Senior Public Affairs Manager

Role Overview

We are currently recruiting for an exciting opportunity within our Public Affairs team in the Corporate Affairs & Sustainability function. This role will be offered on a 12-month contract. It is a varied and high-impact position within the UK & Ireland Public Affairs team, operating at the centre of a fast-paced political and regulatory environment. The key focus is enhancing trust in Nestle and strengthening our reputation by shaping how we engage with government, policymakers, NGOs, and broader stakeholders.

Working across a diverse range of policy areas you will support the business in anticipating change, navigating complexity, and identifying growth opportunities. The role involves working closely with external stakeholders such as partners, trade bodies, and political representatives to deliver campaigns and engagement strategies. You will also collaborate with colleagues across Nestle, including EU and global teams, to share insights and help shape decisions and business positions.

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on political, regulatory, and societal developments.
• Bring external insight into the business by identifying emerging risks and opportunities and translating them into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Work across a broad policy agenda, building expertise quickly and shaping positions on complex, high-profile issues.
• Design and deliver stakeholder engagement strategies, both proactive and reactive, developing campaigns and building strong relationships with government, policymakers, NGOs, and industry bodies.
• Represent Nestle externally, positioning the organisation as a credible, solutions-oriented partner.
• Lead or support issue management, including on sensitive or high-profile matters.
• Collaborate across the business to align Public Affairs activity with commercial priorities and strategic goals.
• Drive thought leadership, contributing to key policy debates and enhancing Nestle's voice.

• Significant experience in Public Affairs, government, policy, or a related field, alongside a solid understanding of the UK political and regulatory landscape and an established network.
• Proven experience advising senior stakeholders and driving outcomes, ideally within a corporate and agency environment.
• Exposure to food, sustainability, or consumer policy is beneficial.
• You will be an experienced Public Affairs professional with a strong network and a deep understanding of the UK political and regulatory landscape. Experience with in an FMCG or agency environment is advantageous.

• Breadth and adaptability:
  Comfortable working across multiple policy areas.
• Strategic mindset:
  Able to connect external developments to business impact and communicate clear recommendations.
• Sound judgement:
  Confident managing complexity and sensitive issues.
• Strong stakeholder engagement:
  Skilled at building trust with senior stakeholders, both internally and externally.
• Clear communication:
  Able to distil complex policy topics into concise, actionable messaging.
• Curiosity and agility:
  Quick to learn and respond in a fast-changing environment.
• Collaborative approach with ownership:
  Works effectively across teams while taking accountability.

• Salary 60, (depending on experience)
• 17 % car allowance
• Generous pension scheme – up to 12 % contribution from Nestle
• 12 flexible days on top of 25-day holiday entitlement

We take pride in championing inclusion and diversity. We proudly signed the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter, are committed to Disability Confidence, and have been recognised as a Times Top 50 Employer for gender equality for three consecutive years. Additionally, we are a headline partner of Diversity and Inclusion in grocery.