Lead Advisor

Are you motivated by advising defence-industry leaders on European policy, institutional engagement, partnerships, and funding? Do you combine sound political judgement with a commercial mindset, and enjoy taking responsibility for client relationships, complex assignments, and the development of colleagues and business? Then you might be our new Lead Advisor. We are looking for an experienced, trusted, and proactive colleague who will work with our teams in Brussels and Copenhagen to deliver strategic advice to clients and help further develop our Brussels office and European defence practice. 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 devel-oping 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 de-velopment 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 in English Direct experience in an EU institution, NATO, a national Ministry of Defence, a Permanent Representation, the defence industry, or a specialist consultancy is a strong advantage. Experience in at least two of the three Navigate service areas
- reporting, advocacy, and grants
- is preferred, together with credible working knowledge of the third. Additional European languages and experience with procurement, export controls, or capability development are welcome. The role is based at our office in Brussels' EU district and involves occasional travel within Europe, including to our Copenhagen office. You must be eligible to work in Belgium. The indicative starting date is 1 November 2026. A role with influence At Navigate, you will advise clients on complex issues at the intersection of European defence, politics and business. Your advice will help senior decision-makers understand political developments, engage effectively with key stakeholders and identify strategic opportunities across the European defence landscape. You will take a leading role in client relationships and assignments, working closely with colleagues in Brussels and Copenhagen. You will have the opportunity to shape strategic advice, develop services and client relationships, mentor colleagues and contribute to the continued development of our Brussels office and European defence practice.

We offer
a high degree of responsibility and freedom, strong professional standards and a collaborative, cross-European working environment. You will receive onboarding in both Brussels and Copenhagen, role-specific training and the opportunity to influence the development of Navigate as our company and Brussels office continue to grow. Our flat hierarchy gives you direct access to Navigate’s leadership and the freedom to act on sound judgement and new ideas. You will be trusted to take ownership, provide candid advice and make a visible contribution to our clients, colleagues and business. Interested? If this sounds like you, please upload your CV and a motivated application in English through our recruitment system. We review applications on a rolling basis. Please apply no later than 15 September 2026. We expect to hold first-round interviews on 22-23 September and second-round interviews on 28-29 September. We therefore encourage you to reserve these dates when applying. Curious to know more? Visit us at www.navigatepa.com and follow us on LinkedIn.