External Affairs Director

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

Role Positioning

• FUNCTION: CORA – Corporate & Regulatory Affairs
• SALARY RANGE: Competitive market salary + Bonus scheme + Excellent benefits
• LOCATION: Hanoi / Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Frequent travel between both locations are expected

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead and manage the national regulatory affairs agenda, ensuring alignment with corporate priorities and business strategy.
• Enhance and protect the company’s reputation by building strong, trust‑based relationships with government officials at all levels, positioning the company as a responsible investor and preferred partner.
• Support the Cluster Head of CORA in designing and delivering long‑term stakeholder reputation strategies, including stakeholder mapping, classification, and engagement frameworks.
• Monitor, analyze, and interpret public policy and regulatory trends, identifying risks and opportunities that may impact the business, and evaluating their short‑ to medium‑term implications.
• Maintain strategic relationships with government authorities, ensuring alignment with business needs and obtaining necessary endorsements to support the company’s operations and initiatives.
• Provide regulatory guidance and secure required licenses to support Commercial and cross‑functional project teams, ensuring full compliance with Vietnamese laws and global corporate standards.
• Deliver business intelligence by gathering primary information from government sources and secondary insights on competitor and market developments to help maintain a driven edge.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team capabilities, fostering knowledge sharing and strengthening functional excellence across the wider CORA team.

What are we looking for?

• Minimum 10 years’ proven experience in government relations or external affairs, with 5 years’ demonstrated ability at a management level within a multinational FMCG, regulated industry, or equivalent environment.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a reputable university in Public Policy, Law, Economics, Business, International Relations, or a related field.
• Proven experience working with government agencies, with strong networks and a deep understanding of governmental processes.
• Strong understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape, including policy development, regulatory frameworks, and compliance expectations.
• Exceptional commercial competence, with the ability to translate regulatory insights into business implications.
• Excellent communication skills, with strong written and spoken English.

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.