Head of Practice (Director/Associate Director) – Transport, Sustainability, Energy

About the role

Mavence is currently looking for a strategic, entrepreneurial, and experienced public affairs professional to join the team at Grayling Brussels. In this role, you will manage a portfolio of transport, sustainability and energy clients and play a key role in growing Grayling Brussels’ offer in these policy areas.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of sector knowledge, consultancy experience, and commercial acumen to deliver high-impact results for clients while helping further strengthen Grayling’s market-leading public affairs offer.

About the responsibilities

Client leadership

• Manage a portfolio of transport and sustainability clients, providing strategic counsel and high-level campaign oversight.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients by delivering timely, policy-relevant insights and proactive advocacy support.
• Lead and facilitate client meetings, contact programmes, and strategic account reviews.
• Oversee the design and execution of integrated advocacy and communication campaigns, ensuring quality, timely delivery, and measurable impact.
• Provide strategic direction to internal teams, mentoring junior consultants and ensuring alignment across workstreams.
• Conduct research, prepare high-quality strategic briefings, and safeguard excellence across all client outputs.
• Identify opportunities to deepen client relationships and drive account growth.

Team & Business development

• Work with the Managing Director to strengthen and expand Grayling Brussels’ transport, energy and sustainability offer, driving strategic growth.
• Mentor and coach 6-7 team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture and helping attract and retain top talent.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities through lead generation, networking, and pitching, contributing directly to the office’s commercial success.
• Lead on marketing efforts and thought leadership initiatives, including authoring articles, speaking at events, and enhancing the firm’s public profile.
• Collaborate closely with our European and global network to cross-sell services, share best practices, and contribute to network-wide growth and integration.

About the requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in EU public affairs, ideally gained within a consultancy environment, and/or another relevant background, e.g. within the EU institutions, an industry association environment or other types of organisations.
• Deep expertise in EU transport and/or sustainability policy; additional knowledge in related areas such as energy or environment is a strong advantage.
• Strong commercial acumen, with a proven track record of winning new business, securing association members, or growing client accounts.
• A proactive, results-driven mindset combined with excellent organisational, writing, and presentation skills.
• Master’s degree-level education and full professional fluency in English; proficiency in other EU languages is an asset.
• A well-established network of contacts among EU policymakers, industry stakeholders, and potential clients.

About the Offer

• Be part of Europe’s largest independent public affairs consultancy network, with access to an unparalleled pan-European platform.
• Work in a fast-growing, international environment that combines a flat hierarchy with an entrepreneurial, collaborative spirit.
• By being a trusted partner for the leadership, and being part of the leadership team yourself, shape client strategies and make a tangible impact on critical sectors.
• Collaborate with a diverse, talented team that values creativity, initiative, and shared success.
• Enjoy opportunities for continuous professional development.
• Gain visibility and build your profile through thought leadership and high-level stakeholder engagement.

About the Application

Interested candidates are asked to submit their application (consisting of CV and cover letter) to Sergey Golyshin, Director EU Recruitment, at Mavence – sergey.golyshin@mavence.com.

Candidates will be assessed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Contact Person

Sergey Golyshin – Brussels