Government Affairs and Communications Manager

BAT is evolving at pace - truly like no other organisation.

To achieve the ambition, we have set for ourselves, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to live our ethos every day. Come be a part of this journey!

ROLE PROFILE

FUNCTION: Corporate and Regulatory Affairs

CITY & COUNTRY: Chiswick, London, United Kingdom

ROLE SUMMARY

What are the key objectives and expectations from this role?  

The regulatory environment is becoming increasingly dynamic across the various categories that BAT UK operate in.

There is a unique opportunity to join BAT UK’s Corporate and Regulatory Affairs team to help shape regulation and help land ambitious tobacco harm reduction policies and achieve key regulatory change.

What is the direct impact of this role on the team or organization?

The Government Affairs and Communications manager, UK will support in driving BAT UK’s regulatory, and engagement plans with various key stakeholders focusing on regulatory change to achieve commercial objectives and supporting the business with new categories market penetration.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Driving external engagement activities on behalf of the UK business with government departments and agencies, members of parliament, local councils, public policy groups, NGOs and other stakeholders in Westminster and the devolved nations.
• Supporting external engagement activities on behalf of the UK business with government departments and agencies, members of parliament, local councils, public policy groups, NGOs and other stakeholders in Westminster and the devolved nations.
• Devising campaign strategies to shape public policy and perceptions which have a direct impact on the business’s financial results and portfolio of products.
• Building acceptance among key external stakeholders of a range of world-leading and new-to-market products and in doing so, helping shape the sustainability of the UK business’s future financial success.
• Drafting high quality, clear and concise advocacy materials, media statements and position papers which communicate complex topics in an easy-to-understand manner for varied stakeholder groups.
• Monitoring, interpreting and reacting to policy, legislative, regulatory and media developments which impact the business and sector.
• Representing and driving the company’s agenda within sector trade bodies, the broader business community, regulator Industry WGs and among think tanks.
• Provide advice and risk assessments to the marketing team based on external environment developments.
•  Support on proactive media engagement that shapes key stakeholder and public perceptions of the company.
• Working with operating companies across the rest of the world and the company’s global HQ to support global engagement and media campaigns.
• Providing strategic counsel to other internal business functions, ensuring regulatory and reputational risks are effectively managed and mitigation strategies put in place.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE

ESSENTIAL

Experience Required

• Demonstrable experience and success in public affairs
• An understanding of NC and tobacco policies in the UK
• Experience in communications
• Good networks of politicians, civil servants and journalists in the UK

Technical / Functional / Leadership Skills Required

• Agile team-player works well in an environment where change is constant
• Self-motivated with a strong drive towards successful outcomes
• Strong communicator, both verbal and written
• Excellent working knowledge of the UK political and regulatory frameworks and who can manage multiple and complex regulatory issues on a day-to-day basis.
• English speaker

Education / Qualifications / Certifications Required

• Master’s degree / graduate degree preferred, and at least +3 years’ experience in public policy & external affairs; and communication roles.
• Teamwork and cross-functional coordination: proven competence and experience in managing in managing cross-corporate networks.

WE ARE BAT

At BAT we are committed to our Purpose of creating A Better Tomorrow. This is what drives our people and our passion for innovation. See what is possible for you at BAT.

• Global Top Employer with 53,000 BAT people across more than 180 markets
• Brands sold in over 200 markets, made in 44 factories in 42 countries
• Newly established Tech Hubs building world-class capabilities for innovation in 4 strategic locations
• Diversity leader in the Financial Times and International Women’s Day Best Practice winner
• Seal Award winner – one of 50 most sustainable companies

BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER

Collaboration, diversity, and teamwork underpin everything we do here at BAT. We know that collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals. Come bring your difference!