Government Relations Lead @ Rowden

Rowden is a UK-headquartered industrial technology company building the next generation of operational edge systems. We combine hardware, software, and systems engineering to deliver critical technology for frontline organisations and critical industries operating in demanding and disconnected environments. We're one of Europe's fastest-growing companies, a strategic supplier to the UK Ministry of Defence, and backed by the National Wealth Fund. Our engineering and manufacturing capability is rooted in the UK, with a growing customer base and partnerships across Europe and North America.

Our growth brings new opportunities and challenges across technology, industrial policy, investment, supply chains, talent, and international trade. We're looking to build on our established relationships with government and industry, strengthen our influence in the UK and overseas, and ensure our government affairs activity directly supports our commercial ambitions.

About the role

• You'll lead Rowden's government affairs activity, helping us shape the policy and regulatory environment in which we operate, strengthen our relationships across government, and create the conditions for growth in the UK and internationally.
• You'll work directly with senior leadership, providing political intelligence and advice on developments across HMG, Parliament, and the wider policy environment.
• You'll need a strong understanding of how decisions are made across MOD, DBT, HMT, and the Cabinet Office, particularly where defence procurement, industrial policy, export controls, and regulation affect our business.
• We expect you to anticipate developments, understand their commercial implications, and recommend where Rowden should engage or act.
• Your effectiveness will depend on how well you understand what Rowden builds and how we are different.
• While this role is externally focused, you'll spend significant time embedded with our commercial, delivery, engineering and product teams learning our technology capabilities and relevant programmes, so that every position, briefing, and conversation with government is targeted and grounded in what we actually deliver.
• You'll build purposeful relationships with relevant ministers, officials, parliamentarians, select committees, trade advisers, and diplomatic networks.
• As we expand internationally, you'll help assess new markets, understand procurement and market access barriers, identify relevant government and industry stakeholders, and recommend practical routes to establishing our presence.
• You'll have the autonomy to build Rowden's government affairs capability and advise directly on decisions that matter to our future.
• We value sound judgement, intellectual rigour, and the ability to get things done, regardless of where you studied or whether you followed a conventional route into government affairs.
• Candidates must be eligible for SC clearance.
• More information about security clearance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels Build a deep understanding of Rowden’s capabilities and programmes, working closely with commercial, delivery, engineering and product teams, and translate this into a targeted, evidence-led engagement plan that supports our pipeline and delivery priorities.
• Identify and build strong relationships with officials, relevant MPs, mayors, select committee members, and trade bodies whose responsibilities align with our business priorities.
• Anticipate political, policy, and regulatory developments that could affect Rowden, and provide senior leadership with timely analysis, commercial implications, and recommendations that inform business decisions.
• Identify opportunities to influence relevant policy discussions, contributing evidence and practical recommendations from Rowden's engineering and operational delivery experience.
• Represent Rowden at parliamentary hearings, government events, and industry forums where there is a clear strategic purpose.
• Assess priority international markets, including procurement pathways, regulatory barriers, and potential partners.
• Develop evidence-based recommendations that help Rowden decide where to invest and how to enter new markets.
• Build relationships with UK trade advisers, British embassies and High Commissions, defence attachés, and relevant overseas government stakeholders, using these networks to improve market access and support international growth.
• Write impactful policy papers, parliamentary submissions, government briefings, and correspondence that advance Rowden's positions on issues affecting our business and the wider industrial base.
• Prepare Rowden's senior leadership for important government engagements, ensuring clear objectives, well-researched briefings, and effective follow-through.
• Support corporate presentations and other materials for senior government and industry audiences.