Head of Public Affairs

About Our Client – Omnicom

Headquartered in New York, Omnicom Group is the world’s leading marketing and sales company, offering advertising, media, PR, and digital commerce. Powered by Omni, Omnicom’s Connected Capabilities unite the company’s world-class agency brands, exceptional talent and deep domain expertise across media, commerce, consulting, precision marketing, advertising, production, health, public relations, branding and experiential to address clients’ critical growth priorities and deliver sustainable growth.

Omnicom Public Relations Group (OPRG) is a leading strategic communications consultancy with a clear mission: Guiding change for growth. In a constantly changing world, they help organizations and brands build sustainable connections with society.

They advise clients on identifying, understanding, and leveraging societal, political and economic trends. Drawing on data, analysis, and creativity, they develop tailored communications and public affairs strategies and activations that contribute to reputation, positioning, and growth.

In the Netherlands

Omnicom Public Relations Group BV operates from offices in Amsterdam and The Hague, giving the team proximity to both the country’s commercial and political centers. The Amsterdam office focuses on strategic communications and works closely with Omnicom’s wider network and sister agencies, while the presence in The Hague provides proximity to the Dutch political and public affairs environment.

About The role

Omnicom is looking for an experienced Public Affairs Business Director to lead the growing PA practice. You will lead strategic client relationships, develop integrated public affairs strategies and coach teams toward peak performance. As a trusted advisor, you will guide clients through complex political and regulatory landscapes while further developing our offering.

You will lead complex stakeholder programs, drive growth (for both clients and the agency), coach consultants, and represent Omnicom Public Affairs as a thought leader in the Netherlands and Europe. Our client is looking for a senior professional who can take their PA practice to the next level.

Key Responsibilities

Senior Client Advisory & Relationship Management:

As a trusted advisor at C-suite/board level, you will provide strategic advice on political risk, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement. You will have overall responsibility – both substantively and financially – for developing, managing and growing client relationships.

Political Intelligence & Influence:

You will proactively monitor, analyze, and influence political and societal developments at national, EU, and geopolitical levels. Anticipating change is essential to providing clients with in-depth strategic advice.

Public Affairs Strategy & Execution:

You will develop and implement sophisticated public affairs strategies for complex political challenges. You will advise on the optimal approach toward national government, regional/local authorities, EU institutions (in collaboration with our Brussels team), the semi-public sector, industry associations and NGOs. You will maintain a senior network of key decision-makers, including ministers, State secretaries, Members of Parliament, senior civil servants, industry leaders and NGO representatives.

Integrated Approach:

You will integrate public affairs with other disciplines, such as corporate communications, crisis communications, and ESG, and lead cross-practice teams to maximize client value and OPRG growth.

Thought Leadership:

You will produce influential policy briefs, position papers and thought leadership content. You will represent Omnicom Public Affairs as a recognized authority through speaking engagements, social media and industry forums.

Business Development:

You will lead the business development strategy for public affairs, generate new opportunities through your network and successfully convert them together with the team.

Team Leadership:

You will coach our public affairs consultants, foster a best-in-class culture and motivate them to grow and develop.

European & International Collaboration:

You will work closely with colleagues in Brussels and international offices, translate EU policy developments into opportunities for clients in the Dutch market and maintain a strong international network.

What Omnicom Is Looking For

• Senior relevant experience in public affairs, with a proven track record and expertise in regulation and public affairs.
• Experience leading integrated public affairs strategies, achieving measurable policy outcomes, managing senior client relationships and successfully developing new business.
• In-depth knowledge of The Hague: political processes, legislation, decision-making, government structures, and regulatory frameworks, with a demonstrable ability to influence policy outcomes.
• A strong senior-level network within companies, government, parliament, regulatory authorities and industry.
• Experienced leader with team management and coaching skills.
• Experience with international collaboration, particularly Brussels/EU institutions or with international teams.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex political developments into strategic client advice.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Dutch and English.

What Omnicom Offers

• A full-time position with significant leadership responsibility within a driven, professional team at an international agency with a prestigious client portfolio.
• Hybrid working, with three days in the office(Amsterdam/The Hague, at our office on Plein) and two days working from home.
• 27 vacation days per year for a full-time position, with the option to purchase up to 7 additional days.
• Full reimbursement of travel expenses.
• Mobility allowance or company car.
• Pension scheme.
• Work-from-home and internet allowance.
• A working environment focused on professional growth, with an extensive Learning & Development platform and regular opportunities to participate in in-house training.
• Access to the international OPRG network, including FleishmanHillard, Ketchum and Porter Novelli, and Portland, including close collaboration with our Brussels office.
• Modern office facilities

Why Join Omnicom Netherlands

• Omnicom Group manages major global networks across advertising, media, public relations, and branding. Key leading brands include creative powerhouses like BBDO, DDB, and TBWA, media giants OMD and PHD, PR firms like Weber Shandwick and FleishmanHillard, and branding agency Interbrand
• Work with world class clients in a wide range of areas, including Healthcare (eg. Abbvie, MSD), Financial Services (eg. Mastercard), Manufacturing (eg. Philips), Tech (eg. Discovery+), Automobile (eg. MG)
• The team offers in-depth expertise across areas including corporate communications, crisis communications, reputation management and ESG communications.
• Omnicom Netherlands develops integrated stakeholder strategies designed to create impact at local, national, and international levels.
• The Dutch team comprises around 30 professionals working from offices in Amsterdam and The Hague (Plein). The team works closely with colleagues across the European network, including the FleishmanHillard team in Brussels, the largest public affairs agency in the heart of the European Union.
• Omnicom Netherlands believes that its people make the difference. The organization therefore fosters a working environment that encourages a growth mindset, offering opportunities for personal development and coaching, as well as international collaboration, within a culture centered on four values: bold, investigative, empathetic, and disarming.

Contact Person

Jason Descamps – Brussels