for business growth in UK&I.
  • Build and manage relationships with ministers, senior officials, politicians and policymakers to drive advocacy and shape/deliver policy outcomes.
  • Design and execute integrated campaigns with business units, with a focus on Boeing defence businesses.
  • Negotiate partnerships with Government and other partners.
  • Support Short Brothers, a Boeing Company.
  • Co‑ordinate political and policy crisis response.
  • Ensure alignment with colleagues in Washington and Brussels, and globally on public policy.

Basic Qualifications (Skills/Experience)

  • Proven track record of leadership.
  • Deep understanding of UK (and ideally Irish) political, policy and legislative institutions and associated ecosystems.
  • Relationship/trust building, and advocacy.
  • Critical thinking/analytical acumen.
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Strong negotiation skills.

Preferred Qualifications (Skills/Experience)

  • Deep understanding of Boeing’s commercial and defence products and services.
  • Understanding of structures and priorities of Boeing business units and functions.

This job will require regular evening work (e.g. attending events and receptions), occasional weekend work (e.g. air shows); regular UK & Ireland travel (e.g. to Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow), and occasional international travel (e.g. to Seattle, Brussels, Washington DC).

The Boeing benefits package goes above and beyond, focusing on your physical, emotional, financial and social well‑being. Here’s a snapshot of what we offer:

  • Competitive salary and annual incentive plans.
  • Continuous learning - you’ll develop the approach and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
  • Success as defined by you - we’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
  • An inclusive culture - you’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.
  • Excellent Adoption and Parental leave options.
  • 23 days plus UK public holidays and a Winter Break between Christmas and New Year.
  • Pension Plan with up to 10% employer contribution.
  • Company paid BUPA Medical Plan.
  • Short Term Sickness: 100% pay for the first 26 weeks.
  • Long Term Sickness: 66.67% of annual salary from 27th week.
  • 6x annual salary life insurance.
  • Learning Together Programme to support your on‑going personal and career development.
  • Access to Boeing’s Well Being Programs, tools and incentives.

Work Authorization

This requisition is for a locally hired position in the UK. Candidates must have current legal authorisation to work immediately in the United Kingdom. Boeing will not attempt to obtain Immigration and labour sponsorship for any applicants. Benefits and pay are determined at the local level and are not part of Boeing U.S. based payroll. Applications for this position will be accepted until Mar. 16, 2026.

Export Control Requirements

This is not an Export Control position.

Relocation

Relocation assistance is not a negotiable benefit for this position.

Security Clearance

This position requires the ability to acquire a UK Secret security Clearance for which the UK Government requires UK residency. The successful candidate will hold, or have the ability to acquire, Security Clearance (SC).

Visa Sponsorship

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Shift

Not a Shift Worker (United Kingdom).

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not accept unlawful discrimination in our recruitment or employment practices on any grounds including but not limited to; race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military and veteran status, or other characteristics covered by applicable law. We have teams in more than 65 countries, and each person plays a role in helping us become one of the world’s most innovative, diverse and inclusive companies. We are a Disability Confident Committed employer and welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to share with our recruitment team any accommodations required during the recruitment process. Accommodations may include but are not limited to: conducting interviews in accessible locations that accommodate mobility needs, encouraging candidates to bring and use any existing assistive technology such as screen readers and offering flexible interview formats such as virtual or phone interviews.

Government Affairs Director - UK and Ireland employer: The Boeing Company

Boeing is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Westminster, London, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to professional growth, employees benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive health plans, and a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion. The role of Government Affairs Director provides unique opportunities to engage with key stakeholders and shape policy outcomes, all while being part of a globally recognised leader in aerospace and advanced manufacturing.

The Boeing Company

Contact Details:

The Boeing Company Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Government Affairs Director - UK and Ireland

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!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research Boeing’s values and recent projects, especially in government affairs. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to share specific examples that showcase your skills.

Tip Number 3

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored to your skills and interests.

We think you need these skills to ace Government Affairs Director - UK and Ireland

Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Political Acumen
Policy Development
Strategic Thinking
Relationship Building
Advocacy

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Government Affairs Director role. Highlight your experience in stakeholder engagement and policy leadership, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Boeing!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leading teams and driving strategy, so don’t hold back on sharing your leadership experiences. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage teams and influence decision-making. We love seeing candidates who can inspire others!

Demonstrate Your Understanding of the Sector:Familiarise yourself with the UK and Irish political landscape, especially regarding aerospace and defence. Mention any relevant connections or insights you have about the industry in your application. This shows us you’re not just interested, but knowledgeable too!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values while you’re at it!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Boeing Company

Know Your Stakeholders

Before the interview, research key stakeholders in the UK and Ireland government that Boeing interacts with. Understand their roles and recent initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge of the political landscape and how you can effectively engage with these individuals.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight your ability to build relationships and advocate for policy outcomes. Be ready to discuss how you can lead the Government Affairs team and contribute to Boeing's strategic goals.

Understand Boeing’s Business

Familiarise yourself with Boeing’s commercial and defence products and services. Knowing the ins and outs of what Boeing offers will allow you to speak confidently about how you can shape business strategies and drive advocacy efforts.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Anticipate scenario-based questions related to crisis management and political negotiations. Think through how you would coordinate responses or negotiate partnerships under pressure. This will showcase your critical thinking and analytical skills, which are crucial for this role.