Government Affairs Manager

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 & Advocacy
• Support delivery of McLaren's government affairs strategy aligned to the project and related corporate objectives
• Translate policy and political developments into clear delivery actions and business implications
• Support development of briefing materials, engagement plans, and advocacy approaches
• Represent McLaren in engagement with government, industry bodies and external stakeholders
• Provide insight into policy and geopolitical risks impacting programme delivery
Strategic Programmes & Business Integration
• Lead government affairs delivery support into Project Anchor, including:
• Funding process engagement and stakeholder management
• Planning and site delivery requirements
• Ensure policy, political and stakeholder considerations are embedded into execution plans
• Support alignment between government engagement and programme timelines
• Establish and maintain a structured due diligence framework to support government requirements at each stage of the project
Regulatory & Policy Expertise
• Maintain working knowledge of UK policy, planning frameworks and regulatory requirements
• Monitor relevant legislative and regulatory developments affecting project delivery
• Translate regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for internal stakeholders
Stakeholder Engagement & Influence
• Build and manage relationships with:
• Local authorities, planning bodies and regional stakeholders
• National government departments and policymakers
• Industry bodies, trade associations and external partners
• Support coordinated, consistent engagement across all stakeholder groups
• Provide evidence-based input to internal and external discussions
• Support structured engagement processes aligned to government expectations and reporting requirements
Cross-Functional Leadership
• Coordinate activity across functions including Engineering, Legal, Communications, Finance and Sustainability
• Ensure alignment between government engagement, planning activity and programme delivery
• Support structured and consistent stakeholder engagement processes
• Work with Finance, Legal and programme teams to ensure alignment between delivery, reporting and compliance requirements
Governance, Risk & Compliance
• Ensure government affairs activity is aligned with legal, compliance and governance requirements
• Identify and escalate planning, political and reputational risks
• Maintain clear, auditable records of stakeholder engagement
• Develop and manage a government reporting framework, including:
• Tracking of commitments, milestones and deliverables
• Structured reporting back to government stakeholders
• Support for audit requirements across the project lifecycle
• Ensure readiness for government review, assurance and audit processes
  
  Experience in government affairs, public policy, corporate affairs or a related discipline
• Experience engaging with UK government and/or local authorities
• Experience managing complex stakeholder environments
• Exposure to planning, infrastructure or industrial delivery programmes is advantageous
Skills
• Strong understanding of UK government and regulatory processes
• Stakeholder management and influencing capability
• Ability to translate policy into practical delivery actions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including briefing development
• Highly organised with strong delivery discipline, including ability to manage reporting requirements
Key Competencies
• Delivery Focus: Driving execution against programme-critical timelines
• Stakeholder Management: Building effective relationships across government and business
• Judgement & Decision-Making: Navigating complex and evolving environments
• Collaboration: Working across functions to deliver outcomes
• Adaptability: Operating effectively in a fast-paced delivery environment
  
  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.

What We'll Do for You We offer a wide - ranging benefits package, which includes:
• Structured career development framework
• 25 days' holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days
• Enhanced company pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus award
• Private medical insurance and health cash plan
• Life assurance benefit
• Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years' service
• Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
• Generous parental leave policies
• A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice