Director, Policy Communications in Whitehall

The Director, Policy Communications acts as a central conduit between the EU OU Communications and Policy agendas, ensuring policy-related communications are coherent, coordinated, and aligned across markets. Working closely with the Head of EU Affairs and in partnership with Public Policy, Advocacy, Corporate, and market teams, this role helps translate complex policy developments into clear, compelling narratives that support the company’s long-term license to operate. Operating at the intersection of communications, stakeholder engagement, and public policy, the role contributes to shaping a consistent and credible corporate voice across the EU policy environment. The role supports local markets in supporting key narratives for campaigns on key regulatory topics. Through close collaboration with Brussels-based and market teams, the role helps orchestrate the EU policy communications agenda and strengthen thought leadership platforms, engagement with media and key external stakeholders. This position supports the EU OU by working hand-in-hand with policy and advocacy teams to influence thought leadership dialogues and enhance the company’s reputation with media, regulators, trade associations, and policymakers.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy Communications Strategy & Alignment: Develop and deliver communications plans for priority EU policy topics in close partnership with Public Policy, Sustainability, and Advocacy teams. Serve as a central coordination point between EU Affairs, Policy, and Communications to ensure a joined‑up approach across EU and market‑level activities. Ensure coherent, consistent messaging through shared frameworks, scenario planning, and guidance aligned with the wider EU Public Affairs strategy. Maintain alignment across markets, bottling partners, Corporate PACS, and relevant EU trade associations on policy communications approaches.
• Market Support & Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with local Public Affairs, Communications & Sustainability (PACS) teams, Country General Managers, and bottling partners to support market-level communications on key policy and regulatory files. Develop tailored communication approaches—including narratives, assets, and message frameworks—that clearly articulate the company’s perspective on priority policy issues in a local and EU context.
• EU Institutional & Brussels Engagement: Work in partnership with EU Public Affairs and Policy teams to coordinate a credible, visible, and consistent corporate communications presence within the EU policy environment. Manage and evolve the company’s EU communication platforms, ensuring content remains current, relevant, and aligned with agreed policy and communications priorities. Build and maintain relationships with EU media and key influencers, supporting balanced and informed coverage.
• Trade Association Collaboration: Collaborate with key EU trade associations on shared communications priorities, joint initiatives, and coordinated messaging. Ensure alignment between industry communications and EU Public Affairs and policy priorities, reflecting the company’s perspectives accurately and consistently.
• Monitoring, Insight & Preparedness: Oversee agency resources to identify communications risks and opportunities and deploy best‑in‑class narratives to advance the company’s agenda. Provide timely insights and recommendations to OU leadership and markets to support proactive planning and issue preparedness. Support consistent escalation, coordination, and reporting processes for policy-related communications across the EU network.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• 7‑10+ years of experience in policy communications, public affairs, corporate communications, or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding and experience communicating across the European policy landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex policy topics into clear, accessible, and compelling narratives.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with Public Policy, Sustainability, Advocacy teams, trade associations, and market-level communicators.
• Excellent writing, narrative development, and rapid‑response communication skills.
• Experience developing end-to-end thought leadership platforms.
• Prior experience in political or government communications at the EU or pan-European level is an advantage.

Core skill areas: Agency relationships, Business communications, Community outreach, Copywriting, Data analytics, Digital communications, Digital content, Executive communications, Media relations, Microsoft Office, Photography, Press releases, Public policies, Public relations (PR), Search engine optimization (SEO), Social media, Speech writing, Strategic communication planning, Sustainability communications, User experience (UX), Video editing, Videography.

Location(s): United Kingdom City/Cities: London Travel Required: 0% – 25% Relocation Provided: No Job Posting End Date: June 10, 2026

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.