The Senior Account Manager leads the day-to-day management of client accounts, delivers high-quality public affairs counsel to defence, security and aerospace clients and ensures the successful execution of advocacy and stakeholder engagement programmes. The role reports to the Head of Public Affairs.
The role combines client relationship management, strategic advisory support, project leadership and business development. The Senior Account Manager serves as a trusted advisor to clients, manages complex projects, line-manages and develops junior colleagues, and contributes to the growth and success of the business.
This is a senior professional role suited to someone with strong public affairs experience who enjoys managing client relationships, leading projects and mentoring others in a fast-paced consulting environment.
Key responsibilities
Client Management & Strategic Advisory
Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for assigned clients.
Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with client stakeholders.
Develop and implement public affairs and advocacy strategies aligned with client objectives.
Monitor and analyse EU policy and regulatory developments relevant to client interests, with a focus on EU defence industrial policy, defence funding instruments, procurement and export controls, and internal security, border management and visa policy (DG HOME).
Provide clients with timely, accurate and actionable policy intelligence and strategic recommendations.
Lead client meetings, presentations and reporting processes.
Ensure a consistently high standard of client service and deliverables.
Project Management
Oversee the successful delivery of client programmes and projects from initiation through to completion.
Develop and manage project schedules, budgets and deliverables, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and client commitments are met.
Act as the central point of coordination between client teams, internal specialists and external partners to facilitate efficient delivery.
Anticipate project challenges and proactively implement mitigation strategies to minimise impact on timelines, budgets and outcomes.
Ensure project delivery is commercially sound, operationally efficient and consistently meets SEC Newgate EU’s quality standards.
Business Development & Account Growth
Identify opportunities to expand services within existing client accounts.
Contribute to account growth by identifying new areas of engagement and client needs.
Support the preparation of proposals, pitches and business development materials.
Assist Directors in the pursuit of new business opportunities, in particular in the defence and security sector.
Contribute to the firm’s visibility through networking and participation in relevant industry events.
Team Support & Development
Line-manage two to three colleagues, providing day-to-day guidance, allocating them across accounts and conducting annual appraisals.
Support the onboarding and development of consultants, executives and trainees.
Share knowledge, expertise and best practices across the team.
Contribute to a collaborative, high-performing and supportive working environment.
Act as a role model for company values and professional standards.
Knowledge Development & Market Insight
Maintain a strong understanding of EU institutions, policymaking processes and relevant sector developments.
Monitor political, regulatory and stakeholder developments across assigned policy areas.
Identify opportunities and risks for clients arising from legislative and regulatory developments.
Contribute to internal knowledge-sharing initiatives and thought leadership activities.
About you
Experience
Master’s degree in Political Science, European Studies, International Relations, Communications, Law, Economics or a related field.
6-8 years of professional experience in European Public Affairs, preferably within a consultancy environment.
Demonstrated experience managing client accounts and delivering public affairs programmes.
Strong understanding of EU institutions, legislative processes and policymaking.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, policy-monitoring and AI tools.
What You Bring
Demonstrated expertise in EU defence and security policy (defence industrial programmes, funding instruments, procurement and export controls); experience in adjacent areas such as space, cybersecurity or trade is an asset
Experience with internal security, border management or visa policy (DG HOME files) is an asset.
Experience developing and implementing advocacy and stakeholder engagement strategies.
An established network within EU institutions, trade associations, industry stakeholders or related policy communities, including the EU defence and security community (European Commission, European Defence Agency, European Parliament, Member State representations, industry associations), and the internal security and border management community (DG HOME, Frontex, LIBE Committee)
Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify opportunities to grow client accounts.
Experience contributing to business development, proposals and pitches.
Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills.
A collaborative approach combined with the confidence to work independently and take ownership.
A proactive mindset, strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
A willingness to support, coach and develop junior colleagues.
Languages
Excellent written and spoken English.
French or German is a strong asset; proficiency in other European languages is also valued.
Why join us
A competitive compensation package.
An international, collaborative and stimulating working environment.
The opportunity to work with high-profile clients and on high-impact projects across sectors.
Genuine opportunities to learn, develop and grow within the team.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line “Vacancy Public Affairs – Senior Account Manager, Defence”. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants must have a valid EU working permit.