External Affairs Manager

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!

The environment for the tobacco and nicotine industry, our products and brands are highly regulated. We need to be informed about political decisions impacting us and how they will affect our business. 

Our priority is to inform political decision makers about our positions, consider the impact on the country's economy, and ensure they are taken into account. 

The acceptance of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) is crucial for the future of the nicotine business as well as regulation – Harm Reduction for smokers who can’t or don’t want to quit nicotine. 

These challenges are not solely affecting the nicotine industry, but as well consumers, scientists and health care professionals. 

A favorable regulatory home for Modern Oral as well as unlocking the Tobacco Heating Products (THP) space via a simplification of the authorization process will be vital for the sustainability of BAT’s business in Austria. 

Your key responsibilities will include

• Actively monitor and engage with all regulatory developments impacting the industry, particularly in areas such as product and excise law 
• Serve as the public face of the company in Austria, representing the entity in interactions with key external partners including tobacconists, political representatives, and consultants, as well as at relevant business events 
• Act as the trusted advisor and right hand to the Austrian Country Manager, supporting all external engagement activities and shaping to the company’s public affairs strategy 
• Development, alignment and execution of regulatory strategies for engagement with political collaborators based on BAT’s positions (e.g. Ministries, MPs, authorities) 
• Steering of Public Affairs Consultants to align BAT’s positions with them, provide them with BAT narrative and handle or supervise the execution 
• (Cross-) Industry cooperation in the Chamber of Commerce 
• Excise engagement 
• THR Campaigning and third-Party engagement to land the THR narratives and understanding 
• Managing very trustful Public Health Advocate (PHA) relations 
• Manage BAT Austria External Comms, ensure all reactive requests are answered on time in full and ensure all BAT standards are met (incl. BAT Austria website, and reactive crisis communication package) 
• Close contact with relevant business functions to contextualize the potential impact of political decisions, scenario designs as well as guiding the implementation of political decisions
• Reporting to and collaborating with international BAT functions (Global, Area, EU), timely and clear sharing of information, handling critical issues, and coordinating updates 
• Representation of BAT Austria at German-speaking events (e.g. on panels, giving presentations) 
• Internal & external stakeholder management, Person of Contact for Area and EU Office on all Austrian relevant topics: 
• Budget management 

What are we looking for?

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in political engagement (e.g. at school, workplace, neighborhood, political youth organizations etc.) 
• Knowledge of Austrian political landscape 
• Strong own stakeholder network 
• Experience with media engagement (classical and/ or social media) 
• Curiosity about nicotine products and THR 
• Strategic and commercial thinking 
• Willingness to work in a highly regulated and complex environment with a number of contact persons on different levels, talent for stakeholder management 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with others 
• Proven Leadership experience 
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and urgencies 
• Mobility required (frequent business trips) 
• Excellent command of both German and English, exceptional writing and presentation skills 

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.