Government Affairs Director

Stevenage
MBDA is a leading defence organisation.We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
Salary: Circa £90,000 depending on experience
What we can offer you:

• Bonus of up to 49.5% of base salary
• Car allowance of £680 per month
• Pension of maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Our enhanced parental leave offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments.
• Fantastic site facilities, including subsidised meals, free car parking (and gym on site at Stevenage)
• Excellent career progression and development opportunities
• We may be able to offer a relocation package for this role

Dynamic (hybrid) working: We trust our people to agree, within their teams, where and when they can be most effective. Our Dynamic Working policy allows individuals flexibility around the hours they work and where they work. Typically, for this role you will work 2-3 days on-site or with customers that will be discussed and agreed with your line manager.
The opportunity:
As Government Affairs Director, you will understand UK foreign and defence policy, ensuring that elected representatives, (government and opposition), political policy appointees and senior civil servants understand potential impacts of political decisions on MBDA, its workforce and the broader UK defence and industrial context as a strategic partner with MOD.
You will have the opportunity to support and represent the UK MD in senior political engagements and will play an active role in driving the strategic direction of the UK business providing the necessary political guidance.
As a senior executive, you will:
Provide support to key UK export campaigns through senior governmental and political engagement both domestically and overseas.
Play an active role in the UK Leadership community, actively contributing to company objectives and strategies.
Maintain an awareness of relevant NATO and European policies in support of Head EU & NATO Institutional affairs UK and within the MBDA Public Affairs Group.
Develop and deepen relationships established at the top of Government (No 10 Downing Street and below) and across the UK governmental and political system.
What we are looking for from you:

• An understanding of UK government (and opposition parties) political, economic and diplomatic drivers.
• Possess a working knowledge of Parliament and its organisation and procedures.
• An understanding of the impact on MBDA and wider Defence sector of political changes within Government.
• Strong influencing and relationship building skills at highest levels of government.
• A comprehensive understanding of the domestic political system, with a working knowledge of relevant Government departments eg; MOD, FCDO and Dept Bus & Trade.
• Political Awareness of Government and opposition policies that affect MBDA providing an impartial perspective of any policy that might impact MBDA.
• Demonstrable experience in relationship building, influencing at a governmental level and the ability to shape international discussions through policy and engagement.

Our Business:
We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential. MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity and more...
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
We also welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), Twitter (@MBDAcareers), Instagram (lifeatMBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
Please Note: MBDA UK Limited requires all employees to achieve the required medical and national security clearance for their role. Further restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may also apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
Due to the nature of our business, this particular vacancy requires the applicant as a minimum to be a British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship and capable of achieving the clearance levels mentioned above.
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