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- Tasks: Lead government affairs strategy and engage with political leaders to shape policy.
- Company: Join Kraft Heinz, a responsible food manufacturer committed to sustainable practices.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development, private medical cover, and gym discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public policy while working in a dynamic, high-performing team.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in public affairs; strong UK political knowledge; excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Position based in London’s Shard; opportunity to work with top industry leaders.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
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We have an excellent opportunity available for an experienced Head of Government Affairs to make a difference at Kraft Heinz. You will shape the external policy environment to support our commercial goals, drive sustainable business practices, and foster our reputation as a responsible food manufacturer.
You will be responsible for building a new government affairs (GA) ecosystem to position Kraft Heinz as a thought and knowledge partner with government. Working closely with the Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, you will ensure that the organisation has a strong voice in public policy discussions and contributes to shaping legislation or regulatory frameworks relevant to our business. This is a meaningful role at the intersection of policy, business, and brand.
This role lies within the European Developed Markets business unit. The position is based in London, located in the Shard, and will report to the Director for Government Affairs Europe, based in Brussels.
Owning the development and execution of Kraft Heinz’s GA and public affairs strategy in the UK will be your primary responsibility. You’ll be working in a high performing team, alongside peers always trying to reach the next level!
What you’ll do
- Develop a long-term UK GA strategy and serve as an outstanding strategist and tactician in terms of planning and delivery.
- Guide the UKI Managing Director in engagement with senior political and industry leaders.
- Advise senior leadership and commercial teams on potential risks and opportunities arising from the policy landscape.
- With our agency partner, supervise and assess policy and regulatory developments affecting the food sector, including nutrition policy, packaging and sustainability, economic policy and trade.
- Build and maintain relationships with key collaborators across Westminster, devolved governments, local authorities, regulatory and institutional bodies (e.g., DEFRA, DBT), and relevant industry associations (e.g. IGD).
- Develop and deliver briefings, position papers, consultation responses, and public submissions on key legislative or regulatory proposals.
- Lead external messaging on policy, corporate announcements, and key business initiatives.
- Represent Kraft Heinz at external meetings, roundtables, parliamentary receptions, and industry forums.
- Support engagement with NGOs, think tanks, and advocacy groups on shared policy objectives (e.g., food reformulation, carbon reduction).
- Collaborate closely with internal teams across Legal, Regulatory, Sustainability, Procurement, R&D, and Communications to ensure alignment on public affairs activity. Mentor and leverage internal experts in government engagement.
What you’ll need:
- Guideline minimum of 10-years’ experience in a public affairs, government relations, or policy role, ideally within a large FMCG or highly regulated sector.
- A strong understanding of the UK political and policy-making landscape coupled with a strong network. Specific knowledge of food, health, and sustainability policy is a plus.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently and proactively in a fast-paced environment that requires management of multiple projects simultaneously.
- Familiarity with devolved government policy environments and experience with international and UK-EU trade challenges.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage and influence at all levels.
- Ability to speak fluently in lay terms to a range of audiences about the business and priorities and challenges of Kraft Heinz.
- Capability to make nuanced recommendations and business decisions based on facts and the work environment of Kraft Heinz.
- Comfortable with ambiguity, both internally and externally, using strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Public affairs campaign skills, including involving traditional and social media.
- A relevant degree or equivalent experience (e.g., Politics, Public Policy, Law, Communications, or Food Science).
What we offer you
- We are an ambitious employer with an industry-recognised career development pathway
- We have a meritocratic, pay for performance approach
- Flexible and hybrid working approach, including ability to work from abroad
- Inclusive culture/work environment, backed by leadership-sponsored Business Resource Groups
- Family-friendly; market leading parental leave benefits & sponsored nursery scheme
- Private medical cover & Digital GP
- Best-in-class gym discounts & cycle to work scheme
- Premium membership to Calm App
- 3 volunteering days per year (e.g. Soup Kitchen, Magic Breakfast)
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Head of Government Affairs UK employer: The Kraft Heinz Company
Contact Detail:
The Kraft Heinz Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Government Affairs UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network strategically within the UK political landscape. Attend industry events, roundtables, and forums where you can meet key stakeholders and decision-makers. Building relationships with influential figures in government and industry will enhance your visibility and credibility.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current policy issues affecting the food sector. Subscribe to relevant newsletters, follow thought leaders on social media, and engage in discussions about sustainability and health policies. This knowledge will help you articulate Kraft Heinz's position effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your understanding of the intersection between business and public policy. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex regulatory environments or influenced policy changes in previous roles. This will showcase your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with Kraft Heinz's corporate values and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, particularly in areas like sustainability and community engagement. Showing that you resonate with their mission will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Government Affairs UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in public affairs, government relations, or policy roles. Emphasise your understanding of the UK political landscape and any specific knowledge of food, health, and sustainability policy.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are passionate about the role and how your skills align with Kraft Heinz's goals. Mention your ability to engage with senior political leaders and your experience in developing public affairs strategies.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this role, consider including examples of how you've successfully influenced stakeholders or led public affairs campaigns in your application.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: Include specific achievements that demonstrate your capability to manage multiple projects and navigate complex policy environments. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Kraft Heinz Company
✨Know Your Policy Landscape
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the UK political and policy-making landscape. Be prepared to discuss recent developments in food, health, and sustainability policy, as well as how they relate to Kraft Heinz's goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Demonstrate your ability to develop and execute long-term strategies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex policy environments in the past and how you can apply that experience to this role.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your experience in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials and industry leaders. Be ready to discuss how you would approach relationship-building for Kraft Heinz.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication skills are crucial for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain complex policy issues in layman's terms, showcasing your ability to engage diverse audiences.
