Government Relations Manager – UK, Nordics & Benelux

About the role

Shield AI is seeking a senior Government Relations Manager to shape and execute its public‑affairs strategy across the United Kingdom, the Nordics and the Benelux region. The role combines policy expertise with commercial insight to support market entry, partnership development and risk management for autonomous defence technologies.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute a government relations strategy for the UK, Nordics and Benelux aligned with regional growth priorities.
• Build, maintain and expand trusted relationships with ministries of defence, procurement organisations, parliamentary and civil‑service contacts, and export‑control stakeholders.
• Monitor and analyse policy, budget, procurement, industrial and geopolitical developments that could affect Shield AI’s business and market access.
• Advise senior internal stakeholders on political dynamics, public‑policy shifts and defence modernisation priorities.
• Support market‑entry and capture efforts by shaping engagement plans for strategic opportunities, customer meetings and senior‑level briefings.
• Coordinate responses to public consultations, trade‑association initiatives and thought‑leadership opportunities.
• Prepare briefing notes, position papers, stakeholder maps and executive‑ready materials for internal leaders and external meetings.
• Represent Shield AI with policymakers, industry groups, think tanks and trade associations to advance regional policy objectives.
• Identify and manage risks related to regulation, export controls, procurement frameworks and national‑security review processes.

Required profile

• 8‑10 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, defence policy or a closely related field.
• Strong understanding of UK government and parliamentary processes, especially Whitehall and Westminster decision‑making.
• Experience in technology, defence, aerospace, security or dual‑use sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to engage senior stakeholders across government, industry and trade associations.
• Strong knowledge of legislative, regulatory and policy processes with the ability to translate developments into clear business recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to operate across multiple markets and manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced, high‑growth environment.