Overall responsibility for the management of the Government Affairs and lobbying strategy and activities of Commonwealth Altadis, Inc. in order to ensure optimal consideration of its interests with US legislative and governmental bodies. Ensure adequate representation of the Company and, where appropriate, the Group to outside parties and bodies. Maintain efficient contact and partnership with outside industry partners.
Describe the key responsibilities and requirements for the role in sufficient detail such that prospective applicants are able to understand the scope and influence of the role.
Managing and developing the Company’s government affairs agenda
Ensuring that the Company operates within the legal framework and in line with the Group’s corporate affairs policy
Developing government affairs strategies that encapsulate the commercial interests and translating these into lobbying strategies and activity plans.
Maintaining an effective network in the US (in close liaison with Group Corporate Affairs); maintaining the relations with key US state and federal politicians and officials.
Managing the external lobbyists in line with the engagement strategy and priorities of the Company.
Facilitation of meetings of other Company Management Team members with external parties.
Continuously analysing the US regulative/legislative environment on developments, trends and providing strategic advice to the management team.
Steering external agencies on political and regulatory issues
Requirements:
Describe the essential characteristics that the successful applicant will have e.g. qualifications, languages, etc.
Five years experience working in Government Affairs or another function in a regulated industry involving both commercial and legal aspects. National or regional experience preferred.
Minimum Bachelors degree from accredited university
Comprehensive understanding of political, legislative and regulatory dynamics and main influencers
Excellent analytical skills enabling fast and in-depth analysis of legislation and its concrete challenges to the Company
Brilliant communications skills enabling effective communication on government and regulatory matters both internally and externally at all levels.
Good negotiating skills to safeguard consideration of Company interests with US regulatory/ legislative bodies.
Company Description:
Commonwealth Brands, Inc. is the fourth largest cigarette manufacturer in the United States, manufacturing Davidoff, Fortuna, USA Gold, Sonoma, Montclair, Riviera, and Malibu cigarette brands. In addition to cigarettes, Commonwealth Brands manufactures Premier, McClintock, and Bali Shag fine cut tobacco. Leading cigarette tube brands include Premier, Rizla, and El Rey as well as E-Z Wider and Joker cigarette papers. Commonwealth Brands is headquartered in Bowling Green, KY and employs over 900 people.
Commonwealth Brands is owned by Imperial Tobacco PLC, now firmly established as the worlds fourth largest international tobacco company. Imperial Tobacco manufactures, markets and sells a comprehensive range of cigarettes, tobaccos, rolling papers, filter tubes and cigars in over 160 countries worldwide.
