Lead Advisor

Who we are

Navigate is a growing strategic advisory firm specializing in the defence and security sector. From our offices in Copenhagen and Brussels, we help companies understand political decision-making, identify business opportunities and engage effectively with public authorities and institutions.

We opened our Brussels office in January 2026 to support companies operating in Europe's rapidly developing defence landscape. Led by our Head of Office, the Brussels operation has gained strong momentum, and we are now expanding the team. As a senior member of the team, you will have the opportunity to take significant responsibility for client relationships and assignments and contribute to the continued development of our Brussels office and European defence practice.

Our Brussels team advises clients on EU and NATO affairs, European defence programmes and national defence markets. Our work spans policy intelligence and opportunity identification, strategic advocacy and stakeholder engagement, as well as guidance on European funding programmes, consortium building and proposals.

Navigate combines the specialist expertise and close collaboration of a focused advisory firm with an inter-national outlook and ambitious plans for growth. We provide clear, fact-based and trusted advice, and our senior advisors play an important role in maintaining the quality of our work, developing long-term client relationships and identifying new opportunities for our clients and our business.

Just as importantly, Navigate is a place where you can be yourself. Our culture is built on integrity, inclusiveness, expertise and mutual respect. We share knowledge, speak candidly and support one another in delivering exceptional results for our clients.

What will you be working on?

As Lead Advisor, you will take ownership of client relationships and assignments across our reporting, advocacy, and grants work. You will collaborate closely with colleagues in Brussels and Copenhagen, combine strategic judgement with hands-on delivery, and help grow Navigate's Brussels office and European defence practice.

Your tasks will include:

• Leading client accounts and workstreams, from scoping and strategic advice to delivery, quality control, budgets, and client satisfaction
• Turning clients' technologies and commercial priorities into policy, engagement, partnership, and funding strategies
• Providing political and programme intelligence, identifying opportunities and risks, and producing clear recommendations for senior decision-makers
• Designing and implementing advocacy strategies and facilitating dialogue with EU institutions, NATO stakeholders, national delegations, Ministries of Defence, industry, and potential partners
• Guiding grant and tender work, including award-criteria analysis, narrative development, consortium formation, partner coordination, and proposal quality assurance
• Developing business opportunities, contributing to pitches, strengthening Navigate's network, and mentoring junior colleagues while remaining ready to handle practical delivery tasks

Who are you?

We imagine that you have at least seven years of relevant professional experience, including substantial work in or with the Brussels EU and/or NATO defence and security environment. Exceptional candidates with slightly less experience and unusually strong client, network, and delivery credentials will also be considered.

What matters most is that you:

• Have deep knowledge of European defence policy and industry and strong policy awareness: you understand the interaction between the EU, NATO, national governments, Ministries of Defence, and companies, and anticipate how political priorities may affect clients
• Bring an active, trusted network across relevant institutions, national representations, defence organisations, industry associations, and companies - and use relationships ethically and with discretion
• Combine commercial awareness with political and institutional expertise: you understand client technologies, market positions, and strategic priorities and translate complex issues into clear recommendations
• Demonstrate excellent political judgement, integrity, confidentiality, and the confidence to give candid advice when a proposed course of action is unsuitable
• Have experience leading client accounts or major workstreams and consistently delivering high-quality work across complex assignments and competing priorities
• Can develop business, shape compelling offers, and build long-term client relationships and at the same time keep high delivery standards
• Are a versatile team player who mentors colleagues, shares credit, and remains willing to move from strategy to detailed execution
• Communicate and write to an excellent professional standard