Director, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Director, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability

Nestle Operational Services Worldwide SA•Arlington, VA

About The Position

Lead Corporate Affairs and Sustainability for AMS [US, Canada and PLATA] Nestlé Waters & Premium Beverages (NW&PB) business to make a positive impact, protect and pro-actively develop reputation that builds trust in the company and its brands in line with NW&PB communications strategy and sustainability commitments. Develops and implements a comprehensive programme, including framework and strategies for public affairs across diverse stakeholder environments. With a strong focus on U.S. experience and expertise, navigates local stakeholder ecosystems to ensure effective advocacy and communication. Develops and leads a programme including proactive communications and partnerships to drive awareness, engagement and advocacy amongst external audiences, local communities. Leads internal communications plans to boost employee engagement and alignment to comapny values and business objectives. Lead effective Issues and Crisis management. Responsibilities include building relationships with government bodies, monitoring policy developments, connecting with internal experts/functions and personally supporting the execution of the plan in the U.S. The position requires a results-oriented mindset and the ability to adapt strategies to local contexts, ensuring alignment with corporate goals and creating shared value for stakeholders. This role is a member of the NW&PB Global functional Leadership Team and AMS Senior Leadership Team and represents Nestlé Waters AMS interests externally with stakeholders. Travel within AMS [US, Canada and PLATA], as required.

Requirements

Degree or equivalent level education with 10+ years experience of working in Communications, Corporate Affairs or Public Affairs function (in-house, or agency), with track record of success
Global or zone level Public Affairs Advocacy and Policy Development experience: Developing and implementing advocacy strategies to influence public policy and opinion on issues relevant to the company's operations
Global or zone level Stakeholder Engagement: Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, NGOs, and community leaders, to advocate for the company's interests
Experience in leading strategic communications, engagement and change management programmes (internal and external)
Communication Strategy Development: Crafting communication strategies that align with the company's goals and resonate with target audiences
Experience in managing and developing people
Experience of working in / with Industry Bodies or Trade Associations
Sound knowledge of US, Canada & LATAM media and media relations
Issues & Crisis management experience
Experience acting as company spokesperson
Events management / project management experience
Management of substantial PR budgets
FMCG experience preferred
Ability to handle multiple projects with time and resource pressure
Experience implementing sustainability projects making a positive impact for Planet
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Engaging in CSR initiatives that contribute positively to society
Excellent written and verbal communication skills (English required, Spanish/Portuguese preferred for PLATA)
High degree of curiosity, insight and analytical skills
Multi-market/regional experience preferred
Experienced in developing, adapting and implementing global strategies, then transferring to local contexts and managing market-specific initiatives
Experience building and managing relationships with stakeholders, including community leaders, regulators

Nice To Haves

Wide knowledge of the Company's corporate business principles, communications and marketing to children policies, matrix organisation
Knowledge of the Group's Creating Shared Value (CSV) strategy and reporting, along with CARE strategy (specifically Good 4 You and Good 4 Planet)
Knowledge of NW Purpose and category, core values, brands and activities
Good understanding of the non-alcoholic beverages category (bottled water industry), operating standards and competitors
Knowledge of the category's issues and opportunities across US, Canada & LATAM markets
Working knowledge of various communications functions across external and internal communications, public affairs, issues and crisis management
Understanding of regional regulatory environments (FDA, EPA, DOJ, US States, Health Canada, LATAM regulatory bodies)
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Criteria: Familiarity with ESG metrics and how they affect corporate reputation and investor relations
Regulatory Frameworks: Understanding the legal and regulatory landscape that affects the food and beverage industry, including food safety and labeling laws
Knowledge of local regulatory environments (especially US) and stakeholder ecosystems within FMCG companies, advocacy organizations
Public affairs - advocacy and planning for global FMCG company, high knowledge of US context and relevant topics to water & beverages business
Key Policy Areas knowledge: Water Policy and Regulation (federal and state policies), Environmental and Water Sustainability (climate resilience, watershed protection, packaging circularity/Bottle Bills), Public Engagement and Advocacy (water safety, quality, health/MAHA), Public Health and Safety (PFAs, microplastics, packaging, sugar/sweeteners), Industry Challenges and Innovations (trends, taxes, regulatory requirements)

Responsibilities

Member of Leadership team for NW&PB Corporate Affairs & Sustainability team. Communications & Sustainability Lead in Senior Leadership Team in NW&PB AMS [US, Canada and PLATA], supporting with strategic insight, communications expertise and trusted advisor.
Sustainability: Champion and lead functional and E2E strategic planning and implementation of Making a Positive Impact to people, planet and society, contributing to the delivery of the AMS strategy and plan to Win in the market; by driving strategic long term planning and short term implementation of sustainability strategy: Water Regeneration, Climate, Circular Economy and Communities.
Corporate Affairs: Leading and delivering a programme of work across External and Internal Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Media relations, Crisis & Issues and Community Relations to implement strategy & deliver results against meaningful KPIs that builds awareness, relationships, reputation and trust.
Lead and develop the category's external engagement with key stakeholders incl. local communities, officials, NGOs and associations to build awareness and trust aligned to the NW&PB strategy and commitments through proactive communications, initiatives, partnerships and advocacy.
Advocacy and Policy Development: Develop & support implementation of relevant public affairs programme (including framework and strategies). Developing and implementing strategies to advocate for the company's interests in public policy discussions and legislative processes across US, Canada & PLATA markets.
Collaboration: Working closely with other departments, such as Senior leaders, marketing, legal, corporate communications to develop and ensure a cohesive approach to public affairs influencing strategy in key policy areas including: Water Policy and Regulation, Environmental and Water Sustainability, Public Engagement and Advocacy, Public Health and Safety, Industry Challenges and Innovations.
Support strategic development and execution of Corporate Comms and Sustainability plans and narratives for international brands in markets and local AMS brands.
Lead Internal Communications that engages employees with NW&PBs purpose, strategy, values and KPIs using communications channels and annual event management to build pride, trust and advocacy for our category business.
Research and Monitoring: Horizon scanning on trends and topics with external stakeholders for opportunities and risks to business, providing insights to inform strategic decisions. Track and monitor high level policy developments (especially US).Lead effective Crisis & Issues Management (strengthening governance) – coordinating market level issues round tables (IRTs) in close collaboration with NW&PB Head of Reputation; support market crisis teams' capability and preparedness through annual training and media training with spokespeople; Crisis Champion in any locally managed NW crisis developing crisis and issues communications.
Track, monitor KPIs and support sustainability reporting requirements and plan resources: Internal and external reporting.
Reporting and Analysis: Preparing reports on public affairs activities and outcomes, analyzing the effectiveness of strategies and initiatives. Produce high-quality briefings and consultation responses.
Manage Sustainability & Corporate Affairs team in AMS [US, Canada and PLATA].
Support senior leaders to effectively engage with external stakeholders to ensure opportunities to maximise influence (including attending committees, roundtables, etc). Support agency management. Execute local Public Affairs strategies incl. advocate for national legislation, and manage community relations, CSV partnerships, and advisory councils.
Lead and develop a high performing, cross-site function of communications and sustainability experts: developing an engaged, results driven team; enabling personal development, succession planning within the AMS market function overseeing budget management.