Government Relations Manager
Posted 1 week ago by UK & Ireland 2028 Limited
Negotiable
Undetermined
Hybrid
London Area, United Kingdom
Summary: The Government Relations Manager will be pivotal in managing relationships between UK&I 2028 and various Government Partners, ensuring effective collaboration for the UEFA EURO 2028 tournament. This role involves supporting Government Partners in fulfilling their responsibilities and guiding UK&I 2028 teams in their interactions. The position requires a strong understanding of government operations and experience in managing projects within dynamic environments. The role is based at Wembley Stadium and involves travel across the UK and Ireland as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage effective working relationships between UK&I 2028 and Government Partners.
- Support Government Partners in delivering their tournament responsibilities and objectives.
- Ensure successful implementation of Government Guarantees and associated legislation.
- Prepare governance and assurance papers for Government Partner Group.
- Oversee Government Partner input into UK&I 2028 operational governance.
- Manage UK&I 2028 input to government communications, including FOIs and ministerial briefings.
- Provide guidance to UK&I 2028 teams on optimizing relations with Government Partners.
- Support interactions with the Integrated Programme Management Office.
- Manage Government Partner invites to UK&I 2028 and UEFA events.
- Line manage the Government Relations Coordinator, fostering a high-performing team culture.
Key Skills:
- In-depth understanding of government workings (central and devolved).
- Experience in a managerial role within a government department or agency, preferably in events.
- Knowledge of government’s role in major sporting events and alignment with government objectives.
- Proven project management skills in dynamic environments, including risk management.
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: undetermined
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: Other
Government Relations Manager
Location: Wembley Stadium, London
Contract: Fixed-term | October 2026 – Summer 2028
About UK & Ireland 2028 Limited
UK & Ireland 2028 Limited is the local organising committee responsible for delivering UEFA EURO 2028 across the UK & Ireland. We work on behalf of the five Football Associations and in partnership with governments, host cities, stadiums and delivery partners to plan and deliver the tournament safely, inclusively and to world-class standards.
About UEFA EURO 2028
UEFA EURO is one of the world’s largest sporting events. In 2028, it will be hosted across multiple cities in the UK & Ireland, requiring large-scale coordination across transport, infrastructure, stadiums and public services. UEFA owns the tournament and sets requirements; UK & Ireland 2028 Limited is responsible for delivering it locally.
The Role
The post holder will play a central role in managing the relationship between UK&I 2028 and Government Partners (UK Government, Government of Ireland, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive). The successful post holder will support Government Partners to deliver their tournament responsibilities & objectives and guide UK&I 2028 teams and Government Partners to work together.
What you’ll be doing
- Manage effective working relationships between UK&I 2028 and Government Partners at working level, supporting Government Partners to deliver on their tournament responsibilities and objectives.
- Work with Government Partners to ensure successful and timely implementation of Government Guarantees and associated legislation.
- Manage UK&I 2028 input to Government Partner governance and assurance, including preparation of papers and slides for Government Partner Group.
- Retain oversight of Government Partner input into UK&I 2028 operational governance.
- Manage UK&I 2028 input to government communications (FOIs, Parliamentary Questions, ministerial briefings etc.), liaising with internal teams as required.
- Provide advice and guidance to UK&I 2028 teams on working with Government Partners, optimising relations and effective delivery, in areas such as finance, mobility and safety & security.
- Support Government Partner interactions with the Integrated Programme Management Office.
- Manage Government Partner invites to UK&I 2028 and UEFA events.
- Line management of the Government Relations Coordinator, supporting their performance and creating an inclusive and high-performing team culture.
What we’re looking for
Essential experience and skills:
- An in-depth understanding of the workings of Government (central and devolved).
- Experience working in a government department or agency in a managerial role, ideally in an events environment.
- Understanding of Government’s role in the delivery of major sporting events and how the tournament could support the delivery of government objectives.
- Proven track record of managing projects in dynamic environments, including effective management of risks and issues.
Why apply?
We offer a competitive salary and benefits (including 25 days holiday, pension and private medical insurance), alongside the opportunity to be part of a landmark international sporting event.
Location & Working Pattern
Based at Wembley Stadium, with travel across the UK & Ireland as required. 2026: 3 days/week onsite 2027: 3–4 days/week onsite 2028: Full-time onsite during tournament delivery
Everyone is welcome - We’re hiring for excellence through inclusion
We’re building a skilled, values-led workforce that reflects the diversity of the UK and Ireland. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and don’t expect a traditional career path. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments—please contact careers@uki2028.com . All roles are subject to appropriate DBS checks.