Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career. Job Summary GKN Aerospace is seeking a skilled External Relations Manager to lead the co-creation and delivery of our UK External Relations strategy. In this pivotal role, you will manage strategic relationships with government entities, trade associations, public bodies, and industry groups. You will play a key role in securing funding for research, development, and capital investment projects, gaining government backing for new business ventures, and navigating legislative and regulatory landscapes to support GKN Aerospace’s growth. How You'll Contribute ⦁ Strategic Development and Implementation: Collaborate in the development and execution of a comprehensive External Relations strategy that addresses GKN Aerospace’s needs in the UK and other UK-influenced markets. ⦁ Political and Economic Analysis: Monitor and evaluate political, economic, sustainability, and ecosystem trends in the UK to provide insights that shape the company’s strategic direction. ⦁ Reputation Management: Enhance and maintain GKN Aerospace’s reputation with government bodies, Parliament members, trade and industry associations, and funding agencies in the UK. ⦁ Public Funding for R&D: Partner with Business Line Presidents and the Chief Technology Officer to develop strategies that secure public funding for R&D activities in the UK. ⦁ Lobbying Strategy: Work alongside the Senior Vice President – Airbus, Business Line Presidents, and the Director of Corporate Relations to implement lobbying initiatives that effectively engage senior public stakeholders, supporting new business objectives. ⦁ Regional Engagement: Collaborate with UK site leaders, Business Line Presidents, and the Director of Corporate Relations to establish regional engagement strategies that build GKN Aerospace’s reputation and secure funding for site development. ⦁ Legislative and Regulatory Monitoring: Oversee the tracking of relevant UK legislation and regulatory issues, working with internal teams to draft responses as needed. ⦁ Team Leadership: Provide direct line management to GKN Aerospace secondees assigned to the Aerospace Growth Partnership, including setting objectives, performance coaching, and ongoing development. About You You are an experienced professional with a strong background in external relations, public affairs, or government relations, preferably within the aerospace or high-tech industries. You have a proven track record of managing complex stakeholder relationships and securing public funding for strategic business projects. You possess a deep understanding of UK government processes, regulatory environments, and the importance of reputation management. What You'll Bring Essential: ⦁ Proven experience in external relations, public affairs, or government relations, ideally within aerospace, defense, or related sectors. ⦁ Strong understanding of UK political, legislative, and regulatory landscapes. ⦁ Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders in government and industry. ⦁ Experience in securing public funding for R&D and capital investments. ⦁ Excellent communication and influencing skills with an ability to influence and persuade with the most senior levels of the business and external stakeholders. ⦁ Highly able to establish effective and collaborative relations with other areas and departments of the business and externally with other businesses. ⦁ An intimate working knowledge of the UK political system with at least 5 years of relevant experience. ⦁ A proven team player with the ability to motivate and achieve objectives even where there is no management control. ⦁ The ability to navigate complex organisations and issues and with support to find solutions to multifaceted problems. ⦁ Fluent in English, both written and spoken. Desirable: ⦁ Educated to a degree level in a relevant subject ⦁ A good understanding of the aerospace sector ⦁ Fluency in a relevant second language (French, German, Dutch, Swedish) We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go? A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work. We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know. We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​ ​