Government Relations Lead

Key areas of responsibility

• Build a deep understanding of Rowden’s capabilities and programmes, working closely with commercial, delivery, engineering and product teams, and translate this into a targeted, evidence-led engagement plan that supports our pipeline and delivery priorities.
• Identify and build strong relationships with officials, relevant MPs, mayors, select committee members, and trade bodies whose responsibilities align with our business priorities.
• Anticipate political, policy, and regulatory developments that could affect Rowden, and provide senior leadership with timely analysis, commercial implications, and recommendations that inform business decisions.
• Identify opportunities to influence relevant policy discussions, contributing evidence and practical recommendations from Rowden's engineering and operational delivery experience. Represent Rowden at parliamentary hearings, government events, and industry forums where there is a clear strategic purpose.
• Assess priority international markets, including procurement pathways, regulatory barriers, and potential partners. Develop evidence-based recommendations that help Rowden decide where to invest and how to enter new markets.
• Build relationships with UK trade advisers, British embassies and High Commissions, defence attachés, and relevant overseas government stakeholders, using these networks to improve market access and support international growth.
• Write impactful policy papers, parliamentary submissions, government briefings, and correspondence that advance Rowden's positions on issues affecting our business and the wider industrial base.
• Prepare Rowden's senior leadership for important government engagements, ensuring clear objectives, well-researched briefings, and effective follow-through. Support corporate presentations and other materials for senior government and industry audiences.

Key skills, experience and behaviours

• Political and commercial judgement. You understand how government works, how policy affects business, and where an organisation can credibly influence outcomes. You've advised senior decision-makers and can turn complex issues into clear recommendations.
• Intellectual curiosity. You can learn complex engineering and programme detail quickly to translate this into effective recommendations and actions. You enjoy working directly with commercial and delivery teams and getting hands on with technology.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills. You can research an unfamiliar issue, evaluate evidence, develop a well-reasoned position, and produce compelling briefings and papers for senior audiences.
• Strong government affairs experience. You've worked in government relations, public policy, Parliament, or a related field, with a track record of developing engagement strategies and building relationships with government and political stakeholders.
• Initiative and independence. You stay informed, anticipate developments, and take ownership. You're comfortable managing competing priorities and challenging assumptions when necessary.
• Credibility and humility. You can engage confidently with senior officials and industry leaders without being impressed by titles or proximity to power. You listen carefully, recognise the expertise of others, and care more about achieving the right outcome than building your profile.

• Defence, national security, technology, industrial policy, or another highly regulated sector.
• Government procurement, export controls, international trade, or market access.
• Diplomatic networks, overseas trade teams, or international government engagement.
• Preparing parliamentary evidence, government consultation responses, or policy submissions.

Working at Rowden