Head of Nato and EU Institutional Affairs

About the job

Stevenage

MBDA are looking for someone to lead in representing the development of the future UK-EU Defence relationship (in London and in Brussels), and in strengthening and developing UK & NATO defence policy and industrial matters on behalf of the UK MD and Defence & Political Affairs team.

Job Title: Head of NATO & EU Institutional Affairs

Salary: Circa £80,000 depending on experience

Location: Stevenage/Bristol (main focus of work in London and Brussels)

Dynamic (hybrid) working: frequent travel to Brussels is required (monthly basis)

Security Clearance: Sole British National only, due to the specific classification of this role.

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

Closing Date: 15 July, 2024

The Opportunity:

You will work closely with senior colleagues across MBDA at National and Group level to best position MBDA UK in order to protect the integrity of the Group & ONE MBDA model.

In line with the UK Political Engagement Plan (PEP), you will lead on political / parliamentary engagement on the above issues in conjunction with the DGAP.

Accountabilities and Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate with UKSBD on UK input into Brussels Office activities as the UK representative.
• Devising and delivering relevant input to MBDA UK engagement strategy (PEP) with European institutions, NATO and relevant capitals.
• Responsibility for devising and delivering the Group's engagement strategy with UK, European institutions and NATO.
• Utilise existing stakeholder engagement ability and NATO/European policy knowledge to influence both HMG policy and support MBDA UK key business development activities within the European/NATO environment.
• Collecting and disseminating relevant policy and market intelligence to support business development and industrial policy activity.
• Coordinating policy and business engagement both directly, with industry partners and via intermediary institutions as appropriate, including ADS, BritCham, NIAG, think tanks (RUSI, CER IISS) and Academia.
• Using wider business and institutional knowledge to identify business development and policy risks and opportunities.  Inform, steer and review opportunities, captures etc.
• Undertaking internal/external stakeholder management Providing policy and political input to strategic business activities and day-to-day business management.
• Undertaking strategic customer relationship management at a senior level.
• Sharing NATO/EU intelligence and advice across the Businesses on budgets, programmes, new opportunities, customer/political thinking and competitor activity.

What we're looking for from you:

• Comprehensive geopolitical insight and awareness.
• Understanding and effective communication (internal and external) of complex NATO & EU, defence, industrial political and policy issues.
• Broad understanding of the policy environment and defence market that MBDA operates in, as well as its competitors.
• Understanding and knowledge of the area in which the role operates.
• Comprehensive understanding of how UK Government, MoD, EU, and NATO institutional structures operate and reach policy and political decisions in areas of direct interest which are of critical importance to the success of MBDA.
• Able to assimilate and articulate this information clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• An ability to manage significant detail, processing complex international policies into readable strategic direction for MBDA.
• An ability to interact with International partners

Our company:

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

What we can offer you:

• Company Bonus: Bonus of up to 35.5% of base salary
• Car allowance: £510 per month
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments.
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
• Training and Development: Excellent career progression, training and career development opportunities

Our Business:

We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential. MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity and more…

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process. We also welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements.

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