Government Relations Manager

The Government Relations team works collaboratively with colleagues across internal and external communications to support the business’ strategic plans and to advise senior management on key political, policy and regulatory issues. The team is also vital in highlighting the important positive contribution that Sainsbury’s makes to communities across the UK, our brand purpose to provide Good food for all of us and our ambition to be Net Zero by 2035. 

The Government Relations Manager will support the Head of Government Relations and three Senior Government Relations Managers to build and develop Sainsbury’s relationships with a broad range of external stakeholders including government (ministers, officials and advisers), parliamentarians, trade associations, the devolved administrations, NGOs and third-party organisations. 

To be successful in this role you’ll have strong, proven experience in Government Relations, including acting as an ambassador for a high-profile organisation. You will be able to quickly understand complex policy issues, have excellent written and verbal communications skills, be able to juggle a busy agenda and build strong external and internal relationships. 

More about the role 

Stakeholder Engagement 

Lead correspondence with MPs’ offices on constituency and policy issues, engaging with internal stakeholders to inform our responses. 

Liaise with retail teams to execute meetings and site visits with local MPs in our stores. 

Engage with government officials and liaise on a regular basis with our trade bodies. 

Support on the organisation and delivery of events to enhance our political engagement. 

Political Monitoring & Policy Development 

Coordinate monitoring of relevant announcements and developments from Government, in Parliament and across the devolved nations. 

Work with internal experts to understand the impact of policy on our business and devise corresponding proactive and reactive responses. 

Help the business respond to policy consultations and preparing briefings for senior colleagues and internal governance groups. 

Team Management  

You will be responsible for maintaining the systems, processes and administration of the Government Relations Team, with support from our agency. 

This will also include ensuring that the team is delivering against its priorities and responding to internal and external requests. This will include the Government Relations Team inbox. 

More about you  

Ideally you have previous experience of having been an ambassador for a major corporation or another high-profile organisation, acting as a representative of the company and liaising with political stakeholders at external meetings and events. 

A strong interest in government policy and experience formulating and delivering events, campaigns, and communications. 

Knowledge of the retail sector and the key issues affecting our business (although this is not essential). 

Creativity and a proven track record of bringing to life corporate engagement initiatives. 

Excellent organisational skills are essential to deliver against the team’s priorities and Government Relations plan. 

Strong networking skills and a great network across politics and industry. 

A desire to always focus on the external and thus the ability to bring great insights into the business. 

#LI-AS1