SunExpress, a joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, is seeking a dynamic and politically astute Public Affairs & Corporate Office Senior Lead (m/f/d) to join our Corporate Office team in Frankfurt, working in close collaboration with the Executive Management. This is a high-impact role combining aviation policy, strategic communication and government engagement.
Tasks
Build and maintain high-level relationships with European ministries, aviation authorities, regulators and institutional stakeholders – incl. decision-makers up to department head level.
Represent SunExpress in high-level forums with Ministers, Ambassadors, Chambers of Commerce, etc.
1. Serve as an early warning mechanism for regulatory developments. Provide actionable insights to internal stakeholders and ensure alignment with company strategy and compliance.
2. Establish SunExpress as a credible and valued voice in regulatory and legislative consultations. Strengthening the airline’s visibility and influence in the policy-making process.
3. Develop clear company positions on key policy issues. Create and manage a tailored lobbying and stakeholder engagement matrix.
4. Prepare high-quality briefing notes and strategic messaging for senior leaders’ engagements with authorities. Deliver regular updates on political and regulatory developments with recommended actions. Support Corporate Office in the overall efficient management of the Executive Managements’ daily business.
Behind the scenes
Together to new heights
Benefits
Free parking
Flight privileges
Cafeteria
Subsidized public transport
Employee events
Hybrid working possible
Free parking, Flight privileges, Cafeteria, Subsidized public transport, Employee events, Hybrid working possible
Requirements
5. University degree or equivalent significant experience in a related field
6. Proven track record (5+ years) in public affairs, regulatory policy or government relations — ideally within aviation, transport or a heavily regulated industry
7. Strong understanding of European political and regulatory processes (EU institutions, national ministries, civil aviation authorities)
8. Excellent communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills
9. Experience preparing executive briefings and advising C-level stakeholders
10. Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability
11. Fluency in German and English required, Turkish an advantage
12. Willingness to travel regularly across Europe
13. Nice to have: Experience and understanding of the Turkish culture and regulatory landscape
Company
About SunExpress
Founded in 1989 as a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, SunExpress acts as a tourism ambassador between Türkiye and Europe with 35 years of experience and leisure airline expertise. Operating flights on 237 routes to 92 destinations across 35 countries, SunExpress carries nearly 15 million passengers annually. Headquartered in Antalya and Frankfurt, with bases in Izmir, Ankara, and Dalaman, SunExpress employs over 4,500 people.