Location: London, United Kingdom In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions. Head of Public Relations Carlton Gardens The UK Head of Government Relations is responsible for leading, shaping and delivering the governmental and political engagement strategy for Thales in the UK. In close collaboration with senior colleagues, this role operates across Whitehall, Westminster, the devolved assemblies and relevant public policy organisations to help inform and shape a political environment that is conducive to Thales’ growth ambitions. It also has responsibility for managing our brand recognition and corporate reputation with this key audience group. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Active political engagement in support of Thales brand positioning, policy advancement and growth opportunities. Building strong relationships with, and acting as a of single point of contact for, relevant MPs, SPADs, Private Office officials and civil servants in order to facilitate engagement and policy input. Close liaison with the Chief Executive and Leadership Forum members to ensure timely and and relevant political and contact programmes. Working closely with the Business Growth team to help ensure that GR efforts support on business winning and shaping. Delivering intelligent and professional political, governmental and public policy insight, advice and stakeholder management programmes. Key responsibilities Developing and overseeing the implementation of the Thales GR strategy in the UK, aligned with the Thales’ purpose, our business plans and growth ambitions. This includes: Providing leadership across the organisation on all Government relations strategies and issues, ensuring that there is alignment with UK, KAM and Domain business plans. Acting as an advocate for and the guardian of Thales’ reputation with all political and governmental audiences. Active membership of the Communications Leadership Team, which manages and directs the future of the UK Communications function. Working with the Director of Comms, the Head of Media & Engagement and External Comms Managers to ensure that external comms campaigns have maximum political impact and align with the strategic priorities of the business. Supporting the delivery of major events and exhibitions through programmes of political engagement and representation. The delivery of timely monitoring and analysis of relevant legislative and political developments (including Debates, PQs, Departmental announcements etc.) and dissemination of information internally. Identifying upcoming Parliamentary and Departmental reports and enquiries for which a Thales input would be beneficial to the business. Then coordinating (and directly drafting) Thales submissions to these enquiries. Identifying MP Select Committee evidence sessions at which it would be beneficial for Thales to present. Coordinating and preparing senior Thales attendees at the committee sessions hearings. Representing Thales externally at identified Trade Association and stakeholder meetings and proactively identifying opportunities for joint working. Potentially line managing one role. Engagement with relevant colleagues across the Thales Group international and institutional affairs network to ensure coordinated messaging. Skills and experience Demonstrably outstanding stakeholder management, collaboration and influencing skills at a senior level in a complex, multi-matrix business, advocacy organisation or agency. Highly developed knowledge of UK Governmental operations and political processes. A highly proactive approach to identifying and maximising opportunities for political or communications influence. Knowledge, experience of and interest in the Defence & Security sector. Knowledge and experience of the process of reputation management and influencing political and stakeholder perception. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for various audiences and channels. Experience managing multiple high-profile projects simultaneously and effective delivery of communications in times of pressure of crisis. What We Can Offer We’re committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market leading training, development and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry. We hire from within as our first priority, so you’ll have a myriad of opportunities within our diverse, global organisation. Flexibility Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions. This role will require SC Clearance. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant will undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the National Security Vetting (NSV) Agency - United Kingdom Security Vetting - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) LI-RD1 In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency. At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working. Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles. Great journeys start here, apply now