​This globally-recognised, household brand in food and drink manufacturing is keen to find a seasoned Public Affairs practitioner to join its UK & Ireland division. Working as part of the Public Affairs team, this role will be instrumental in leading and implementing a public affairs strategy relating to Nutrition, Health and Wellness and emerging health policy, which ensures that this company and the sector as a whole is clearly represented in Government policy.

You will be at the forefront of a number of major policy issues and critical responsibilities will include active engagement with key political, government, industry & NGO stakeholders across the UK & Ireland, including on specific policy areas relevant to the devolved nations. As such, you’ll be someone with a rock-solid grasp of emerging health & public policy and a laser focus on how it impacts corporate activity.

You’ll be the kind of communicator who can confidently represent the company at relevant working groups of trade associations, including the Food and Drink Federation and the Food and Drink Sector Council, and be savvy enough to help it navigate and understand the implications of incoming regulations, working closely with colleagues across various functions and in Brussels.

With several years’ experience working in public affairs or government roles, your excellent written and verbal communication skills are a given and you’ll also be an astute forward planner, capable of juggling multiple complex projects at a time. Great networking skills to help you build sustainable relationships with external public health stakeholders, the confidence to drive the corporate agenda and the ability to make a real impact with senior executives are what the business is looking for. Some experience in manufacturing and/or FMCG would also be beneficial but is not essential.

This role pays up to £55,000 + bonus + generous car allowance & other benefits. It is based at the Gatwick office in West Sussex but the company operates a well-established hybrid working model.