EU Public Affairs Account Director

About Hanbury Strategy

Founded in 2016, Hanbury continues to focus on delivering client excellence and growing our business. We turn insight into impact. Whether a client is facing a communications challenge or has a policy goal, our exceptional team uses our understanding of politics, public opinion and the press to create campaigns that work. We have a relentless focus on achieving great results for our clients.

The role

We are looking to bring on board a driven Account Director to help service existing public affairs accounts, with opportunities to help support our ongoing growth. The role provides the opportunity to work with a range of international clients, including some of the most prestigious companies and investors in the technology and financial services space.

The successful candidate will have three to five years’ relevant experience, either in a EU policymaking context, a business advisory/consultancy or think tank, and/or experience of working in the technology and financial sector.

This is a mid-senior client-facing role and you will need an appetite for developing knowledge, networks, and skills in a fast-paced and collaborative working environment.

Responsibilities

Client management

• Build strong, trusted relationships with clients, acting as a key point of contact.

• Lead day-to-day management of client accounts.

• Help shape client account strategic direction alongside senior colleagues.

• Oversee quality control across all outputs.

• Contribute to Hanbury’s house view on relevant policy developments.

• Provide strategic regulatory and political analysis, engagement advice.

• Support the design and delivery of events for clients and Hanbury, including roundtables, dinners and panel events.

Business development

• Build and maintain a strong external network of contacts and prospects.

• Support the development of business development proposals and pitches.

• Identify opportunities for organic growth within existing accounts.

• Produce original written content, including policy papers, published blogs, research. reports and marketing material.

Leadership and development

• Line manage and mentor junior team members.

• Delegate effectively and support team development.

• Lead by example in work quality, collaboration, and professionalism.

• Contribute to internal training and knowledge sharing.

Culture

• Support the development of a positive Hanbury culture and celebrate the successes of the whole firm.

• Share ideas, feedback and best practice across teams.

The ideal candidate profile:

• Good understanding of the drivers and processes of policymaking and decision-making in the EU, knowledge of policymaking at the national level will be a plus.

• Has at least 4 years experience working for the EU institutions, a think tank, in-house, in a relevant trade association, or in consultancy.

• Excellent analytical and research skills. Ability to obtain a solid overview of new and complex subject matter in a short period of time. Drive for analytical rigour and quality.

• A driven self-starter who works well independently and as part of a team.

• Good project management, organisational and problem-solving skills. Ability to prioritise, plan and schedule tasks proactively and independently. Comfortable working under pressure and to tight deadlines.

• Has first class verbal and written communications skills in English and at least one other European language.

• Previous experience in directly managing individual employees or teams is an advantage.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a flexible approach to working within teams. You should be comfortable collaborating with both internal colleagues and external clients or stakeholders.

• Good and developing network in Brussels.

Benefits

• 26 days’ paid leave plus bank holidays and time off over Christmas.

• Normal working hours are 9am - 6pm.

• Operate a hybrid working policy.

• 4% group assurance (pension) employer contribution.

• Eligible for the company’s 2026 CCT90 bonus scheme.

• Monizze Lunch Vouchers, Eco Vouchers and a monthly travel allowance.

• Representation allowance.

• Health insurance policy.

• Work From Abroad policy for up to 4 weeks a year.

• You will be based in Brussels, but may be occasionally asked to travel in Europe, mainly the UK.

Hanbury Strategy is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of age, disability, gender or gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to equal opportunities, we are open to discussions about alternative working patterns or hours.

Please let us know if you need any reasonable adjustments to be made during recruitment or in employment for reasons associated with your physical or mental health. We are committed to ensuring everyone is able to fully participate in whatever way is most appropriate for them.

How to Apply:

Please submit your application by 30 April 2026.

In your cover letter, which should not exceed 600 words, kindly address the following points:

1. Explain how your experience, attitude, and skills qualify you for this role.

2. Highlight the EU policy areas you are knowledgeable about and/or particularly interested in.

3. Describe what you believe you can contribute to our dynamic and fast-growing team.

Timeline

We review applications on a rolling basis and will begin interviewing candidates as soon as suitable applications are received.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we identify the right candidate.

We look forward to receiving your application and considering you for this exciting opportunity.