Director, EMEA Government Affairs & Public Policy

Director, EMEA Government Affairs & Public Policy in Europe

Chainguard, a venture-backed pioneer in secure open source software trusted by Fortune 500 enterprises and global leaders, is seeking a senior-level Director, EMEA Government Affairs & Public Policy. Based in Europe, this management role will establish and own the company's first dedicated European government affairs and public policy function during a period of rapid regional growth.

Role Responsibilities and Strategy

In this senior capacity, you will shape Chainguard's European policy strategy as critical regulations—such as the Cyber Resilience Act, NIS2, and the EU AI Act—are actively being written. Your day-to-day work will involve engaging governments, regulators, and standards bodies across Europe and the UK, including the European Commission, European Parliament, ENISA, CEN-CENELEC, and ETSI. You will determine whether to engage through direct advocacy or industry coalitions like DigitalEurope, CCIA Europe, BSA, and techUK. Furthermore, you will forecast regulatory developments, draft consultation responses, translate complex technical concepts into clear policy language, and support revenue, marketing, and product teams. As the region expands, you will also help build out the path toward leading a team.

Candidate Requirements

• 8+ years of directly relevant government affairs or public policy experience gained within a private company, public sector organization, or regulatory and standard-setting body.
• A proven track record of building independently, such as standing up a government affairs program or guiding specific policies and standards through to an outcome.
• Senior official engagement experience with the presence to represent Chainguard credibly.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical subject matter for policy audiences.
• Comfort operating in ambiguity with a scrappy, resourceful approach.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills suited for executives, engineers, and government stakeholders.
• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent years of experience in the field.
• Based in Europe with the ability to travel frequently across the region.

Salary for this position is market competitive. To apply or learn more, please refer to Chainguard's official application channels.