Senior Public Affairs Manager

Saab UK is a British company that is part of Saab Group’s global high-technology operations. Saab offers world-leading solutions and services in defence, aviation, space and civil security. In the UK we bring together the best of Swedish and British innovation and engineering to provide our customers with products and solutions that push boundaries for what is considered technically possible. Our mission is to help our customers to keep people and society safe.

Our Saab UK business is going through a period of rapid growth, this means that we can offer a wide range of opportunities for personal fulfilment and career growth. As part of the global entity Saab AB, Saab UK Ltd combines the innovative spirit of a start-up with the resources and expertise of a larger corporation. Across the country we have seven principle sites which focus on software engineering, underwater robotics, training services and radars. Globally we number over 19,000 employees and have operations on all continents. Technologically we are leaders in many areas, and we reinvest a high proportion of our earnings in internal research and development. We collaborate with colleagues around the world who all share our challenge – to make the world a safer place.

Saab is a company with opportunities, a company where we see diversity as an asset and where you have both considerable responsibility as well as good opportunities for advancing in your career. Additionally, Saab is a company that respects each person’s needs for a rewarding life beyond work.

Role Overview

This new role sits within Saab UK’s Corporate Affairs Team, an integrated function providing a range of communications, Public Affairs and strategic support activities to the defence business.

The Senior Public Affairs Manager will work closely with the VP, Director Corporate Affairs to engage with national political stakeholders, local and regional administrations as well Government officials. In particular developing and deepening relationships established at the top of Government (No 10 Downing Street and below) and across the UK governmental and political system.

The role will also be key to our interactions with sector trade bodies and corporate social responsibility activities.

Furthermore, providing support to the VP International on key UK export campaigns through senior governmental and political engagement.Maintain an awareness of relevant Swedish, AUKUS, NATO and European policies in support of Saab’s positioning.
What we are looking for from you:

• An advanced understanding of UK government (and opposition parties) political, economic and diplomatic drivers shaped over a career of no less than seven years in the discipline.
• Possess a working knowledge of Parliament and its organisation and procedures.
• An understanding of the impact on Saab 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 DBT.
• Political Awareness of Government and opposition policies that affect Saab providing an impartial perspective of any policy that might impact the business.
• Demonstrable experience in relationship building, influencing at a governmental level and the ability to shape international discussions through policy and engagement.

Job Description:

• Deputise to Director Corporate Affairs on political and senior stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborate closely with Senior Communications Manager on messaging development and other functional outputs.
• Alongside the Senior Communications Manager provide leadership to others within the function.
• Be able to proactively and autonomously conceive and deliver Public Affairs activities, and draw on other disciplines, to ensure maximum output for the function.
• Provide support to VP International on export support campaign influencing activities
• Influence decisions on policy strategy and regulation within our policy areas across the Saab UK footprint
• Use sound understanding of policy to effectively advise and assist the business supporting Saab UK thinking in this policy area
• Use evaluative judgment based on factual or qualitative information to deliver on policy areas
• Devise strategy in support of corporate and campaign objectives as well as tracking engagement with stakeholder from Number 10 and below as well as 2* military officers and officials
• Use strong commercial knowledge and policy awareness to positively prepare, propose and implement appropriate policy strategies and contribute to the commercial objectives of the business
• Provide counsel and advice on relevant regulatory/policy best practice and benchmarks
• Demonstrate strong communication skills to influence, negotiate and work closely with other functions and operational units, influencing senior leaders across Saab on relevant policy.