Diageo is the world’s leading premium drinks company, a business built on the principles and foundations laid by the giants of our industry.
Our purpose, celebrating life, every day, everywhere means that our brands are part of celebrations big and small. We believe that living our purpose in full is to make the most of life - to be the best you can be at work, at home, with friends, in the community, and for the community.
Corporate Relations (CR) has a critical leadership role in protecting and promoting Diageo’s reputation and licence to operate and to shape the market, working as business owners and partners to unlock value – all in service of our Performance Ambition - to become the best performing, most trusted and respected consumer goods company in the world.
The GB Public Affairs Manager is responsible for helping to execute Diageo in the UK’s public affairs strategy, building and maintaining relationships with external political stakeholders and protecting Diageo GB’s licence to operate.
The key purpose of the role is to deliver a best in class political engagement strategy which protects the commercial and reputational elements of Diageo GB. You will be required to assist the Government Relations Director in tactical execution and strategy development on public affairs and retain Diageo’s leadership position with political stakeholders.
Sitting within the GB/Europe Government Relations team, the role requires interaction with the broader commercial GB business and in particular with the Above Market Public Affairs team to ensure co-ordination of stakeholder engagement with UK political landscape. The role will manage and track UK political engagement as well as participate in the engagement. The role requires strong understanding of the UK political environment and a political background is preferable.
Top Accountabilities
- Responsible for management of political stakeholder engagement plan and day to day engagement with external agency;
- Manage technical issues on policy development affecting Diageo GB;
- Required to work closely Above Market public affairs team to ensure seamless engagement with Scottish and UK Governments.
Qualifications and Experience Required
- Educated to graduate level;
- Proven experience in Public Affairs with a strong political background. Parliamentary experience preferable;
- Existing political contacts in Westminster desirable;
- Strong organisational skills, excellent writing skills and excellent interpersonal skills needed;
- Experience of managing a PA agency is a plus;
- Ability to interact with senior management and stakeholders with credibility;
- Must be a self-starter, able to take on a task with little direction and complete it successfully.