Senior Associate, Strategic Advisory, Brussels

A strategic advisory firm is hiring a Senior Associate to join its Trade and Industrials Policy Practice in Brussels. This role offers the chance to work at the intersection of global trade, economic security and political strategy, advising leading international clients across highly regulated and strategically significant sectors.

Lead Trade Policy Advisory with a Focus on Life Sciences – we are looking for someone with a strong background in trade policy and proven experience in life sciences or the pharmaceutical sector. This expertise will be central to your work. You will also contribute to projects across a broader client base, including in manufacturing, consumer goods, retail, and services. In this position, you will support clients in responding to complex policy changes in the EU and globally—particularly those linked to supply chains, export controls, investment screening and evolving compliance frameworks. You’ll deliver strategic insights that help businesses navigate risk and shape public policy outcomes. You will be joining a flat-structured, merit-based team that values initiative, collaboration and long-term growth. From day one, you’ll play a meaningful role in advising clients, managing strategic projects and contributing to a dynamic international practice.

The role is full-time, based in Brussels, with flexible working and opportunities for international travel and cross-office collaboration. Salary and benefits are competitive and based on experience.

Strategic Advisory Senior Associate Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor and analyse EU and international trade and industrial policy developments, with a focus on their impact on the life sciences and pharmaceutical sectors.
• Provide strategic advice on trade-related issues, including regulatory cooperation, market access, intellectual property and geopolitical risk.
• Manage projects and client workflows, ensuring timely and high-quality delivery of advice and insight.
• Lead or support engagement strategies with policymakers and stakeholders to help clients adapt and respond to evolving policy landscapes.
• Contribute to business development by identifying new opportunities, supporting pitches, and strengthening client relationships.
• Produce clear, compelling written materials and visual presentations that convey complex issues with clarity.
• Collaborate with colleagues across multiple international offices in a fast-paced, cross-border working environment.

Key Requirements:

• Experience advising on trade and industrials policy, ideally with a focus on life sciences, pharmaceuticals or a closely related sector.
• Previous roles may include time in government, EU institutions, think tanks, trade associations, consultancies, or in-house corporate policy teams.
• Excellent written English, with strong skills in developing client-facing briefings and presentations.
• Robust understanding of EU trade policy processes and institutions. Knowledge of related frameworks in the UK, US, China or WTO is an advantage.
• Strong interest in applying trade policy insight to other sectors such as chemicals, food and drink, tech, and services.
• Comfortable working independently, managing projects and collaborating with senior stakeholders.

If this sounds like the right fit for your experience and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch with our team including a copy of your CV as soon as possible via the form below.

Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search B Corp consultancy with consultants based across the Middle East, UK, USA, and Europe. We specialise in business-critical roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, with dedicated teams in Communications, Government Relations, Financial Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Digital Marketing, Sustainability & Social Impact, and C-Suite recruitment. Please click here to find out about more about Hanson Search.

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