Particularly where grid capacity, data centres and industrial strategy intersect.

For policy and government affairs leaders, this could be less about a “sector shift” and more about a change in how roles are defined and assessed.

What’s changing in 2026 hiring:

1. Policy roles are becoming more operational

The strongest policy hires are no longer sitting purely in external affairs. They are working more closely with engineering, product, and commercial teams, shaping decisions on infrastructure, investment timing and regulatory risk in real time.

2. Commercial and technical awareness is now expected

I’ve noticed that increasingly a traditional public affairs background on its own is no longer enough. Clients are prioritising candidates who understand how regulation impacts project delivery, supply chains and capital allocation. Not just legislation.

3. International policy exposure is becoming a differentiator

As global policy becomes less aligned, and major economies pursue more independent industrial strategies, companies are adapting to a more fragmented environment.

Recent volatility and reversals in US policy (particularly across trade, industrial subsidies and climate-related measures) have reinforced a more cautious approach among international firms.

Listen carefully and you may hear the calls for creating a new geopolitical reality increasing in volume resulting in policy leadership needing to operate globally.

Assumptions around long-term regulatory consistency are being tested, and businesses are increasingly building teams that can navigate policy uncertainty across multiple jurisdictions, rather than relying on a single anchor market.

What hasn’t changed:

Traditional government affairs functions still exist, but the highest-performing teams are evolving beyond them, becoming more integrated with core business operations, if they haven’t done so already.

Possible implications for hiring managers:

– Prioritise candidates who can operate cross-functionally, not just manage stakeholders

– Test for commercial judgement and delivery impact, not just policy expertise

– Place greater weight on international and trade policy experience

It’s not whether these shifts are happening, it’s how quickly hiring strategies are adapting to them.