Director, EU Public Affairs

Shape European policy on biodefence, vaccine preparedness and health security 

Are you an experienced public affairs leader with deep insight into EU policymaking and a strong understanding of how policy, politics and business intersect? 

Do you want to help shape the policies and priorities that will strengthen Europe’s preparedness for future health threats? 

At Bavarian Nordic, we are committed to protecting lives through innovative vaccines and strong public health partnerships. As our Director, EU Public Affairs, you will lead our European public affairs strategy, shape policy discussions that matter to our business and society and strengthen Bavarian Nordic’s position as a trusted partner in Europe’s evolving preparedness and health security agenda. 

The role 

Reporting to the VP, Corporate Affairs, the EU Policy Director will be based in Brussels and responsible for developing and executing Bavarian Nordic’s public affairs strategy across EU institutions and key Member States.

You will translate business priorities into clear policy strategies and advocacy, helping shape the external environment to support vaccine access, preparedness, innovation, resilient manufacturing, stockpiling frameworks and health security. 

This is a senior, strategic and highly visible role with the opportunity to influence policy and funding priorities that matter to Bavarian Nordic and the broader European preparedness agenda. You will engage with EU institutions, policymakers, national ministries, trade associations, think tanks, NGOs and other key stakeholders, while working closely with colleagues across Medical Affairs, Regulatory, Commercial, Legal, Communications and Executive Leadership to ensure a coordinated and impactful approach. 

Key responsibilities 

• Develop and execute Bavarian Nordic’s EU public affairs strategy, aligned with business priorities and the evolving European policy landscape

• Shape and advance policy positions across EU pharmaceutical and vaccine policy, procurement, reimbursement, preparedness, biodefence and industrial policy

• Anticipate and assess legislative, regulatory and funding developments, translating them into strategic business implications, opportunities and recommendations for action

• Build and leverage trusted relationships and coalitions across EU institutions, national governments, trade associations, think tanks, NGOs and relevant health and preparedness stakeholders

• Represent Bavarian Nordic externally in policy forums, roundtables, conferences, industry associations and advocacy coalitions

• Manage agencies, consultancies, association engagements and related budgets, with a clear focus on strategic value, impact and return on investment

Your profile 
We are looking for a senior public affairs professional who combines strong political judgement with strategic and commercial understanding. You know how to navigate complex stakeholder environments, build influence and coalitions, and translate policy developments into clear business implications, strategic recommendations and impactful advocacy.

You most likely bring: 

• A relevant advanced university degree or equivalent experience 

• Significant experience in EU public affairs, government affairs or policy, ideally within healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotech, vaccines, defence, health security or another highly regulated environment 

• Deep understanding of EU institutions, policymaking and political dynamics, with a strong network in Brussels 

• Proven ability to develop and execute policy and advocacy strategies across multiple stakeholder groups and geographies

• Strong political judgement and strategic business understanding, with the ability to translate complex policy developments into business implications and opportunities

• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills, with credibility at both senior external and executive leadership level

• Ability to work effectively across functions and act as a strategic connector between country, regional and global teams

• Experience managing agencies, consultancies, industry associations and budgets, with a focus on impact and strategic value

• Fluency in English

Why join Bavarian Nordic? 
At Bavarian Nordic, you will join a global vaccine company with a strong heritage in preparedness, manufacturing, and public health partnerships.  

You will have the opportunity to influence policy discussions that matter – from strengthening vaccine access and modernizing stockpiling frameworks to supporting resilient manufacturing capacity and advancing Europe’s preparedness for future health threats. 

This is a unique opportunity to take on a high-impact role at the intersection of European biodefence, health policy and public health, shaping the policy environment and funding priorities that will define Europe’s future preparedness agenda. 

Application 
If you are ready to take on a pivotal role in a growing organization and drive meaningful change in healthcare, apply now and join Bavarian Nordic in our mission to improve health outcomes and foster sustainable growth. 

Please note that we do not support any relocation package for this role. 

We kindly request that headhunters or recruitment agencies refrain from contacting us regarding this position. 

Bavarian Nordic is a global vaccine company with a mission to improve health and save lives through innovative vaccines. We are a preferred supplier of mpox and smallpox vaccines to governments to enhance public health preparedness and have a leading portfolio of travel vaccines. We are headquartered in Denmark and have manufacturing, research, and sales offices across Europe and North America.  

Bavarian Nordic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. 

For more information, visit www.bavarian-nordic.com 

#LI-LJ1