Brown-Forman Russia is searching for a Public Affairs Manager.
What You Will Do in This Role:
- Assess the cultural and political environment affecting the distilled spirits industry in Russia and provide sound strategic and tactical advice to the Corporation.
- Work closely with B-F management in Russia to develop and implement a proactive agenda to advance the Corporation’s commercial interests. This will involve:
- working to protect the Corporation’s interests from threats that would worsen the commercial environment for the responsible sale and marketing of distilled spirits; and identifying and working (most often collectively with others in the beverage alcohol industry) to reform existing laws, policies and regulations that either unreasonably impede or offer opportunity for B-F’s business in Russia and the wider region. Current focus areas include international trade & tariffs, excise and other taxes, e-premise channel access, public health matters and marketing, advertising and labelling regulation.
- External Advocacy: Coordinate all Russian lobbying on behalf of the Corporation. Serve as an advocate and spokesman on political and alcohol responsibility matters and for the Corporation’s interests with national governments, regulators, and associated national government embassies and delegations, and co-ordinate and contribute to such activities as necessary with respect to global multilateral organisations such as the WHO.
- Alcohol Responsibility: Strategically inform, identify and advise all relevant stakeholders on public policy initiatives to promote industry self-regulation, alcohol education, and alcohol responsibility throughout the Corporation’s Russian business.
- Trade Associations: Serve as the Corporation’s primary representative on day-to-day matters involving trade associations in Russia, in particular ABC.
- Travel Retail Channel: Act as public affairs lead on Brown-Forman’s Travel Retail Business in Russia.
What You Bring to the Table:
- Education: College/University (Bachelors or Equivalent) Degree.
- Extensive experience in public affairs and government relations, to include:
- Formulation and drafting of policy positions and public affairs strategies.
- Design and implementation of public affairs advocacy campaigns (and associated public relations).
- In-person advocacy to public officials and a range of external stakeholders.
- Legislative/regulatory analysis.
- Reputation management.
- Engagement in industry affairs, representation at trade associations.
- Fluent business and ‘regulatory’ English and Russian.
What You Can Add to the Team:
- Degree in government/politics, law, communications or related field.
- Experience in alcohol or other highly regulated industry will be strongly preferred.
- Experience in public affairs concerning marketing policy, public health, taxation, sustainability, consumer product design & labelling, ethics & compliance.
- Experience with government consultations or enquiries, and the drafting of governmental submissions.
- Familiarity with a corporate social responsibility and ESG agenda.
- Experience in working in an international environment and/or in and with remote or virtual teams.