External Affairs Manager

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. With products like VELO, VUSE and GLO we are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!
British American Tobacco has an exciting opportunity for an External Affairs Manager in Portugal, located in Lisbon.
BAT is committed to building A Better Tomorrow by developing and transforming the use and consumption of tobacco and nicotine products. In our industry, global trends are shifting, and we are experiencing a period of rapid change. Generational differences, as well as shifting attitudes towards health and wellness, are encouraged to increase the growth of new categories of products including and beyond tobacco and nicotine.
These global trends also affect the Portuguese market, and BAT is looking for an experienced Government Affairs professional to develop external affairs strategies in Portugal. You will report directly to the Iberia Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs and have a dotted line to the Iberia General Manager. You will be integrated into the Iberian Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Team and will work in close collaboration with teams both in Brussels and headquarters in London. Additionally, you will collaborate with other functions such as Legal, Finance, Marketing, and Operations as well as engage with a wide variety of external stakeholders from regulatory authorities and third-party partners to political parties and organisations.
As External Affairs Manager in Portugal, you will work in close collaboration with the business and have a real impact on the decisions being made. The nicotine industry is rapidly transforming into new categories of products, and you will be challenged in your ability to navigate and give sound advice in a sensitive and complex regulatory reality. Through your work, you will influence the future of BAT by impacting the regulatory and fiscal landscape as well as advocating for the transformation of the industry towards potentially reduced-risk tobacco and nicotine alternatives.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Develop the strategy on Next Generation Products (NGPs), both from a regulatory and corporate equity standpoint. Identify and drive proposals of regulatory and fiscal changes to protect principal aspects of the business and achieve sensible regulation which balances both the business and corporate reputation protecting consumers' space and ability to consume BAT products.
Build and manage interrelations with government, political institutions, regulatory authorities, and other relevant stakeholders.
Work effectively within the team, supporting peers, favouring the creation of a positive environment, contributing to the internal comprehension of the Regulatory Affairs business, and promoting equity.
Provide ongoing support to all functions on political, regulatory, excise, and trade issues and responses.
What are we looking for?
Minimum 5 years of proven experience in government and regulatory affairs work, preferably with experience from another FMCG company, a political or public institution and/or in consultancy and in-house roles.
In-depth knowledge of the political & institutional Portuguese and European ecosystem.
Direct experience in dealing with high-ranking government and trade officials on controversial and complex issues.
Experience in setting up collaboration schemes with academic institutions, think-tanks, business associations, and civil society bodies.
National lobbying and campaigning experience are also required, along with an understanding of the sensitivities and complexities involved in the tobacco industry and the issues facing British American Tobacco.
Knowledge of the media ecosystem in Portugal and proven experience of engagement with media and key opinion leaders.
Excellent interpersonal & negotiation skills at the highest ethical standards.
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 prioritize 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.
At BAT, we champion collaboration, inclusion, and partnership as the bedrock of our values. We wish to foster an environment where every individual can thrive, irrespective of factors such as 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, as well as diverse perspectives and thinking styles. We recognize that our strength lies in embracing talent from all walks of life, empowering us to develop our culture of inclusivity and better achieve our business objectives.
We view career breaks not as obstacles but as opportunities and encourage everyone, without hesitation, to apply. Through our Global Returners program, we provide support to professionals seeking to re-enter the workforce after an extended absence, be it for family care, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, or starting their 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 .
We take pride in being a Disability Confident Employer. If you need any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to be made during the recruitment process to support you performing at your best, please inform the recruitment partner who will be in touch should your profile be selected for the role you applied for. We are wholeheartedly committed to optimizing your prospects of success by making suitable arrangements so that you may showcase your full potential.

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