Head of Public Affairs

Head of Public Affairs in the Corporate Affairs & Engagement  Team

The Head of Public Affairs is a leadership role within the UK and Ireland subsidiary of the L’Oréal Group. Reporting into the country’s Corporate Affairs & Engagement Director, this role defines and delivers our over-arching strategy to influence key policy-makers and political stakeholders, shaping and determining our reputation and licence to operate and innovate. This position will represent the organisation externally with senior stakeholders and in a variety of external associations and forums, proactively expanding the company’s external network, identifying opportunities for further engagement and coalition. The Head Of Public Affairs is responsible for mobilising a cross functional group of internal stakeholders, translating policy into action, defining our positions and aligning with global subject matter experts. The position has a high degree of visibility and frequent interaction with the Managing Director & Chairman, and members of the local Exec Leadership team.

Your key job accountabilities:

Set and execute the Public Affairs strategy in line with the company’s strategic objectives

Build and maintain strong relationships, representing the company externally with policy makers, Ministers, MPs, advisors, civil servants, think tanks and other key opinion leaders, effectively advocating and educating on policy positions, corporate achievements, future goals and commitments

Define our trade association engagement strategy, overseeing membership of trade associations,  representing the organisation on key committees, advising subject matter experts on their representation in specialist groups

Leverage stakeholder relationships to advance the interests of the industry, collaborating with industry players to build coalitions and integrated strategies that promote an understanding of the essentiality and value of the beauty industry

Identify and define opportunities for thought leadership on priority issues and lead the development and execution of strategies that leverage a range of corporate channels to reach Public Affairs audiences including advocacy, trade association relationships, events and sponsorships, media partnerships and employee activations 

Lead the development of policy positions and corresponding publications such as briefs, statements, responses. Draft and coordinate (with the support of subject matter experts) submissions to consultations 

Engage and upskill an internal ecosystem of subject matter experts, embed robust monitoring, information sharing, analysis and forecasts. Actively participate in regional and global Public Affairs committees/forums.

Identify and communicate policy trends and potential impacts to a cross functional group of internal stakeholders, ensuring leadership are aware of changing political, regulatory and legislative environments. 

Produce high quality materials for senior executives including briefings, speeches and presentations. Develop and deliver dashboard reporting to the Board. 

Deliver timely expert advice to senior leaders and provide counsel and coaching aHead of engagements. 

Work in partnership with colleagues to support the development of proactive Public Affairs strategies and plans that are integrated with the broader corporate affairs strategy, driving improvement in the company’s reputation, and helping embed effective stakeholder engagement across the business.

Provide subject matter expertise and support to key business and corporate partners on issues management and strategic communications in furtherance of protecting and 

promoting L'Oréal's reputation in the UK and Ireland 

YOU HAVE:

Significant Public Affairs and stakeholder management experience, with a strong track record of working  closely with senior management, opinion formers and national level decision-makers

Experience of delivering effective stakeholder engagement programmes at a senior level

Experience as the external-facing representative for an organisation across a variety of topics with decision makers, key opinion formers and associations. 

A track record of establishing and nurturing strong working relationships with senior leaders in business, politics and government and maintaining an understanding of policy, political and commercial objectives

Proven ability as a strong communicator and someone who is able provide strategic political, policy and communications advice to management 

Political knowledge: Knowledge of the political process in the UK, understanding of Westminster and Whitehall

Strong relationship building skills with the ability to build effective networks internally and externally 

Excellent written and verbal communications: able to write concise briefings and position papers, as well as create and deliver presentations internally and externally

Experience working in, or alongside, corporate affairs or communications functions and integrating Public Affairs within broader communications strategies. 

YOU ARE:

A skilled influencer, communicator, and networker, with the ability to mobilise and lead through others

A self-starter, with a high degree of personal initiative and drive, able to work and lead autonomously

Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills – able to work to deadlines and manage time and projects in a flexible manner, ability to manage competing priorities

High attention to detail and excellent project management skills

A growth mindset, able to work reactively, remaining positive and focused under pressure

Tenacious and diligent team player with a ‘can do’ attitude who thrives in a dynamic environment, can pivot quickly when needed and enjoys collaborating with others