Lead Public Affairs Manager – Defence, Security & Digital Sovereignty

Orcrist is building a next generation data intelligence platform using cutting-edge technologies. We're handling petabyte-scale data with sub-second queries. Our product is a Kubernetes‑based platform delivered as B2B SaaS or as a self‑hosted on‑prem solution, including air‑gapped deployments. We enable customers across defense, law enforcement, and enterprise to turn mission-critical data into actionable intelligence.

Role

We're looking for a Lead Public Affairs Manager to join our Business Development team. In this role, you'll take operational ownership of our political work across defence, security, AI, data processing, critical infrastructure, and digital sovereignty. You will translate political, regulatory, and budgetary developments into actionable recommendations, build and maintain institutional relationships, and prepare our leadership for high-level engagements with political stakeholders.

What you'll do

• Conduct political monitoring across defence, security, budget, procurement, AI, data, cyber, and critical infrastructure
• Translate political, regulatory, and budgetary developments into concrete implications and strategic recommendations
• Build and maintain a systematic stakeholder register and engagement plans for political and institutional contacts
• Independently develop and maintain tier-2 and tier-3 relationships across ministry, parliamentary, and industry stakeholders
• Prepare C-level conversations with executive briefings, key messages, and clear objectives, documenting outcomes and driving follow-up actions
• Develop political narratives in close alignment with the CDO and Communications
• Draft position papers, Q&As, talking points, and background papers on key policy topics
• Coordinate association work, parliamentary formats, and relevant political events
• Manage lobby register, transparency, and conflict-of-interest processes together with Legal/Compliance
• Feed political signals and market insights back to GovDev, Product, and Leadership in a structured way

About you

• 5–8+ years of professional experience in public affairs, the Bundestag, federal government/ministries, parliamentary groups, associations, consultancies, or tech/defence companies
• Deep understanding of Einzelplan 14 (German defence budget), Bundeswehr procurement, and security policy decision-making processes
• Proven track record of preparing senior political conversations and delivering concise executive briefings, position papers, and Q&As under tight deadlines
• Strong technical literacy with the ability to explain complex AI, data, and security concepts accessibly to political audiences
• An active, established political network in Berlin
• High level of political judgement, discretion, and a structured, systematic approach to stakeholder management
• Business fluent German and English (C1+)
• Willingness to travel approx. 20–30% (national & international)
• Authorization to work in Germany

What we offer

• Remote-first, Germany-wide: Work from wherever you do your best work, with regular team gatherings in Berlin and other off-site locations.
• Flexibility by default: Flexible working hours help you make work fit your life.
• Your setup, your way: Get a personal home-office equipment budget to create a workspace that works for you.
• 30 days of vacation: Take the time you need to recharge and come back with fresh energy.
• Keep growing: We invest in your personal and professional development.
• Get rewarded for impact: Performance bonuses are tied to agreed objectives and key results.
• A warm welcome: Every new team member gets a welcome goodie bag.
• Good people, good times: From summer and Christmas parties to regular team gatherings, we make time to celebrate together.
• A mission that matters: Work on challenges with tangible impact on public safety and national security.