Overview
BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow by Building a Smokeless World. Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!
British American Tobacco Austria has an exciting opportunity for an External Affairs Manager in Vienna.
The environment for the tobacco and nicotine industry is 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 affect not only the nicotine industry but also consumers, scientists and health care professionals. A favorable regulatory home for Modern Oral and 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.
What you will do – Responsibilities
* Actively monitor and engage with 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 the company’s public affairs strategy
* Develop, align and execute regulatory strategies for engagement with political collaborators based on BAT’s positions (e.g. Ministries, MPs, authorities)
* Steer Public Affairs Consultants to align BAT’s positions, provide BAT narrative and supervise execution
* Foster (Cross-) Industry cooperation in the Chamber of Commerce
* Engage on excise matters
* Campaign for THR and engage third parties to land THR narratives and understanding
* Maintain trustful relations with Public Health Advocates (PHA)
* Manage BAT Austria External Communications, ensure timely, complete responses to reactive requests and adherence to BAT standards (including BAT Austria website and reactive crisis communication)
* Maintain close contact with relevant business functions to contextualize potential impacts of political decisions, design scenarios and guide implementation
* Report to and collaborate with international BAT functions (Global, Area, EU), share information timely and clearly, handle critical issues, coordinate updates
* Represent BAT Austria at German-speaking events (e.g. panels, presentations)
* Internal & external stakeholder management; be the Point of Contact for Area and EU Office on Austrian topics
* Budget management
What we are looking for
* Minimum 3-5 years of experience in political engagement (e.g. at school, workplace, neighborhood, political youth organizations)
* Knowledge of the 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 multiple contacts at different levels; talent for stakeholder management
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively
* Proven leadership experience
* Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritise multiple tasks and urgencies
* Mobility required (frequent travel)
* Excellent command of both German and English, exceptional writing and presentation skills
What we offer
We offer a market-leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility). Our benefits vary by country and include diverse health plans, work-life balance initiatives, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives. Our environment supports internal advancement and development; online learning platforms and leadership growth programs are available. We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment to prepare for ongoing changes.
Why join BAT?
We’re named a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute and value collaboration, inclusion and partnership. We support restarting careers through The Global Returners program. Learn more about our culture and employee experience here. If you require reasonable adjustments during recruitment, please notify us. We are committed to supporting you to demonstrate your full potential.
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