Director - Government Relations & Communication, FMCG

Key ResponsibilitiesGovernment Relations & Strategic Advocacy

• Lead the company's Government Relations strategy across national, provincial and local levels.
• Build and maintain senior relationships with ministries, regulators, policymakers, government institutions and relevant external stakeholders.
• Monitor regulatory, legislative, fiscal and political developments and translate them into business implications.
• Develop proactive advocacy strategies to support a predictable and sustainable operating environment.
• Represent the company in industry associations, policy forums and relevant external platforms.
• Build and manage coalitions with industry stakeholders around shared policy priorities where appropriate.

Regulatory & Business Advisory

• Advise senior management on regulatory, policy, political and stakeholder developments affecting the business.
• Assess the potential impact of proposed regulations and policy changes on commercial and operational priorities.
• Develop stakeholder engagement and advocacy strategies aligned with the company's business objectives.
• Work closely with Legal, Commercial, Operations, Sustainability and Communications teams to ensure an integrated approach.

Corporate Communications & Reputation

• Lead the corporate communications strategy across internal and external stakeholders.
• Shape corporate positioning, messaging and reputation in alignment with business priorities.
• Oversee media relations, external communications and strategic communication initiatives.
• Ensure consistent positioning across government engagement, media, employees, industry associations and other external stakeholders.

Licence to Operate & Stakeholder Management

• Manage complex stakeholder issues affecting manufacturing sites and business operations.
• Develop stakeholder strategies across government, communities, industry bodies and other relevant groups.
• Anticipate emerging issues and establish preventive engagement strategies before they escalate.
• Build strong relationships across key operating regions and local stakeholder environments.

Issues & Crisis Management

• Lead the Government Relations and Communications response to significant regulatory, political, operational and reputational issues.
• Advise senior management during high-pressure situations and coordinate external stakeholder engagement.
• Develop crisis preparedness, response protocols and stakeholder communication plans.
• Work cross-functionally to protect business continuity and corporate reputation.

Leadership

• Lead and develop the Government Relations and Communications team.
• Set clear priorities, accountabilities and performance expectations.
• Build capability across advocacy, stakeholder management, communications, regulatory intelligence and crisis management.
• Manage external consultants, agencies and other strategic partners effectively.