BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. We are on a mission to decrease the health impact of our industry.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to Be The Change. Come, join us on this journey!
British American Tobacco Austria has an exciting opportunity for an External Affairs Manager ( m/w/d) in Vienna
The environment for the tobacco and nicotine industry, our products and brands are highly regulated. We need to be informed about political decisions impacting us and how they will affect our business. We need to ensure that political decision makers are aware of our positions, the impact on the economy of the country and take them 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 are not solely affecting the nicotine industry, but as well consumers, scientists and health care professionals.
Your key responsibilities will include:
- Alignment of regulatory strategies for engagement with political stakeholders based on BAT’s positions (e.g. Ministries, MPs, authorities)
- (Cross-) Industry collaboration in the Chamber of Commerce
- Steering of Public Affairs Consultants to align BAT’s positions with them, provide them with BAT narrative and manage or supervise the execution.
- Third Party engagement to land the THR narratives and understanding
- Run BAT Austria External Comms, ensure all reactive requests are answered on time in full and ensure all BAT standards are met (incl. BAT Austria website)
- Close contact with relevant business functions to contextualize the potential impact of political decisions, scenario designs as well as guiding the implementation of political decisions
- Reporting to and exchange with international BAT functions (Global, Area, EU), timely and clear cascade of information, escalation, and coordination of updates
- Representation of BAT Austria at German speaking events (e.g. on panels, giving presentations)
- Active exchange with the country manager and supporting in leading the local organization
- Internal & external stakeholder management, Person of Contact for Area and EU Office on all Austrian relevant topics:
- Budget management and Crisis communications
What are we looking for?
- Proven experience in political engagement (e.g. at school, workplace, neighbourhood, political youth organisations etc.)
- Knowledge of Austrian political landscape
- Excellent command of German with exceptional writing and presentation skills and professional proficiency in English
- 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 a number of contact persons on different levels, talent for stakeholder management
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively
- Shown Leadership experience
- Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and urgencies
- Mobility required (frequent business trips)
What we offer you?
• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes
WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.
Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.
We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).
Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.
If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.