Institutional Relations Manager

Safran Aero Boosters is looking for our future Institutional Relations Manager

Want to help build the aviation of tomorrow? A global leader in its field, Safran Aero Boosters designs, develops and manufactures equipment, subsystems and test benches for aeronautical and space engines.

Our strength? Combining technological expertise, innovation and industrial excellence. We develop low-pressure compressors, lubrication systems, aerospace valves and engine test benches used by the biggest names in aeronautics.

Based in Belgium, Safran Aero Boosters brings together 2,000 people who work in a high-tech environment. State-of-the-art equipment, automated production, continuous improvement and team spirit: everything is in place to take on ambitious challenges and grow your talent.

Why join Safran Aero Boosters?

• A sustainable leader in aerospace: reducing industrial emissions, producing green energy, protecting biodiversity, managing water and waste, ...
• An innovative environment where engineers, technicians and operators work together to bring ideas to life.
• Cutting-edge technical and personal development through Safran University and the Digital Academy.
• Career opportunities in leadership or international roles.
• A friendly, flexible working environment, with a genuine « Liège » spirit

So, does this sound like you? We are looking for our future Institutional Relations Manager for our site in Herstal.

Let's talk about your future role

As Institutional Relations Manager, you contribute to the strategic success of Safran Aero Boosters by identifying, developing and driving institutional opportunities at Belgian, European and international level. You strengthen Safran Aero Boosters's influence on public policy, access to public funding and R&T, as well as our integration into collaborative defence programmes. The role involves regular travel within Belgium and the European Union.

Your responsibilities include:

• Strategic monitoring and anticipation: Maintain active monitoring of public policy, international initiatives (European Union - EU, European Defence Agency - EDA, European Defence Fund – EDF & NATO) and regulation (state aid, research support, cooperation programmes) that may impact our activities. Anticipate political and regulatory trends and decisions to identify valuable opportunities (funding, partnerships, collaborative programmes) and risks to mitigate.
• Influence and external representation: Develop and drive our institutional influence strategy. Engage in information and responsible lobbying efforts with public decision-makers and defence bodies (European Commission and Parliament, Belgian and French ministries, NATO representatives, etc.), in line with Group and legal frameworks, with the aim of promoting our interests and Safran's in public decisions and programmes.
• Funding structuring and participation in collaborative programmes: Work with the R&T programme and commercial/military programmes to structure funding applications (R&T grants, investment aid, research tax credits, etc.) to maximise external financial support. Promote our integration into international defence/cooperation projects (EU, EDA, EDF, NATO programmes, bilateral partnerships) to strengthen our position on strategic programmes and develop new market opportunities.
• Network development and institutional partnerships: Build, nurture and grow a strong network of external relations (political decision-makers, public agency and organisation leaders, industrial partners, professional representatives) to strengthen our visibility and influence within our institutional environment. Maintain regular contact with key stakeholders (elected officials, programme administrators, funding agency leaders, etc.) to position us favourably in relevant public debates and decisions.
• Representing Safran Aero Boosters in external bodies: Actively represent us within relevant professional organisations, clusters, industry associations, think tanks and working groups, at regional, national and international level, and voice our positions on strategic topics (innovation, aeronautics, defence, public funding, regulation), in line with Safran Group's positions.
• Internal coordination and strategic alignment: Act as the interface between us and Safran Group on all institutional matters. Coordinate internally with the Strategy, Commercial & Programmes (DSCP), R&T/Innovation (DINNO), Finance, Legal and Communications departments to ensure an integrated, consistent approach. Work closely with the International Development and Institutional Relations Department (DIRI – Développement International et Relations Institutionnelles) of Safran Group to align our initiatives with Group strategy and best practices.
• Internal strategic support and advice: Provide our top management (and Group Management) with analyses an