Policy & Positioning Lead

At Bayer we’re visionaries, driven to solve the world’s toughest challenges and striving for a world where ,Health for all, Hunger for none’ is no longer a dream, but a real possibility. We’re doing it with energy, curiosity and sheer dedication, always learning from unique perspectives of those around us, expanding our thinking, growing our capabilities and redefining ‘impossible’. There are so many reasons to join us.

If you’re hungry to build a varied and meaningful career in a community of brilliant and diverse minds to make a real difference, there’s only one choice.

Location:

Reading (Hybrid working)

We are looking for an experienced UK Policy & Positioning Lead to join our Public Affairs team and play a pivotal role in shaping Bayer's policy positioning, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy strategy across the UK.

In this role, you will build trusted relationships with government, policymakers, regulators, industry bodies, and key external stakeholders while helping position Bayer as a credible and constructive partner within the UK policy landscape. You will be responsible for connecting business priorities with the external political, regulatory, and societal environment, anticipating risks and opportunities, and translating these into clear policy positions, advocacy strategies, and stakeholder engagement plans.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Public Affairs, Government Relations, Corporate Affairs, or Policy leader looking to influence major debates across health, agriculture, innovation, sustainability, and the broader life sciences agenda.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government, parliament, regulators, and other key stakeholders to support Bayer's policy objectives.
• Lead Bayer UK's policy positioning and stakeholder engagement strategy, ensuring a consistent and integrated company narrative across divisions.
• Monitor political, regulatory, and societal developments, identifying emerging risks and opportunities and providing strategic advice to senior leaders.
• Develop policy positions, advocacy plans, briefing materials, and engagement strategies that support the company priorities and enhance Bayer's external influence.
• Represent Bayer in policy forums, and stakeholder discussions, promoting science-based policy and regulatory frameworks.
• Partner with Public Affairs, Communications, Sustainability, Regulatory, Market Access, and business teams to deliver coordinated and impactful engagement activities.

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, Law, Economics, Communications, Public Administration, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is desirable.
• Significant experience in Public Affairs, Government Relations, Corporate Affairs, Policy, or a related field, ideally within a highly regulated or science-based sector.
• Proven track record of building trusted relationships with government, policymakers, regulators, industry associations, and senior external stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of UK politics, parliamentary processes, regulatory frameworks, and policy development.
• Experience translating complex business priorities into effective policy positions, advocacy strategies, and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Excellent communication, influencing, stakeholder management, and relationship-building skills.

• High political acumen with the ability to anticipate risks, identify opportunities, and provide strategic counsel to senior leaders.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills, with the confidence to operate at executive level internally and externally.
• A collaborative leadership style with the ability to align diverse stakeholders across functions, divisions,…