Bitdefender is a cybersecurity leader delivering best‑in‑class threat prevention, detection, and response solutions worldwide. Guardian over millions of consumer, enterprise, and government environments, Bitdefender is one of the industry’s most trusted experts for eliminating threats, protecting privacy, digital identity and data, and enabling cyber resilience. With deep investments in research and development, Bitdefender Labs discovers hundreds of new threats each minute and validates billions of threat queries daily. The company has pioneered breakthrough innovations in antimalware, IoT security, behavioral analytics, and artificial intelligence and its technology is licensed by more than 180 of the world’s most recognized technology brands. Founded in 2001, Bitdefender has customers in 170+ countries with offices around the world. For more information, visit https://www.bitdefender.com.
We are seeking a highly connected and influential Government Affairs & Policy Business Development executive to drive our engagement with European institutions, national governments, defense stakeholders, and cybersecurity policymakers across Europe and the United Kingdom, preferably based in Brussels, France, or Germany.
Key Responsibilities
Government & Institutional Engagement
Build and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders across:
European Commission (DG CONNECT, DG HOME, DG DEFIS and related directorates)
European Parliament members and advisors
ENISA, ECSO, and other relevant European agencies
National cybersecurity authorities and ministries (e.g., BSI, ANSSI, NCSC)
NATO and European defense organizations
Europol and fraud‑related authorities
UK government and cybersecurity agencies
Defense industry leaders
Represent the company in:
Policy consultations
Government meetings
Industry working groups
Conferences and public affairs initiatives
Develop and execute engagement strategies with policymakers and public‑sector stakeholders across Europe and the UK.
Identify and develop new government and public‑sector business opportunities.
Policy Monitoring & Regulatory Influence
Monitor And Assess Developments Relating To
NIS2 Directive
DORA
Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
AI Act
Data protection and cloud sovereignty
Critical infrastructure protection
Broader cybersecurity legislation and regulation
Additional Responsibilities Include
Evaluating business impact of emerging regulations
Advising executive leadership on strategic implications
Contributing to policy papers, position papers, and consultation responses
Identifying opportunities to influence policy discussions aligned with business objectives
Strategic Positioning & Market Influence
Increase the company's visibility and credibility within the European cybersecurity ecosystem.
Position the company as a trusted cybersecurity partner for governments and regulated industries.
Support executive leadership in public affairs and stakeholder engagement activities.
Collaborate with marketing, legal, product, and sales teams on thought leadership initiatives.
Develop articles, blogs, and external content that strengthen industry presence and community engagement.
Establish and nurture trusted relationships with key government and defense stakeholders.
Partnership & Ecosystem Development
Develop Strategic Relationships With
Industry associations
Think tanks
Academic and research institutions
Public‑private cybersecurity initiatives
Defense contractors and integrators
National cybersecurity agencies
Key Objectives Include
Identifying participation opportunities in EU‑funded projects and programs
Supporting access to public funding mechanisms and cybersecurity initiatives
Developing strategic partnerships with organizations such as Thales, Leonardo, Airbus, Rheinmetall, Atos, and similar industry leaders
Supporting government frameworks and defense‑related initiatives across Europe
Internal Advisory & Business Enablement
Advise executive leadership on geopolitical, regulatory, and cybersecurity developments.
Support sales and business development teams in public‑sector pursuits.
Provide guidance on compliance positioning and market readiness.
Deliver internal briefings and training on European cybersecurity policy trends.
Transfer knowledge and market intelligence to support strategic planning and growth initiatives.
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Law, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline
Experience
10+ years of experience in one or more of the following:
Government affairs
Public affairs
Cybersecurity policy
Regulatory affairs
Technology advocacy
Defense sector engagement
Strong understanding of:
EU and UK institutions
Legislative and policymaking processes
European cybersecurity regulations and frameworks
Experience within one or more of the following sectors:
Cybersecurity
Defense
Telecommunications
Cloud technology
Critical infrastructure
Established network within European cybersecurity and policy communities.
Existing relationships within the European defense ecosystem are highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with EU institutions or multinational organizations.
Familiarity with public procurement processes.
Knowledge of EU (and UK) funding mechanisms.
Understanding of digital sovereignty and geopolitical issues impacting cybersecurity markets.
Languages
Fluent English (required)
French and/or German (strongly preferred)
Key Competencies
Strategic influence and executive presence
Business development and opportunity creation
Political acumen
Relationship building and networking
Stakeholder management
Public speaking and communication
Cross‑functional leadership
Diplomacy and discretion
Analytical thinking
Strong written communication skills
Success Metrics
The Successful Candidate Will Be Measured Against
Growth and quality of government stakeholder relationships
Influence on policy discussions and industry positioning
Increased visibility within the European cybersecurity ecosystem
Strategic partnerships established
Public‑sector business pipeline generated
Participation in key cybersecurity initiatives and programs
Contribution to regulatory readiness and market alignment
Development of a Government Advisory Board
Expansion of relationships across government, defense, law enforcement, and cybersecurity institutions
Creation of new funding, partnership, and business opportunities
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