Public Affairs Manager

We say HI*

*Human Intelligence – Welcome among Thales Team

Thales in Belgium is part of an internationally leading technology group in the defence and security, aerospace as well as digital identity and security markets. In a world characterised by uncertainties, we ensure that our customers, partners and employees can pursue new paths with confidence. For a future we can all trust.

Say HI* – to your career as

Public Affairs Manager

Mainly at the Tubize/Peutie and Herstal/Soumagne sites

In Tubize, you will join more than 300 colleagues (and around 100 consultants & temporary workers) recognized by domestic and international partners for expertise on products and solutions such as Radio Frequency (RF), Aeronautical Intercom, Crypto Global Solution, vehicles integration and Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR).

In Herstal/Soumagne (SEVESO site), you will join more than 170 colleagues (and around 70 consultants & temporary workers) specialized in the design, development, production and supply of 70mm NATO Standard rocket ammunition and weapon systems for use by worldwide customers in the Defense (MoD) and Aerospace & Land OEM sectors. With the Guided Rocket in the portfolio additional market's segments are now addressed like Ground-to-Ground applications or Counter-UAS.

In the coming years, Thales Belgium plans to increase its footprint in the Flemish and Walloon regions and abroad.

Today the Group employs more than 1,000 people across Thales and customers sites in Belgium. Discover all Thales activities in Belgium here.

Being part of Thales Group, Thales Belgium closely works with (1) the Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DGDI) supporting the company's commercial strategy and with the Global Business Units (GBUs) managing a specific area of business for the Group on a worldwide scale.

Your mission

As Public Affairs Manager, you develop and implement strategies to advance Thales' interests and positions with public institutions, policymakers, and key stakeholders in Belgium. You play a central role in representing the company's interests to national, regional, and European authorities by fostering constructive dialogue and anticipating regulatory and political developments that may impact the business.

In this position, you closely work with the Chief Executive (direct report) and Senior Management teams.

Key responsibilities

• Strategy development: Contribute to the development and execution of strategic account plans, ensure public affairs activities align with overall business strategy and enhance the organization's position & reputation.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Networking: Build, manage and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including public authorities, government officials, industrial partners, trade associations (e.g. Agoria, ASD), NGOs, and other opinion-forming audiences. Prepare analysis notes, briefing documents, and monitoring reports for various internal stakeholders.
• Policy monitoring & analysis: Track relevant legislative, political, and regulatory developments at the Belgian and EU levels, providing intelligence and advice to the business on their potential impact.
• Advocacy and representation: Advocate for the company's interests on policy issues. Represent the company at external events, conferences, and public activities.
• Communication & Content Creation: Adapt technical and business positions into accessible and compelling messages for political and policymaker audiences. Responsibilities include drafting position papers, policy briefings, internal reports, and advocacy toolkits.

We are looking forward to:

Profile:

• Proven professional experience in a public affairs, corporate strategy, or institutional communication, ideally within an international or multi-level (Belgian, European) and preferably within an industry relevant to Thales (Defence, Security, Aerospace, Digital Identity & Security)
• Intimate knowledge of Belgian political and administrative institutions and legislative processes
• Demonstrated networking and excellent interpersonal skills, communication, diplomacy, and ease in negotiating with diverse interlocutors
• A relevant university degree (e.g., Political Science, International Relations, Law, Communications, or a related field)
• Strong analytical, organisational, and information-gathering skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and the ability to translate analyses into strategic recommendations
• Autonomy, rigor, engagement and dynamism
• Strong ethical standards and professional integrity

Languages and mobility:

• Bilingual French-Dutch & Fluent in English. Excellent writing skills in one of the languages.
• Presence required at Thales Belgium facilities and regularly in Flanders; ability to travel domestically and occasionally internationally.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any required national/EU/NATO security clearances.

Note

• This description reflects core responsibilities and may evolve with the business needs.

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. The Group is investing in digital and \"deep tech\" innovations – Big Data, artificial intelligence, connectivity, cybersecurity and quantum technology – to build a future we can all trust.

For more than 20 years, Thales has pursued a robust corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy based on the highest international standards. The principles behind this policy are now captured in the company's purpose of \"building a future we can all trust\", which was adopted in 2020.

Say HI* – Your journey to us

At times of change our international teams are ready to meet the complexity of today with the industry-leading technologies of tomorrow. Will you be part of it? We are looking forward to your online application. Great journeys start here, apply now

*Human Intelligence