Government Relations Manager

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives.

The work of our Government Relations team supports WSP’s relationships with the UK Government, national devolved and regional governments, local authorities, regulators, public bodies and private sector clients as they deliver transformative infrastructure, environmental and other change‑led projects that underpin economic growth, sustainability and community wellbeing. Given our significant public sector client base and involvement in a number of nationally significant infrastructure projects, effective government engagement is critical to our continued success.

A little more about your role… We are seeking a professionally experienced and strategically minded Government Relations Manager to support WSP’s engagement with Governments and key public policy stakeholders across the UK & Ireland. Reporting to the Head of Government Relations and Policy Engagement, you will play a key role in delivering policy and regulatory engagement that supports WSP’s business growth priorities, enhances our reputation as a trusted partner, and contributes to the delivery of sustainable infrastructure. This is a high‑profile role requiring strong political insight and a sound knowledge of Government structures and processes. The successful candidate will have the ability to translate complex legislative and regulatory developments into actionable engagement for the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Engagement & Advocacy: Support the delivery of WSP’s Government Relations strategy across the UK and contribute to our developing capability in the Republic of Ireland. Identify emerging political and regulatory developments impacting our core sectors (including Transport & Infrastructure, Water, Energy, Planning & Environment, Healthcare, and Defence). Deliver targeted advocacy to position WSP as a trusted partner to Government. Provide support to key client projects and, where required, support the provision of billable Government Relations advisory services.
• Policy Intelligence: Provide clear, succinct briefings to senior leadership on political developments and their commercial implications. Analyse activity within Whitehall, Westminster, UK Devolved Administrations, Irish Government, and the Oireachtas Éireann to identify policy opportunities and risks. Support the delivery of WSP submissions to Government consultations, Select Committee inquiries, and Calls for Evidence on regulatory reforms.
• Stakeholder Relationship Management: Build and nurture a network of contacts across relevant Government Departments & Agencies, Arm’s Length Bodies, Devolved Administrations and Combined Mayoral Authorities. Develop an understanding of the Republic of Ireland’s political landscape to support our growing presence in the Irish market. As required, represent WSP at external meetings, roundtables, and industry forums. Work with key trade associations and industry bodies to ensure WSP maximises its membership benefits and influence.
• Business Enablement: Support Managing Directors and Sector Leads across the business to position strategic bids and major projects that require government‑level engagement. Drive policy messaging that articulates WSP’s values in delivering sustainable, resilient infrastructure. Organise WSP‑hosted policy forums, C‑Suite and Senior Executive client roundtables, and stakeholder engagement plans for senior leaders.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Proven Government Experience: Work experience (beyond short‑term placements) in a policy role within a UK Government Department and/or a national Devolved Government. Undergraduate degree. Whilst not essential, this role would suit candidates educated to postgraduate level, who are comfortable with routine research and analysis.
• Communication Excellence: Clear, persuasive written and verbal communication skills and the ability to deliver high‑quality briefings at pace for senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Analytical Ability: Capacity to interpret complex legislation/policy and identify what it means for the business.
• Commercial Awareness: A strong appreciation of how public policy affects a large, project‑based B2B organisation.
• Adaptability: Comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment and managing multiple sector priorities.
• Sector Impact: Experience influencing policy in infrastructure, transport, energy, planning, environment, or major capital projects. Experience of the B2B, commercial context is a plus.
• EU Knowledge: A working knowledge of EU Institutions—particularly the European Commission—and the relevant Regulation/Directive regimes that impact Member States.

We are looking for a team player, with a confident, politically astute professional, strong judgement and a commercial mindset.

What’s in it for you?

• Work‑life balance: We understand that work is just one aspect of your life. It’s important to make time for you, your family, friends, interests and your community. Our hybrid working policy offers the flexibility to work from home two days a week, while also providing opportunities to collaborate in our modern offices across the UK.
• Inclusivity & Belonging: We welcome applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences. We enable rewarding careers by encouraging people to bring their whole and authentic selves to work so that our work represents the fullest spectrum of society. We celebrate integrity and treat people with respect, supporting each other and embracing a culture of inclusion and belonging at WSP.
• Health & Wellbeing: We are committed to supporting our people, giving you the tools to make improvements to your health and wellbeing through our Thrive programme. Our Virtual GP service gives you access to an NHS or Irish Medical Council GP at a time and place that suits you – giving you peace of mind and quick access to medical advice when you need it most. We also provide reasonable workplace adjustments for those in need. Additionally, you can benefit from the Gymflex scheme, which offers up to 40% off annual gym memberships through our WSP flexible benefits program, as well as a comprehensive menopause support package.
• Flex your time: To enhance work‑life balance, WSP offers the “WSP My Hour,” allowing you to take one hour each day for personal activities, with the flexibility to make up the time earlier or later that day. We also provide part‑time and flexible working arrangements, the option to purchase additional leave, and the ability to use your bank holiday entitlement to suit you.
• Your development: We understand the importance of development and training to you. That’s why we foster a supportive environment that invests in your growth, whether through training, mentoring, or Chartership.

Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. As a Disability Confident leader, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria, please let us know if you require any workplace adjustments in support of your application.