Location
: Brussels (Hybrid) | Reports to: Global Director of Public Affairs | Focus: 80% EU / 20% Global
Position Overview
The Public Affairs Strategist plays a key role in developing and executing strategic engagement initiatives, managing critical relationships with external stakeholders, and contributing substantively to the organization's policy advocacy efforts. Leveraging an in-depth understanding of policy landscapes and proven communication skills, the Strategist independently drives projects, provides informed analysis, and contributes to achieving measurable public affairs outcomes. This role acts as a knowledgeable resource within the team and demonstrates increasing leadership in specific areas of responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead and Execute Stakeholder Engagement Strategies
* Engagement Planning: Develop and implement engagement plans for key stakeholder groups, including government officials, regulatory bodies, industry associations, and community leaders.
* Relationship Management: Cultivate and manage ongoing relationships with identified stakeholders, acting as a primary point of contact.
* Representation: Organize and lead meetings, presentations, and events with stakeholders, representing the organization's interests effectively.
* Feedback Analysis: Track and analyze stakeholder interactions and feedback to identify trends and opportunities for stronger engagement.
* Executive Support: Assist in preparing talking points and briefing materials for senior leadership.
2. Analyze Policy and Contribute to Advocacy Efforts
* Impact Assessment: Conduct in-depth analysis of proposed legislation, regulations, and policy trends (specifically EU Green Deal, ESPR, and WFD), assessing potential impacts on the organization.
* Document Drafting: Draft persuasive policy briefs, position papers, consultation responses, and advocacy materials with minimal supervision.
* Campaign Contribution: Contribute to the development and execution of advocacy campaigns, including identifying key messages and target audiences.
* Internal Alignment: Collaborate with internal teams to align advocacy and communications efforts with corporate priorities.
3. Lead Specific Public Affairs Projects and Provide Strategic Insights
* Project Ownership: Take ownership of specific projects, such as developing stakeholder databases or organizing policy workshops.
* End-to-End Coordination: Develop project plans, manage timelines, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure delivery.
* Independent Research: Conduct independent research on complex policy issues, geopolitical developments, and public opinion trends.
* Risk & Opportunity Mapping: Provide proactive insights and recommendations to senior team members on potential risks and opportunities in the external environment.
Immediate Priorities (Based on Portfolio Handover)
* Textiles: Lead the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) implementation and EPR Textile schemes.
* Digital Product Passport (DPP): Manage engagement within the RAIN Alliance and GS1 policy groups.
* Mobility: Monitor ESPR for Light Means of Transport and the Cycling-Industry ecosystem.
Profile
* Experience: 5-7+ years in Public Affairs, preferably with a blend of corporate/consulting and institutional (EU) experience.
* Technical Fluency: deep understanding of EU regulatory process
* Diplomatic Acumen: Ability to handle "grey zone" issues where local Member State laws clash with EU directives.
* Collaboration: A "sparring partner" mindset to work across the G4+2 countries and support SMEs in France.
What we offer you
* Hybrid work model*;
* A vibrant workplace: You will grow within a living space that allows you to practice sports and share collective moments with your teammates.
* Career growth & mobility: You will have the opportunity to evolve within Decathlon and change roles thanks to your personal development plan, our internal training programs (University, job shadowing, job offers), and our internal mobility policy.
* Meaningful mission: You will contribute to making well-being and sport accessible to everyone.
* Triple bottom line evaluation: Your performance will be assessed based on a triple objective (economic, human, and environmental), ensuring your role is at the heart of our CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) commitment and remains truly meaningful.
* Brand Ambassador: As an ambassador, you can participate in Decathlon product testing and express your enthusiasm on the field by joining our corporate sports teams.
* Work equipment: Hardware provided in line with your missions and our societal commitments (Mac or Windows).
About Decathlon
At
Decathlon
, we believe in the power of sport to inspire, connect, and transform lives. Our mission is to
move people through the wonders of sport
, making it more accessible and meaningful for everyone. Everything we do is driven by our users—their experiences, their needs, and their passion for movement.