Government Affairs Senior Manager

What does a Government Affairs Senior Manager do?

Leads and supports our public policy and regulatory engagement efforts in Brussels. Builds and maintains strong relationships with EU institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders to shape and influence legislation and policies that impact our business. The Government Affairs Senior Manager works closely with internal teams, industry associations, and external partners to ensure that the company’s interests are well represented in the European legislative landscape. 

Why we need you?

1. Policy Monitoring and Analysis

• Why it matters: We operate in a fast-changing regulatory environment. Understanding emerging EU legislative and regulatory developments is critical to identifying risks and opportunities that may impact our business.
• Your skills: Analytical acumen to assess the implications of policy changes.Strategic thinking to recommend how we should adapt and respond effectively. Attention to detail to ensure accurate reporting and insights.

       2. Advocacy and Representation

• Why it matters: Influencing public policy in alignment with our objectives ensures a favorable regulatory environment for our business operations. Your engagement with policymakers and advocacy on behalf of the company directly impacts our ability to thrive in the market.
• Your skills: Persuasive communication to convey our positions effectively to policymakers and stakeholders. Networking expertise to build connections across EU institutions and trade associations. Diplomacy and professionalism to represent the company credibly in high-level discussions.

       3. Stakeholder Management

• Why it matters: Strong relationships with policymakers, regulators, and industry partners are the foundation of effective advocacy. You help align our internal teams and external coalitions to drive shared goals and navigate challenges.
• Your skills: Relationship-building to foster trust and collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Collaboration and alignment to integrate input from internal teams across legal, compliance, and business units. Influence and negotiation to advance our objectives within industry groups and coalitions.

      4. Internal Communication and Reporting

• Why it matters: Clear and actionable communication ensures senior leadership and cross-functional teams are informed and prepared to make strategic decisions.
• Your skills: Effective storytelling to simplify complex policy issues for internal audiences. Written communication to craft impactful reports, position papers, and presentations. Cross-functional collaboration to incorporate policy insights into business planning.

      5. Event Coordination and Participation

• Why it matters: Engaging directly with stakeholders at conferences, workshops, and public forums elevates our visibility and influence. Organizing our own events creates opportunities to showcase our leadership on key issues.
• Your skills: Public speaking and engagement to represent the company confidently in public forums. Organizational skills to manage events in Brussels or other relevant locations. Adaptability to effectively participate in dynamic discussions and negotiations.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: Bachelor's or master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Law, or a related field.
• Professional Experience: Relevant work experience, with at least 5 years in government affairs, public policy, or regulatory roles, ideally in a Brussels-based position.
• Policy Expertise: Strong knowledge of EU institutions, legislative processes, regulatory frameworks, and relevant policy areas such as sustainability, packaging, and recycling regulations. Familiarity with relevant policy and legislative topics such as: Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Green Claims Directive, EPR legislation and country level developments with an impact on packaging.
• Communication and Collaboration: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proactive, self-motivated mindset and the ability to work independently or within a cross-functional team.
• Language and Location: Proficiency in English (oral and written); additional European languages are a plus (German). Must be based in or willing to work in Brussels, with occasional travel (10%).