Public Affairs & Institutional Relations Manager (based in Rennes or Paris) F/H

The company

Founded in 2013, Cailabs designs, manufactures, and develops innovative photonic solutions for the space, industry, telecommunications, and defense sectors. A global specialist in laser shaping, the company has accelerated its growth in the space field with turnkey optical ground stations that integrate atmospheric turbulence compensation technology. This makes it one of the first companies to harness very high data rates enabled by optics in a commercial ground station.

Cailabs currently has more than 200 employees, including 41PhDs. With 29 patent families filed, the company is one of the most innovative companies in France. It is headquartered in Rennes, with offices in Paris and Washington (USA).

Post description

You are joining a fast-growing technology company in a strategic role at the intersection of institutional, industrial, and sovereignty-related challenges. 

In an environment where public policy decisions can have a direct impact on the company’s development, you will help structure its external representation, strengthen its positioning, and develop relationships with key stakeholders within its ecosystem, both in France and internationally. 

This role combines visibility, high autonomy, and close proximity to the CEO and executive leadership team. You will play a central role in coordinating public affairs topics and in shaping how the company voices its position on high-stakes technological and strategic issues. 

Your responsibilities 

• Structure and coordinate the company’s public affairs activities.  
• Support or directly represent the company toward institutions, government bodies, associations, and strategic ecosystems.  
• Build and maintain a strong stakeholder network in France and internationally.  
• Identify and relay institutional, regulatory, or public funding opportunities.  
• Coordinate key messaging with internal teams and external partners.  
• Ensure consistency of corporate and institutional communications.  
• Prepare and support leadership participation in strategic events.  
• Contribute to monitoring institutional, industrial, and strategic developments.  
• Occasionally contribute to sensitive communication or reputation-related matters.  

Profile required

• Master’s degree in political science, public affairs, law, international relations, or a related field.  
• 5–10 years of proven experience in public affairs, institutional relations, or strategic consulting, ideally within the space, aerospace, defense, or high-tech sectors.  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both French and English.  
• Fluent English required.  
• Strong political acumen, diplomacy, and interpersonal intelligence.  
• Strong interest in technical and engineering topics, with the ability to understand and translate complex technological issues for non-technical audiences.  
• Excellent understanding of French and European decision-making processes (parliamentary, ministerial, regulatory).  
• Proven ability to engage effectively with senior decision-makers and represent an organization in complex environments.  
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills.  
• Strong interest in innovation, diplomacy, and networking.  
• Ability to work independently and across functions. 

Position based in Paris or Rennes, with regular travel between Paris and Rennes. Occasional travel across Europe and internationally.

Benefits

• Regular opportunities for team bonding and social events (annual seminar, team lunches, group games, sports activities, etc.);
• 100% employer-covered health insurance;
• A bonus scheme rewarding both collective and individual performance;
• Joining Cailabs also means having the assurance that everything will be put in place to help you perform, grow, and take on new challenges.

Required languages

• English - Level advanced

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