How Jacobs Secured a Cross-Sector Leader to Drive Government Relations in Europe

Jacobs needed a new Head of Government Relations and External Affairs for the UK & Europe to provide strategic support to government and clients in a dynamic political, economic, and regulatory environment, while also supporting Jacobs’ growth plans in Europe across key markets and services.
Green Park’s experts analysed the job profile and advised the client to broaden the search and look beyond the engineering and technical sector to identify the best possible talent. With Jacobs’ agreement, the search resulted in the appointment of an ideal candidate from outside the industry, selected from a diverse shortlist.

 

---

Green Park was appointed to find a Head of Government Relations & External Affairs – Europe.

• Analysis of the job profile highlighted an opportunity to expand the reach of talent across broader industry sectors.

• A rigorous search project identified individuals from diverse vertical markets and backgrounds.

• A shortlist of six strong, diverse candidates was delivered, with an excellent final candidate selected.

• The new hire brought a background in professional services and government, and is now acting as a catalyst for growth in the UK & Europe.

 

---

The Challenge

With approximately £16 billion in global revenue and as an industry leader in providing professional services, strategic advice, and programme management to both government and private sectors, the business had ambitious plans for its core markets and aimed to accelerate its growth trajectory into mainland Europe.
Against this backdrop, Jacobs decided to recruit a strategic Head of Government Relations and Corporate Affairs to drive stakeholder relationships, position Jacobs ahead of market trends, lead government client engagement, and promote Jacobs’ new chapter to external markets.

 

---

The Project

To build an in-depth understanding of the role and the ideal candidate, Green Park began by carrying out interviews with key stakeholders. From these conversations, a clear profile emerged. The successful candidate would be purpose-driven, highly collaborative, and an expert in complex stakeholder management and government relations.
With a brief to search beyond the engineering and technical professional services sector, the team began identifying talent with transferable skills across a range of industries, including professional services, energy, transportation, water, and aviation.

 

---

The Results

Our market knowledge and extensive networks enabled us to engage and deliver a strong shortlist of six candidates — 100% diverse across broader industry sectors and 50% female.
A comprehensive search concluded with a two-stage final process. Jacobs were extremely pleased with the quality of the shortlist and found the hiring decision a difficult one.
Throughout the process, we remained in close contact with stakeholders at Jacobs, providing regular updates and ensuring transparency.
The combination of an engaged client, a commitment to openness, and an equitable process led to the excellent appointment of Amelie Kjaergaard, who brings transformational and extensive experience to support Jacobs’ continued growth in Europe.

 

James Greenhill, Head of Global Executive Resourcing, provided the following feedback:

"From the beginning of the search to the successful appointment, the team at Green Park has been exceptional. The search was in the capable hands of Juliet Hardingham, who made every effort to understand the role and our business to deliver an exceptional shortlist of highly qualified and diverse candidates. Juliet’s level of professionalism, insights, and communication left us in no doubt that we had selected the right partner for this search."