Job Description
Honeywell Aerospace is seeking a Director of Government Relations, Italy and Southern European States, to lead engagement with the Italian Government, Parliament, regulators, and key external stakeholders and shape the future of a newly independent, $17B global aerospace and defence leader. Based in Rome, this role will represent Honeywell Aerospace’s Italy manufacturing, maintenance, and technology interests at the national level, shaping external engagement across civil aviation, defence, aviation safety and certification, trade and export, and emerging aerospace technologies. With Italy as a central focal point, you will also be responsible for general policy monitoring, relationship management, and engagement, as proves necessary, with the Southern States of Europe including Greece and Spain. This newly created position reports to the Senior Director, Government Relations, Europe located in Brussels.
The Director will serve as a senior strategic interface between Italian government decision-makers and Honeywell Aerospace business leaders, as well as managing similar interfaces with other Southern European states, as necessary, ensuring alignment between public policy outcomes and the company’s operational, manufacturing, and technology priorities. A key responsibility is to drive a cohesive strategy by building strong relationships across national and local governments, including the government relations counterparts in the European Union, its institutions, and NATO.
You will influence policy advocating Honeywell Aerospace’s broad portfolio of advanced aerospace and defence technologies. This role represents a unique opportunity to design and execute an integrated Government Relations strategy that strengthens Honeywell Aerospace’s position with policymakers, strategic thinkers, and key stakeholders in Italy and across Europe.
Honeywell Aerospace technologies are found on virtually every commercial, defence, and space aircraft worldwide. Our products include aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components, and navigation technologies. Across all platforms, Honeywell enables safer, more efficient, and more sustainable air travel, including advancements in autonomous operations and supersonic flight.
Honeywell Aerospace will separate from Honeywell International in the second half of 2026. As it transitions toward becoming an independent $17B global aerospace and defence company with more than 21,000 employees, Europe will serve as a critical hub for policy alignment, innovation, defence modernization, sustainability, and emerging technologies.
Honeywell Aerospace recently acquired Civitanavi Systems with operations in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Italy, and approximately 170 employees. Civitanavi specializes in inertial navigation, geo-referencing, and stabilization systems. It offers high-performance Fiber Optic Gyro technology, complementing Honeywell's existing navigation and sensor technologies. These technologies are now part of Honeywell's global offerings supporting aerospace, defence, and industrial markets, to include autonomous operations in aircraft and vehicles.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute Honeywell Aerospace’s government relations strategy that is aligned with the business priorities and objectives in Italy and Southern European states.
- Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with the office of the Prime Minister, critical Ministers (e.g., Defence, Infrastructure and Transport, Enterprises, Foreign Affairs), key Members of Parliament, and relevant departments, regulators, and industry bodies in Italy and, as necessary, in other Southern European states.
- Advocate for policies and regulatory outcomes that support commercial aviation safety, defence capability and supply‑chain resilience.
- Monitor, analyze and proactively respond to legislative, regulatory and policy developments affecting the aerospace and defence sectors.
- Coordinate government engagement with broader European and international aerospace policy priorities, working closely with regional and global government relations colleagues.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to Honeywell Aerospace business leaders in the region on government affairs risks, business opportunities and stakeholder engagement strategies.
- Represent Honeywell Aerospace in industry forums, coalitions and events.
Desired Candidate Profile
- 10+ years of experience in government relations or policy advocacy within the aerospace and defence sector.
- Deep understanding of Italy’s political institutions and legislative processes.
- Experience engaging with Italy’s regulators, providing insight into, shaping and responding to emerging and new legislative developments relevant to the aerospace sector.
- Demonstrated experience influencing high‑level policy, driving advocacy strategies and shaping regulatory outcomes.
- Proven expertise in policy development, contracts and budgets with the Ministry of Defence.
- Ability to engage, or develop relationships with, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, Italian Trade Agency and Unit for Authorizing Arms Exports.
- Exceptional communication, negotiation and relationship‑building skills alongside excellent skills working independently with a strong entrepreneurial spirit.
- Strong networking capability, with the ability to engage effectively with officials at local and national levels.
- Fluency in Italian & English required.