Government Affairs Manager - Fixted Term Contract

Job Title Government Affairs Manager - Fixted Term Contract Ref # 59321 Date posted Thursday, August 13, 2026 Country United Kingdom Location Woking Business area Development Office Department Development Office Position level 4 - Management / Technical Expert (L-18) Working time Full Time Contract type Fixed Term Contract Duration FTC to end of 2027 Working pattern 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday What to Expect We are looking for a Government Affairs Manager (FTC) to support delivery of a multi-site infrastructure project during a critical period of investment decision and mobilisation.This role operates within McLaren Automotive’s Strategy & Corporate Affairs function and is accountable for executing government affairs activity at pace, with a focus on planning, local authority engagement, and coordinated government interface across local, regional and national levels.The role is delivery-focused and will work across the business to ensure policy, political and stakeholder considerations are translated into practical outcomes, enabling timely project execution.In addition, the role will establish and manage a robust due diligence, reporting and audit support framework, ensuring the business meets all government requirements across the full lifecycle of the project. What You'll Do Government Affairs Strategy & AdvocacySupport delivery of McLaren’s government affairs strategy aligned to the project and related corporate objectivesTranslate policy and political developments into clear delivery actions and business implicationsSupport development of briefing materials, engagement plans, and advocacy approachesRepresent McLaren in engagement with government, industry bodies and external stakeholdersProvide insight into policy and geopolitical risks impacting programme deliveryStrategic Programmes & Business IntegrationLead government affairs delivery support into Project Anchor, including:Funding process engagement and stakeholder managementPlanning and site delivery requirementsEnsure policy, political and stakeholder considerations are embedded into execution plansSupport alignment between government engagement and programme timelinesEstablish and maintain a structured due diligence framework to support government requirements at each stage of the projectRegulatory & Policy ExpertiseMaintain working knowledge of UK policy, planning frameworks and regulatory requirementsMonitor relevant legislative and regulatory developments affecting project deliveryTranslate regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for internal stakeholdersStakeholder Engagement & InfluenceBuild and manage relationships with:Local authorities, planning bodies and regional stakeholdersNational government departments and policymakersIndustry bodies, trade associations and external partnersSupport coordinated, consistent engagement across all stakeholder groupsProvide evidence-based input to internal and external discussionsSupport structured engagement processes aligned to government expectations and reporting requirementsCross-Functional LeadershipCoordinate activity across functions including Engineering, Legal, Communications, Finance and SustainabilityEnsure alignment between government engagement, planning activity and programme deliverySupport structured and consistent stakeholder engagement processesWork with Finance, Legal and programme teams to ensure alignment between delivery, reporting and compliance requirementsGovernance, Risk & ComplianceEnsure government affairs activity is aligned with legal, compliance and governance requirementsIdentify and escalate planning, political and reputational risksMaintain clear, auditable records of stakeholder engagementDevelop and manage a government reporting framework, including:Tracking of commitments, milestones and deliverablesStructured reporting back to government stakeholdersSupport for audit requirements across the project lifecycleEnsure readiness for government review, assurance and audit processes What You'll Bring ExperienceExperience in government affairs, public policy, corporate affairs or a related disciplineExperience engaging with UK government and/or local authoritiesExperience managing complex stakeholder environmentsExposure to planning, infrastructure or industrial delivery programmes is advantageousSkillsStrong understanding of UK government and regulatory processesStakeholder management and influencing capabilityAbility to translate policy into practical delivery actionsStrong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing developmentHighly organised with strong delivery discipline, including ability to manage reporting requirementsKey CompetenciesDelivery Focus: Driving execution against programme-critical timelinesStakeholder Management: Building effective relationships across government and businessJudgement & Decision-Making: Navigating complex and evolving environmentsCollaboration: Working across functions to deliver outcomesAdaptability: Operating effectively in a fast-paced delivery environment What We'll Do for You We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:Structured career development framework25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five daysEnhanced company pension schemeDiscretionary annual bonus awardPrivate medical insurance and health cash planLife assurance benefitAbility to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ serviceBenefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shoppingGenerous parental leave policiesA range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice Who Are We? No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks. McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey.