Head of Corporate Affairs & Regulatory

About the job

The Key Purpose of this role is to develop and execute the market's external affairs, public policy, regulatory, reputation, communications, and stakeholder engagement strategy. The role safeguards and enhances the company's license to operate, drives favorable regulatory and fiscal outcomes, protects and strengthens corporate reputation, and positions the company as a trusted partner to government, industry, communities, and other key stakeholders. The role acts as a strategic advisor to the Country Leadership Team and is responsible for anticipating, mitigating, and managing policy, regulatory, reputational, and socio-political risks while identifying opportunities that support sustainable business growth.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Regulatory Affairs & Public Policy Leadership

• Lead the development and execution of the market regulatory and public policy strategy
• Drive advocacy initiatives that support a stable, predictable, and competitive regulatory environment
• Monitor emerging regulatory, legislative, and fiscal developments impacting the business
• Develop positions and recommendations on alcohol regulation, excise taxation, licensing, labeling, environmental regulation, trade policy, sustainability regulations, and related matters
• Lead engagement and negotiations with regulators and policymakers
• Coordinate cross-functional responses to proposed regulations and legislation
• Ensure alignment between market priorities and Zone/Global Public Policy objectives
• Lead programs addressing illicit alcohol, counterfeiting, tax stamp initiatives, and formalization of the alcohol sector

Government & Institutional Relations

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key government ministries, regulatory agencies, parliamentarians, municipalities, diplomatic missions, and industry associations
• Represent the company in relevant industry forums and policy platforms
• Develop stakeholder engagement plans for priority government stakeholders
• Support executive engagement with government leaders and strategic decisionmakers
• Position the company as a constructive contributor to national economic and social development priorities

Corporate Reputation Management

• Develop and execute the market reputation strategy
• Strengthen trust and credibility among external stakeholders
• Monitor reputation risks and implement mitigation plans
• Lead issues management and crisis preparedness initiatives
• Coordinate responses to reputational threats, activist activity, negative publicity, and regulatory controversies
• Ensure consistent corporate positioning and messaging

Corporate Brand & Communications

• Oversee development and execution of internal and external communications strategies
• Lead corporate narrative development and reputation campaigns
• Oversee media relations, press engagement, and spokesperson coordination
• Review and approve key public communications, speeches, statements, and presentations
• Manage communication support for corporate events and executive engagements
• Drive programs aimed at improving beer perception and promoting responsible consumption
• Positive media share of voice
• External communication effectiveness
• Internal engagement and alignment metrics

Sustainability Advocacy

• Support advocacy efforts linked to sustainability, circular packaging, environmental management, agriculture, water stewardship, and socio-economic development
• Communicate the business's contribution to economic growth, job creation, and community development
• Promote responsible drinking and smart drinking initiatives
• Strengthen partnerships with NGOs, development agencies, and community stakeholders

Strategic Business Partnering

• Act as a member of the Country Leadership Team
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leaders on stakeholder, regulatory, political, and reputational risks
• Participate in commercial planning processes and key business decisions
• Ensure external affairs considerations are embedded in business strategy
• Partner closely with Legal, Procurement, Supply, Logistics, People, Commercial, and Sustainability teams

Risk Management & Crisis Response

• Develop and maintain stakeholder and reputational risk maps
• Lead external affairs response during crises and business continuity events
• Manage crisis communications and stakeholder engagement during incidents
• Support investigations and regulatory interactions when required
• Maintain crisis plans and response protocols

Team Leadership & Capability Building

• Lead, coach, and develop Corporate Affairs, Communications, and Regulatory teams
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and results
• Manage budgets and external service providers
• Ensure effective project management and execution of strategic priorities
• Team engagement scores.
• Talent development outcomes.
• Successful delivery of annual objectives and strategic projects.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Regulatory & Public Policy
• Delivery of priority advocacy outcomes
• Stability and predictability of regulatory environment
• Progress on excise tax and regulatory objectives
• Reduction of regulatory business risks

Stakeholder Engagement

• Strength of key stakeholder relationships
• Quality and frequency of government engagements
• Industry association leadership and influence

Reputation

• Reputation index improvement
• Positive stakeholder sentiment
• Successful management of high-risk issues

Key Attributes and Competencies:

• Required Competencies
• Functional Competencies
• Regulatory Affairs
• Public Policy Development
• Government Relations
• Strategic Communications
• Reputation Management
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Crisis & Issues Management
• Project Management
• Negotiation & Influencing
• Leadership Competencies
• Strategic Thinking
• Business Acumen
• Executive Presence
• Stakeholder Influence
• People Leadership
• Collaboration
• Decision Making
• Results Orientation
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Success Profile

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Law, Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations Economics Communications, Public Administration or Business Administration
• 8-12+ years of experience in Corporate Affairs, Government Relations, Regulatory Affairs, Public Policy, External Affairs Communications or Public Affairs
• Experience engaging senior government stakeholders.
• Proven advocacy and stakeholder management track record.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects.
• Experience managing reputational and regulatory risks.
• FMCG, beverages, tobacco, telecommunications, energy, pharmaceuticals, or highly regulated industry experience preferred.