Government Relations Manager

Fixed Term Contract from September 2025 to Summer of 2028

The Role
The Government Relations Manager will play a central role in the relationship between UK&I 2028 and our Government Partners (Government of Ireland, Northern Ireland Executive, Scottish Government, UK Government, Welsh Government and UK Sport). Working closely with each partner, this role will be key to integrating tournament planning and delivery across UK&I 2028 and government.

Reporting initially to the Director of Host Relations, the successful candidate will be passionate about the power of major events and collaborative working to deliver positive impacts. You will have exceptional stakeholder relationship skills and a strong background working for a governmental organisation.

What will you be doing?

• Work with Government Partners to jointly develop a work programme which ensures successful delivery of the tournament across key areas of collaboration (including operations, impact & legacy, event legislation and government guarantees)
• Manage engagement with Government Partners on an individual and collective basis to deliver the agreed work programme
• Ensure a broad understanding of engagement with Government Partners across all internal departments, working with colleagues to resolve any issues, ensuring appropriate monitoring, reporting and escalation as appropriate
• Support the development of operational governance structures with government involvement to ensure alignment and efficiency
• Manage UK&I 2028 responses to all government queries relating to ministerial correspondence, parliamentary questions, briefings, submissions and FOI enquiries, liaising with internal colleagues as required
• Lead on managing attendance, preparations and actions for UK&I 2028 at Government Partner meetings
• Work with Government Partners and internal departments to ensure successful implementation of Guarantees and the planning and implementation of event legislation
• Execute additional tasks as required in order to meet the changing priorities
• Comply with all company policies and procedures to ensure the highest standards of health, safety and wellbeing can be maintained

What are we looking for?
Essential skills and experience

• An in-depth understanding of the workings of governments (central and devolved)
• Experience working in a government department or agency in a managerial role
• Exceptional stakeholder relationship skills and experience of collaborating on complex multi-agency projects
• Proven track record in managing projects in dynamic environments including effective management of risks and issues
• Ability to understand how UEFA EURO 2028 fits within the wider priorities and objectives of government partners and to consider this in the context of UK&I 2028 engagement
• An understanding of the major events environment
• Ability work collaboratively to effectively resolve complex issues across partners with potentially competing priorities
• Strong written communication skills

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of delivering major international events with government funding
• Awareness of political priorities in the UK and/or Ireland
• Practical experience of Freedom of Information legislation

Why apply?
We offer a competitive salary (plus benefits of 25 days holiday, contributory pension, Private Medical Insurance etc), which coupled with the opportunity to be part of one of the biggest sporting events to ever take place across UK & Ireland we think makes for an exciting place to be!

Where is the role based?
Our head office is based at the iconic Wembley Stadium in London, however depending on your role you may be required to travel across the UK and Ireland to our 9 Stadiums and 8 Host Cities, with some roles being based in those locations.

As an event delivery organisation, it’s important that we have regular time together in the office and currently employees come together at least 2/3 days a week at HQ in Wembley, with the number of days in HQ increasing as the project develops with a minimum of 3-4 days needed in 2026-2027 and full time in the year of 2028.

Everyone is welcome
UK & Ireland 2028 Limited actively promotes diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from everyone. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this during your application. 

As part of UK & Ireland 2028 Limited’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for everyone, every employee will be required to complete a DBS check. The level of the check required will be based on the activity of the specific job role and in line with legislation and government guidance.

To apply for the vacancy please click the ‘apply’ button below.