Associate Director

About Whyte EU Public Affairs Whyte EU Public Affairs is the Brussels-based arm of the Whyte Group, advising executive leadership on EU matters where strategic positioning, institutional judgement and political sensitivity are decisive. We operate as a senior, partner-led advisory and work directly with boards and C-suites on issues that sit at the intersection of regulation, geopolitics and corporate strategy. In an EU landscape increasingly shaped by economic security, industrial policy and strategic autonomy, effective engagement requires more than access
- it demands credibility, calibration and timing. That is the space in which we position Whyte EU Public Affairs. As we expand, we are seeking an Associate Director to contribute directly to client direction, mandate origination, and the firm’s development. More information is available on website: https://www.whyte.eu The Role This is a leadership position at the interface of strategy and execution, with direct responsibility for both client delivery and commercial development. Beyond client delivery, success in this role will be measured by your ability to deepen client relationships, contribute to commercial development, support the development of colleagues and reinforce Whyte EU Public Affairs' position as a trusted advisor in the European policy landscape. As Associate Director, you will:
• Lead complex EU mandates end-to-end, defining positioning, engagement strategy and execution parameters
• Originate and anchor senior client relationships, acting as a trusted counterpart to executive leadership
• Convert strategic opportunities into mandates, with clear ownership of commercial outcomes
• Define and uphold advisory standards, ensuring consistency in analysis, positioning and delivery
• Develop and mentor a small, high-calibre team You will be expected to exercise independent judgement in technical and often sensitive contexts, including determining where and how the firm engages.

Your Profile
Experience
• 10+ years in EU public affairs, EU institutions or adjacent environments
• Strong command of EU legislative and regulatory processes
• Ability to structure complex policy environments into clear strategic options
• Established credibility and network across EU institutions and relevant stakeholders
• Experience in one or more of the following sectors is particularly valued: healthcare/pharmaceuticals, financial services, technology and digital policy
• Experience in consultancy and/or in-house is an advantage
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead client mandates and manage senior stakeholder relationships
• Experience engaging stakeholders across multiple European countries and institutional environments is highly valued Commercial acumen
• Proven ability to originate work and build sustained client relationships
• Track record of converting opportunities into mandates at senior executive level
• Clear sense of positioning: what to pursue, how to frame it, and when to act
• Ability to assess where the firm can add value
- and where it should not engage Mindset
• Rigorous, reliable and outcome-driven
• Entrepreneurial in approach, disciplined in execution
• Collaborative and intellectually demanding
• Fluent in English; additional EU languages are an asset
• Academic background in Law, Economics, Political Science, European studies or equivalent. Legal training is a strong asset. We value individuals with a genuine interest in the evolution of the European policy landscape.

What We Offer
• A senior role with direct influence on client direction and firm development
• A focused and selective environment, focused on quality of mandates rather than volume
• Direct exposure to board-level issues and decision-making contexts
• A competitive compensation package, including:
• Company car or mobility budget
• Meal vouchers
• Pension and hospitalisation insurance
• Home internet, laptop and mobile subscription
• A self-employed collaboration with a long-term perspective can also be considered We operate on a flexible, trust-based hybrid working model, between home and our Brussels office (Clos Lucien Outers, 1160 Brussels), in close coordination with the team. Recruitment process
• Submit your CV and cover letter via the "Apply" button
• Introductory discussion (online or in person) with HR and a team member
• In-person interview at our Brussels office with senior team members, including a short strategic case discussion. As part of the selection process, professional references may be requested at a later stage and only with your prior consent.
• Final decision and offer