The organisation

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Tarmac is a leading provider of sustainable construction materials and solutions, supporting some of the UK’s most critical national infrastructure programmes. With a heritage of scale, technical expertise and operationalexcellence, Tarmac works at the centre of major energy, transport, water and defence projects, partnering with government and industry to deliver long‑term strategic outcomes.

The opportunity

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The Government Affairs Director will play a pivotal role in strengthening Tarmac’s position as a trusted and influential voice across the UK’s policy and regulatory environment. This senior role, sitting one tier below the Ex Co willlead on creating strategy and leading engagement with government departments, regulators and industry bodies, ensuring Tarmac anticipates regulatory change,secures access to public funding, and shapes policy in support of commercial growth and national infrastructure ambitions. The position requires a highlevel of judgement, political acumen and the ability to convert complex policy into clear, actionable business strategy.

Main responsibilities

• Provide senior leadership with authoritative assessments of UK regulatory and funding developments, building a comprehensive network of intelligence sources
• Deliver strategic recommendations on priority policy areas, identifying risks and opportunities affecting Tarmac’s role in national infrastructure
• Lead the development of Tarmac’s policy positions and advocate these with government, regulators and industry partners
• Coordinate high‑level engagement programmes, ensuring seamless alignment across internal teams and wider group colleagues
• Represent Tarmac across senior forums and support commercial and strategy functions in securing favourable regulatory outcomes, funding access and infrastructure opportunities.

Key skills and experience

• Significant experience in government affairs, with experience in infrastructure, construction, energy, transport or defence being preferable
• Deep understanding of UK policy frameworks, funding mechanisms and public decision‑making
• Ability to build influential relationships with senior government officials, regulators and industry leaders
• Strong analytical and written capability, with an ability to distil complex policy into clear positions and compelling briefings
• Degree‑level qualification (or equivalent) in a relevant field, with excellent verbal communication skills and a strategic, commercially minded approach.

To Apply

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Please submit your CV via the form below. For more information, please click here to view job description.  

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Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for communications, advocacy, and policy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

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Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.

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