The Job

Senior Public Affairs Manager

Finance, Banking & Legal · Legal Services · Compliance & Regulatory

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In short

Saab UK seeks a Senior Public Affairs Manager to lead public affairs strategy and stakeholder engagement in London. This role involves building relationships with government, parliament, and industry partners to support the company's strategic and commercial objectives within the UK defence and security sector.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the planning and delivery of public affairs activity across Saab UK.
  • Build and maintain relationships with Government, Parliament, industry partners, and key stakeholders.
  • Provide political and policy insight to support business decision-making.
  • Identify opportunities, manage risks, and strengthen Saab UK's position.
  • Support major UK and international business campaigns through targeted stakeholder engagement.
  • Maintain awareness of political and policy developments relevant to Saab's interests.
  • Ensure coordinated, effective, and business-aligned engagement activity.
  • Deputise for the Chief Strategy Officer on engagement activities.
  • Monitor political, policy, and regulatory developments and analyze their impact.
  • Prepare briefing materials, speeches, correspondence, and meeting notes.
  • Coordinate engagement with trade associations and industry groups.
  • Support the development of policy positions and advocacy.
  • Build strong relationships across Saab UK and the wider Saab Group.

Requirements

  • Significant experience in public affairs, government relations, policy, or stakeholder engagement (government, Parliament, industry, consultancy, or related environment).
  • Excellent understanding of UK political institutions, parliamentary processes, and government decision-making.
  • Strong knowledge of the UK political and policy environment, including drivers shaping defence, security, industrial, and economic policy.
  • Demonstrable experience of building and managing relationships with senior stakeholders across government, Parliament, and industry.
  • Sound understanding of the roles and priorities of key Government departments (MOD, FCDO, BIST).
  • Strong political judgment with the ability to analyze complex issues and provide balanced, evidence-based advice.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing briefings and supporting senior executives.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across functions and teams.

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience within the defence, aerospace, security, or advanced technology sectors.
  • Understanding of defence procurement, export campaigns, and international government engagement.
  • Familiarity with NATO, AUKUS, European, and Nordic defence and security policy.
  • Experience engaging with trade associations, industry bodies, and representative organizations.
  • Knowledge of UK industrial strategy, defence policy, and international trade issues relevant to Saab UK's business areas.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to be a key member of Saab UK's Strategy & Public Affairs function.
  • Work closely with the Managing Director, Chief Strategy Officer, and Executive Leadership Team.
  • Support the company's strategic, commercial, and growth objectives.
  • Contribute to keeping people and society safe.
  • Opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth.
  • Work with world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space, and civil security.
#public affairs#government relations#stakeholder engagement#defence#security#policy#strategy#UK#London
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Company

Saab

Job Posted

2 weeks ago

Expires

in 1 week

Employment Type

Full Time

WorkMode

On Site

Experience Level

Senior

Locations

London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Applicants

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