Engagement Manager

About the Position

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.

To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

British American Tobacco****NZ has an exciting opportunity for an Engagement Manager in Auckland.

Responsibilities

Regulation and Public Affairs

• Deliver New Zealand political, regulatory, and public affairs priorities across key areas, including:
  • Combustible products
  • New category products
  • Pricing and excise
  • Anti-illicit trade
• Apply a whole-of-business approach to manage current and emerging regulatory challenges and opportunities

Corporate Communications and Advocacy

• Government and Select Committee Submissions
• Stakeholder engagement and advocacy campaigns
• Regulatory and compliance messaging
• Corporate reputation management
• Media and communication support as required
• Management of BATNZ digital channels and corporate assets
• Support internal communications, including coordination of BATNZ’s town halls

Reporting and Governance

• Product notifications, licensing, and mandatory reporting obligations
• Budget management
• Group compliance and internal reporting requirements
• CORA vendor & supplier contracting and onboarding

Management Results

• Support the Head of CORA – NZ in delivering regulatory strategies through:
  • Identification and assessment of emerging issues and risks
  • Ongoing regulatory monitoring and horizon scanning
  • Policy and regulatory analysis
  • Development and implementation of campaign and engagement plans
  • Provision of external affairs advice and support across the business
  • Monitoring political, media, and relevant partner activity and providing timely insights and recommendations

Leadership Results

• Demonstrate leadership in external partner engagement and regulatory matters
• Contributing effectively across relevant meetings and forums
• Role-modelling BAT leadership behaviours and values

Relationship Results

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners
• Develop effective engagement across government agencies, industry groups, retailers, consultants, trade associations, and broader business networks
• Support delivery of local and above-market external affairs priorities and campaigns
• Ensure reporting requirements are delivered accurately and on time

Innovation Results

• Continuously adapt activities to meet changing external and regulatory environments
• Proactively find opportunities to improve processes, effectiveness, and strategic delivery

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in managing corporate or public affairs issues
• Experience inside the political environment and/or in consultancy or in-house roles is required
• An in-depth understanding of government and regulatory affairs
• Experience dealing with partners on controversial and complex issues
• Previous experience managing others
• Highly developed communication skills – written, oral, and interpersonal, as well as an ability to influence, persuade, and present effectively to diverse audiences
• Strong engagement skills, highly developed negotiation, influencing, and relationship-building skills with an ability to work well with peers and senior management as well as external partners
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to meet deadlines and manage budgets
• Strong analytical, tactical, and planning skills, with a creative approach to problem-solving
• Strong strategic and leadership skills
• Outgoing personality and ability to work well with diversity as well as above market – peers, seniors, and different cultures
• Excellent presentation skills and sound public speaking ability
• Sound ability in leading, coaching, and developing others
• Business focus and general understanding of the environment, including the sensitivities and complexities of the nicotine products industry
• An ability to convert intangible ideas into a practical implementation reality
• Awareness of tobacco and nicotine product-related social issues

We Offer

• We offer a market-leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritize continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

About the Company

WHY JOIN BAT?

We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion, and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives, and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g., time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical, and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award-winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to supporting you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.

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