Government Relations Manager
WSP in the UK & Ireland · London, England, United Kingdom
- On site
- Full-time
- $95,000 / year
- London, England, United Kingdom
Job highlights
- Engage with UK and Irish governments on policy.
- Analyze political developments and advise leadership.
- Manage relationships with key public stakeholders.
- Drive policy messaging for sustainable infrastructure.
- Support business growth through government engagement.
About the role
About the Role
WSP is seeking a professionally experienced and strategically minded Government Relations Manager to support its engagement with Governments and key public policy stakeholders across the UK & Ireland. Reporting to the Head of Government Relations and Policy Engagement, this high-profile role requires strong political insight and a sound knowledge of Government structures and processes. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering policy and regulatory engagement that supports WSP’s business growth priorities, enhances its reputation, and contributes to sustainable infrastructure delivery. If you are motivated by the intersection of politics, policy, and infrastructure delivery, we welcome your application.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Engagement & Advocacy: Support WSP’s Government Relations strategy in the UK and contribute to its capability in the Republic of Ireland. Identify emerging political and regulatory developments impacting core sectors like Transport & Infrastructure, Water, Energy, Planning & Environment, Healthcare, and Defence. Deliver targeted advocacy to position WSP as a trusted partner to Government.
- Policy Intelligence: Provide clear, succinct briefings to senior leadership on political developments and their commercial implications. Analyze activity within Whitehall, Westminster, UK Devolved Administrations, Irish Government, and the Oireachtas Éireann to identify policy opportunities and risks. Support WSP’s submissions to Government consultations, Select Committee inquiries, and Calls for Evidence.
- Stakeholder Relationship Management: Build and nurture a network of contacts across relevant Government Departments & Agencies, Arm’s Length Bodies, Devolved Administrations, and Combined Mayoral Authorities. Develop an understanding of the Republic of Ireland’s political landscape. Represent WSP at external meetings, roundtables, and industry forums. Work with key trade associations and industry bodies.
- Business Enablement: Support Managing Directors and Sector Leads in positioning strategic bids and major projects requiring government-level engagement. Drive policy messaging that articulates WSP’s values in delivering sustainable, resilient infrastructure. Organize WSP-hosted policy forums, C-Suite and Senior Executive client roundtables, and stakeholder engagement plans.
What We Will Be Looking For You To Demonstrate…
- Proven Government Experience: Work experience in a policy role within a UK Government Department and/or a national Devolved Government. An undergraduate degree is required; postgraduate education is beneficial.
- Communication Excellence: Clear, persuasive written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver high-quality briefings at pace for senior stakeholders.
- Analytical Ability: Capacity to interpret complex legislation/policy and identify its business implications.
- Commercial Awareness: A strong appreciation of how public policy affects a large, project-based B2B organization.
- Adaptability: Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment and managing multiple sector priorities.
- Sector Impact: Experience influencing policy in infrastructure, transport, energy, planning, environment, or major capital projects. Experience in a B2B, commercial context is a plus.
- EU Knowledge: Working knowledge of EU Institutions, particularly the European Commission, and relevant Regulation/Directive regimes impacting Member States.
We are looking for a team player with a confident, politically astute professional, strong judgment, and a commercial mindset.
About Us
WSP is one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms, with over 72,800 employees globally and over 9,000 professionals across the UK and Ireland. We are dedicated to our local communities and propelled by international brainpower, creating positive, long-lasting impacts through a culture of innovation, integrity, and inclusion.
What’s In It For You?
- Work-life balance: Hybrid working policy offering flexibility to work from home two days a week.
- Inclusivity & Belonging: Welcoming environment for varied backgrounds and experiences, with employee resource groups.
- Health & Wellbeing: Support through the Thrive programme, Virtual GP service, Gymflex scheme, and menopause support.
- Flex your time: Options like “WSP My Hour” for personal activities, part-time/flexible working, purchasing additional leave, and flexible bank holiday use.
- Your development: A supportive environment investing in your growth through training, mentoring, or Chartership.
Key skills/competency
- Government Relations
- Public Policy
- Stakeholder Management
- Advocacy
- Political Analysis
- Regulatory Affairs
- Infrastructure Policy
- Strategic Engagement
- Business Development
- Communication Skills
Skills & topics
- Government Relations Manager
- Public Policy
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Advocacy
- Political Analysis
- Regulatory Affairs
- Infrastructure
- Transport
- Energy
- Environment
- UK Government
- Irish Government
- WSP
- Policy Advisor
- Government Affairs
- Public Affairs
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight government experience, policy analysis, and stakeholder management skills relevant to WSP's focus on infrastructure and public sector engagement.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Express your understanding of WSP's mission and how your political insight and commercial awareness align with their needs for government relations in the UK and Ireland.
- Prepare for behavioral questions: Be ready to discuss your experience in influencing policy, managing complex relationships, and navigating fast-paced environments, using specific examples.
- Demonstrate analytical and communication skills: Prepare to showcase your ability to interpret complex policy and legislation and communicate findings clearly and persuasively to senior stakeholders.
- Research WSP’s public sector work: Understand their involvement in major infrastructure projects and their commitment to sustainable development to align your application with their strategic goals.
Technical preparation
Study UK and Irish government structures and processes.,Analyze current infrastructure and environmental policies.,Research WSP's key public sector clients.,Understand regulatory frameworks impacting core sectors.
Behavioral questions
Describe a time you influenced government policy.,How do you manage relationships with senior stakeholders?,Explain your approach to analyzing complex legislation.,How do you adapt to fast-paced environments?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary focus of the Government Relations Manager role at WSP?
- The Government Relations Manager at WSP will focus on engaging with governments and public policy stakeholders across the UK and Ireland. This involves supporting WSP's business growth, enhancing its reputation, and contributing to sustainable infrastructure delivery by managing policy and regulatory engagement.
- What specific experience is WSP looking for in a Government Relations Manager candidate?
- WSP is looking for candidates with proven government experience, ideally in a policy role within a UK Government Department or a national Devolved Government. They also value strong communication, analytical ability, commercial awareness, adaptability, sector impact experience (infrastructure, transport, energy, etc.), and a working knowledge of EU Institutions.
- How does WSP support work-life balance for its employees?
- WSP offers a hybrid working policy, flexibility with 'WSP My Hour', part-time and flexible working arrangements, options to purchase additional leave, and flexible use of bank holidays to support work-life balance.
- What kind of professional development opportunities are available at WSP?
- WSP fosters a supportive environment for professional growth, offering investment in development through training, mentoring, and Chartership opportunities.
- What is the company culture like at WSP regarding inclusivity?
- WSP welcomes applicants with varied backgrounds and experiences, encouraging employees to bring their authentic selves to work. They promote a culture of inclusivity and belonging, supported by employee resource groups.
- How does WSP support employee health and wellbeing?
- WSP supports employee health and wellbeing through its Thrive programme, offering a Virtual GP service, Gymflex scheme, and a comprehensive menopause support package.
- What is the importance of EU knowledge for this Government Relations Manager role?
- A working knowledge of EU Institutions, particularly the European Commission and relevant Regulation/Directive regimes, is beneficial as these can impact Member States and thus WSP's operations and policy engagement in the UK and Ireland.
- How does WSP contribute to sustainable infrastructure?
- WSP's Government Relations team supports WSP's commitment to delivering sustainable, resilient infrastructure by driving policy messaging that articulates the company's values and engaging with stakeholders on relevant projects and initiatives.