Director, External Affairs

YOUR OPPORTUNITY The External Affairs Director is responsible for executing the regional External Affairs strategy and principles. This role will partner with the LAC leadership team to drive the local implementation of External Affairs policies and initiatives in alignment with Global strategies. Your objective is to provide a voice for Bacardi within key industry, government, and regulatory related discussion and with decision-making bodies. ABOUT YOU You will maintain a strong network of contacts among decision-making bodies, trade associations, social aspect organizations, and other related organizations. You will work toward influencing policy, fiscal, regulatory, and legislative developments applicable to markets to support a favourable regulatory framework for Bacardi to achieve its commercial priorities and manage the development of balanced alcohol policies at the market levels. RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and implement Regional EA strategies aligned with the Company’s Global Commercial and EA strategies towards a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, public institutions, trade organizations, non-governmental organizations, civil society, etc. Contribute to draft and drive implementation of regional External Affairs policy and strategy within the markets by aligning Region and in-market work plans with global strategies. Represent the Company on key Trade Associations and Social Aspect Organizations within priority countries. Provide guidance to Regional leadership on how to best address and contain potential issues and risks. Support key responsible drinking and marketing initiatives and partnerships in key countries in collaboration with the global CSR Lead, Regional leadership team, and social aspects organizations. Manage in-market External Affairs and Corporate Responsibility team members / supporters and drive alignment, capabilities enhancement and best practice sharing. Serve as a point of contact and provide guidance for crisis situations. SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE University Degree, ideally in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Affairs, Business, or related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in External Affairs or related role. Proven ability to think ahead, engage proactively and take initiative. Excellent, persuasive written and verbal communications skills, including interpersonal and presentation skills with the gravitas to influence a variety of stakeholders including politicians and NGO representatives. Ability to manage multiple, and often changing, priorities, including crisis management. Effective at building collaborative relationships and partnerships with business managers to support the Region strategy. Ability to present ideas and opinions in a compelling and engaging way. Ability to understand complex issues and arrive at pragmatic, commercially focused solutions. Proven ability to think strategically, understand the big picture, but not afraid to get their hands dirty and approach projects in a collaborative manner. In-depth knowledge of alcohol-related political and social issues, as well as the technical and regulatory landscape in which Bacardi operates preferred. Fluency in English and Spanish, Portuguese is an asset. Exceptional business acumen is a must. Ability to travel across the region % of the time (post Covid restrictions). PERSONAL QUALITIES Performance driven with a focus on brilliance in execution. Proven ability to think ahead, engage proactively and take initiative. A natural relationship builder with the capacity to engage diverse stakeholders. Resilience and tenacity in the face of ambiguity and challenge. Ability to lead in line with Bacardi's cultural pillars of Fearless, Founders, Family. OUR CULTURE We share the passion and entrepreneurial flair of our founder and are guided by our three culture pillars - Fearless, Family and Founders, they inspire our Primos to be the best they can be and drive us forward in all we do. But what does this mean? Being Fearless; means adopting an agile mindset, being comfortable trying new things and taking risks. Family; we treat each other, and our communities, like family. Founders; the spirit of entrepreneurship is at the heart of everything we do. We are empowered to question, challenge and innovate. We do the right thing for the business and we all take accountability for our work. When you join Bacardi, you become part of our family and gain more than just a job. EEO Statement Bacardi is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity. #J-18808-Ljbffr