Managing Director / Head of Brussels Office, Energy

Our client, an influential and Europe-wide trade association, dedicated to advocating for energy and water-saving systems in buildings, is looking for a Managing Director / Head of Brussels office. As Europe’s foremost authority on metering, measuring, and managing energy and water efficiency, they amalgamate industry expertise with a deep understanding of policy and extensive networks. Operating independently at the political forefront throughout Europe, their mission centres on promoting energy and water-saving initiatives in building infrastructure.

As the Managing Director and Head of Brussels, you will report directly to the CEO and have the opportunity to work closely with inspiring senior professionals at the board level, receiving valuable mentoring and guidance as you drive the organisation’s mission forward. We are looking for someone with ambition and a passion for making a difference in the energy sector, who is eager to take on challenges and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy transition in Europe.

One of the key aspects of this role is the autonomy it offers. Our client believes in giving their team members the freedom to take ownership of their initiatives and drive them to success. This position presents a unique opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is ready to make a significant impact. 

If you are excited about the prospect of leading a growing team, making a difference in the energy sector, and working with inspiring professionals, we would love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities:

• Act as the primary representative of the association in Brussels, fostering relationships with EU institutions, stakeholders, and the public to advocate for the interests of members effectively.
• Drive political advocacy efforts by shaping positions aligned with member interests, developing comprehensive strategies, and monitoring legislative developments to influence policy decisions within EU institutions.
• Develop and execute a growth strategy for the Brussels office, focusing on repositioning the organisation for increased impact and visibility.
• Identify and capitalise on opportunities to expand the team to support the growth objectives.
• Lead the office with a focus on first-time leadership, taking ownership of driving growth initiatives forward.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO to align growth objectives with organisational goals, ensuring personal and organisational growth are intertwined.
• Operate with a high level of autonomy, supported by the willingness of senior leadership to provide space for independent decision-making and strategic direction.
• Serve as a strong partner to the leadership team, working alongside them to build and strengthen the organisation’s presence and influence in Brussels and beyond.

Key requirements:

• Background in association management, public affairs, or related fields within sectors such as energy efficiency, housing, or real estate, demonstrating extensive experience in navigating complex regulatory environments and advocating for industry interests.
• Exceptional communication abilities coupled with a strong political acumen, showcasing a deep understanding of EU policy and processes to effectively engage with stakeholders and influence decision-making.
• Proficient in drafting articulate and concise texts, adept at organising and facilitating meetings, and demonstrating a willingness to travel as needed to fulfil responsibilities.
• Established network within the EU landscape, particularly in Brussels, complemented by comprehensive industry knowledge spanning diverse sectors and legislative frameworks.
• Thorough understanding of implementation challenges and legal principles governing EU law, combined with technical expertise in energy and water efficiency issues and familiarity with relation law and standardisation practices.
• Demonstrated capacity to work autonomously with a methodical approach, effectively prioritising tasks and initiatives to drive impactful outcomes and advance organisational objectives.

If you have the relevant experience and this opportunity sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with our team including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all. Applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. You can access our Diversity and Inclusion Policy here.

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