Head of Government Affairs - UK/IRL

We help the world run better
At SAP, we keep it simple: you bring your best to us, and we'll bring out the best in you. We're builders touching over 20 industries and 80% of global commerce, and we need your unique talents to help shape what's next. The work is challenging – but it matters. You'll find a place where you can be yourself, prioritize your wellbeing, and truly belong. What's in it for you? Constant learning, skill growth, great benefits, and a team that wants you to grow and succeed.

 

Are you ready to shape the future of Cloud, Data, Technological Sovereignty and AI? At the forefront of Europe’s digital transformation, we are looking for an inspiring and influential Head of Government Affairs for UK/Ireland —a leader who thrives in a fast moving, technology driven environment.

What you'll build

In this pivotal position, you will be the driving force behind our government affairs strategy in UK and Ireland, strongly supporting business growth and mitigating policy risk. You will champion the company’s vision across the political and regulatory landscape—bridging innovation and governance in one of Europe’s fastest growing technology markets.

Your mission: enable public sector cloud and AI adoption, support digital sovereignty, promote cybersecurity, and strengthen the UK‘s and Ireland’s digital competitiveness.

• Shape and execute a bold government affairs strategy for the UK/IRL market, successfully advocating public policies that result in visible business success and policy risk mitigation.
• Build trusted relationships with ministries, regulators, parliamentary bodies, and digital industry coalitions. Grow, maintain, and leverage extensive government and stakeholder networks.Closely align and cooperate with GA colleagues globally, in particular in the EU (Brussels), the United States, and Germany.
• Position our Sovereign Cloud and AI solutions at the centre of national digital policies and decision-making to drive demand, adoption and business results.
• Monitor politically influenced business risks and provide analyses and advice to internal stakeholders for action.
• Position SAP as an innovation partner and technology leader through content development and targeted outreach to stakeholder groups.
• Represent the company in high stakes conversations on cloud security, data protection, AI regulation, and digital infrastructure.
• Anticipate and identify policies and regulations that can impact the company, advocate for technology and industry-supportive policies and regulations.
• Liaise with governments and relevant authorities in times of crisis.
• Provide SAP internal clients with expert content and guidance for reaching and influencing key audiences within the public sector and strategic decision-making.
• Actively position SAP innovations and solutions in the public sector, defense and critical national infrastructure via engagement with stakeholders
• Anticipate political and social developments that create value for the brand and translate them into actionable opportunities for the business

• Advise internal organizations on properly navigating governmental structures and how policy may impact business units throughout the go-to-market cycles as well as via their business operations.
• Coordinate with relevant internal organizations to help shape, build, and executive effective development strategies within the public sector.

What You Bring

• Degree in Law, Political Sciences, Economics or similar.
• 10-15 years experience in government relations, public affairs, political advisory, or regulatory strategy—preferably within the tech or cloud ecosystem.
• Strong credibility with senior policymakers and industry leaders, including a reliable and trusted network in London - Dublin is a plus.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and advocate effectively on behalf of large, complex organizations.
• Deep expertise in UK political, and digital policy environment, Ireland is a plus.
• Ability to simplify complex issues, influence at the highest levels, and drive alignment across stakeholders.
• Passion for cloud innovation, digital transformation, and responsible technology.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

• Join one of the world’s most innovative cloud and software leaders.
• Work at the intersection of technology, policy, and societal impact.
• Drive conversations on Cloud, technological sovereignty, AI and cybersecurity.
• Enjoy a culture built on empowerment, collaboration, and purpose.
• Make a tangible impact on how UK and Ireland accelerate its digital future.
If you’re excited about using technology and policy to create real change, we’d love to meet you.

➡️ Apply today and help shape the digital landscape of tomorrow.

Bring out your best
SAP innovations help more than four hundred thousand customers worldwide work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively. Originally known for leadership in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, SAP has evolved to become a market leader in end-to-end business application software and related services for database, analytics, intelligent technologies, and experience management. As a cloud company with two hundred million users and more than one hundred thousand employees worldwide, we are purpose-driven and future-focused, with a highly collaborative team ethic and commitment to personal development. Whether connecting global industries, people, or platforms, we help ensure every challenge gets the solution it deserves. At SAP, you can bring out your best.

We win with inclusion
SAP’s culture of inclusion, focus on health and well-being, and flexible working models help ensure that everyone – regardless of background – feels included and can run at their best. At SAP, we believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company, and we invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realize their full potential. We ultimately believe in unleashing all talent and creating a better world.

SAP is committed to the values of Equal Employment Opportunity and provides accessibility accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with SAP and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please send an e-mail with your request to Recruiting Operations Team: [email protected].

For SAP employees: Only permanent roles are eligible for the SAP Employee Referral Program , according to the eligibility rules set in the SAP Referral Policy. Specific conditions may apply for roles in Vocational Training.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, et al), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements.

Successful candidates might be required to undergo a background verification with an external vendor.

AI Usage in the Recruitment Process

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Please note that any violation of these guidelines may result in disqualification from the hiring process.

Requisition ID: 447519 | Work Area: Communication | Expected Travel: 0 - 10% | Career Status: Professional | Employment Type: Regular Full Time | Additional Locations: #LI-Hybrid