Government Relations Manager - UK, Nordics and Benelux (R5217)

The role

You will build and run a government relations strategy for the UK, Nordics and Benelux. You will maintain relationships with defence ministries, procurement bodies and policymakers, and advise senior leaders on policy and market risks.

What you will do

• Develop and execute a government relations strategy for the UK, Nordics and Benelux
• Build and maintain relationships with ministries of defence, procurement organisations, parliamentary and civil service contacts, and regulatory stakeholders
• Monitor and analyse policy, budget, procurement and geopolitical developments affecting the business
• Advise senior internal stakeholders on political dynamics and defence modernisation priorities
• Support market-entry and capture efforts, including engagement plans and senior-level briefings
• Coordinate responses to public consultations, policy engagements and trade association initiatives
• Prepare briefing notes, position papers, stakeholder maps and executive materials
• Represent the company with policymakers, industry groups, think tanks and trade associations
• Work with business development, legal, communications, product and leadership teams on policy positioning
• Identify and manage risks related to regulation, export controls, procurement and national security review processes

Required qualifications

• 8 to 10 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, defence policy, parliamentary affairs, strategic communications, business development, or a closely related field
• Experience in technology, defence, aerospace, security or dual-use sectors, or in public-sector roles relevant to defence, security or industrial policy
• Strong understanding of UK government and parliamentary processes, especially Whitehall and Westminster decision-making relevant to defence and security
• Demonstrated experience engaging senior stakeholders across government, industry and trade associations
• Strong knowledge of legislative, regulatory and policy processes, with the ability to turn external developments into clear business recommendations
• Experience drafting high-quality briefings, policy materials and executive communications for senior audiences
• Ability to operate across multiple markets and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Nice to have

• Experience working in or with the UK Ministry of Defence, armed forces, Parliament, defence primes, defence technology companies, trade associations or relevant think tanks
• Familiarity with procurement environments and defence-industrial ecosystems across one or more Nordic or Benelux markets
• Understanding of autonomy, AI, uncrewed systems, aerospace or defence innovation policy
• Experience supporting campaigns tied to business opportunities, strategic partnerships or market-shaping initiatives
• Degree in politics, international relations, public policy, law, business, security studies or a related field

Benefits

• Comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location (full details available from your talent acquisition partner)

About the company

Shield AI is a venture-backed defence-tech company whose mission is to protect service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation technologies.