Public Affairs Lead

Job Description

Job Description:

The Public Affairs Lead is responsible for developing and implementing a clear and influential strategy driving Royal Canin’s agenda to shape a favorable business environment.

In this role, working closely with the Corporate Affairs Head and relevant functions, you will anticipate and manage public policy and regulatory issues that could impact Royal Canin and drive a proactive agenda to advocate.

This position is part of the Royal Canin Korea Corporate Affairs team and reports to the Korea Corporate Affairs Head, a member of the Korea Leadership Team, while working in close collaboration with the Regional and Global Corporate Affairs/Public Affairs team.

What will be your key responsibilities?

Strategy & Expertise

• Work with the Head of Corporate Affairs to develop objectives, set priorities, and participate in planning for the Function.

• Partner with market units, regional, and global Public and Regulatory Affairs teams to align strategic positions regarding policies and regulations.

• Design and implement strategic programs and narratives that proactively communicate Royal Canin perspective and shape corporate reputation.

• Anticipate, research, and report on trends and changes relevant to pet care/pet ownership and their implications for the business.

Issues Monitoring & Management

• Monitor, identify, communicate, and action emerging policy and regulatory issues and opportunities in partnership with the Corporate Affairs Head.

• Ensure that Royal Canin is well-informed of topics that may influence current and future government and regulatory policies or regulations.

• Proactively identify and lead issues management on priority issues (pet welfare, sustainability, etc.) and product-related issues (pet food regulatory framework, international trade, ingredients, etc.) in collaboration with the Regulatory Affairs function.

• Coordinate regulatory and policy change management activities to address potential impacts on the market unit and communicate with relevant stakeholders to minimize business impact.

Stakeholder Management & Advocacy

Internal:

• Engage and work globally, regionally, cross-functionally.

• Work with relevant technical teams such as Pet Professional, Regulatory Affairs, R&D, Engineering, Commercial, and Q&FS, etc. to provide necessary public affairs support.

External:

• Build strategic external networks to engage and advocate Royal Canin positions.

• Represent Royal Canin with relevant external stakeholders, including key government agencies, industry associations, policymakers, NGOs, and other influential organizations.

• Work with other Mars segments to establish policy and influence external scientific environment and key opinion leaders that benefit and further the company’s innovation and growth strategies.

What are we looking for?

Education & Professional Qualifications

• BS/BA in public policy, public relations, business or related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in public affairs or communications

• Issue communications knowledge and experience

• Experience of working in multidisciplinary teams

Knowledge / Experience

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop solutions to complex problems.

• Experience in developing and executing public policy initiatives that support business growth and advance the regulatory playing field.

• Experience as an effective external spokesperson.

• Proven track record of working with trade associations, professional bodies, and government agencies to achieve business or industry objectives, with the ability to articulate an advocacy agenda.

• Collaborative and inclusive team player.

• Fluency in both written and spoken English.

What can you expect from Mars?

Work with diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles. Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today. A strong focus on learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University. An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.