The Global Language of Business
GS1 logo

Public Policy Senior Manager (Europe)

Job type: Employee
Time type: Full-time
Location: Brussels, Belgium (Hybrid)
Post date: 29 January 2026

Position Summary:

We are seeking an experienced Public Policy Specialist to strengthen our Brussels‑based GS1 Global Public Policy team.
 

Responsibilities:

  • The successful candidate will monitor EU policy and legislative developments where GS1 standards can deliver value, and proactively engage with EU institutions (European Commission, Council, and Parliament), Member States, and relevant trade and industry associations.

  • Working with the Public Policy team and reporting directly to the Vice President, Global Public Policy, the successful candidate will have 8+ years prior experience of working in relevant EU Institutions.

  • Their role will be to monitor and provide advice on EU policy and legislative developments where GS1 standards - together with GS1 services and a broad ecosystem of GS1 standards-compliant solution providers - can deliver value for GS1 and our members.

  • They will serve as GS1’s day-to-day point of contact for engagement with EU institutions and stakeholders on the detailed aspects of current and forthcoming legislation and regulation. The role involves building constructive relationships, providing evidence-based specialist insights, and ensuring that GS1’s positions are understood and appropriately reflected in evolving policy frameworks (e.g., Digital Product Passport, 2D migration in retail, CSRD, PPWR, product safety, traceability, and trade digitalisation).

Education/Experience:

  • Master’s degree with 8+ years of related experience.
  • EU Institutions: Active or prior experience in/with the European Commission, Council, or Parliament (e.g., cabinet, Directorates-General, unit, political group, committee secretariat, perm rep or policy advisory).
  • Stakeholder Networks: Established contacts across EU institutions; experience building coalitions and coordinating with multi‑country stakeholders.
  • Can demonstrate previous public policy experience in a commercial environment.

Desired experience:

  • Sector Knowledge: Understanding of FMCG/retail and consumer goods policy environment (sustainability, product data, packaging, product safety, traceability, e commerce).
  • Standards & Data: Familiarity with data standards and policy interoperability (preferably GS1 standards, 2D barcodes, master data, digital product information), and the role of registries in regulatory compliance.

     

Skills required:

  • Strategic Policy Framing: Ability to connect technical standards to policy objectives (consumer protection, sustainability, market surveillance, competition, innovation).
  • Executive Relationships: Credibility with senior officials and industry leaders; ability to develop long-term trusted relationships, adept at informal/formal advocacy, drafting amendments and compromise texts.
  • Communication: Excellent written and oral communication in English; French or Dutch highly valued; additional EU languages an asset.
  • Analytical Rigour: Strong legislative analysis, impact assessment, and risk/opportunity mapping; able to translate complex dossiers into clear executive guidance.
  • Execution & Collaboration: Comfortable operating in a federated international network; disciplined follow‑through across multiple files; high integrity and respect for competition‑law constraints.
  • Public Representation: Confident public speaker; able to present GS1’s neutral, standards‑based positions in diverse EU fora.
     

Additional Information:

This job requires significant time working and engaging with EU institutions in the Brussels area and up to 25% global travel outside Brussels. This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 8 days per month in our Brussels office.

How to apply:

Email your cover letter with CV to: jobs@gs1.org; include the job title in the subject line. Responses will be treated quickly and with strict confidentiality.