France Public Affairs Lead – Space Policy & Strategy

The Exploration Company; Bordeaux; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Visa sponsorship where applicable

Job summary

The Exploration Company is seeking a Lead French Public Affairs to design and execute the company’s public affairs strategy at the French level, in close coordination with the CGO and country leads. You will translate regulatory developments into actionable implications for executive leadership.

In a fast-growing startup, the role combines strategic policy leadership with hands-on engagement with ministries, regulators, and senior policymakers, while shaping the company’s market access and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in European Studies, Political Science, Law, Public Policy, or equivalent.
• 5–7+ years of experience in EU and/or French public affairs, ideally with startups or fast-moving regulated sectors.
• Experience engaging directly with French public authorities at senior level.
• Track record advising executives and operating in politically sensitive environments.
• Strong understanding of how public policy impacts business models, funding, and market access.

Responsibilities

• Co-define French public affairs strategy with the CGO, aligned with growth, funding, and market-access objectives.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team on political, regulatory, and institutional matters.
• Identify policy-driven risks and opportunities (regulation, funding, industrial policy, sovereignty, public procurement).
• Anticipate regulatory roadmaps and translate them into actionable business recommendations.
• Lead relationships with French ministries, Parliament, regulators, agencies, and institutional partners.
• Draft and validate position papers, consultation responses, and strategic briefings for senior leadership.
• Support CEO and CGO in high-level French institutional meetings, including preparation of messaging and briefings.
• Personally execute key public affairs actions in a startup context.
• Build lightweight but effective public affairs processes.

Skills

Strategic thinker

Autonomous

Execution-oriented

Stakeholder management

Clear communicator

Education

Master's degree in European Studies or Political Science

Job description

The Exploration Company is seeking a Lead French Public Affairs to design and execute the company’s public affairs strategy at the French level, in close coordination with the CGO and country leads. You will translate regulatory developments into actionable implications for executive leadership.

In a fast-growing startup, the role combines strategic policy leadership with hands-on engagement with ministries, regulators, and senior policymakers, while shaping the company’s market access and