Public Affairs Manager

pEarlier this year, Unilever announced an agreement to combine its Foods business with McCormick Company, creating a scaled global flavour powerhouse. The proposed combination would bring together iconic Foods brands, including Hellmann’s and Knorr, with McCormick’s portfolio to create a global leader across spices, seasonings, condiments and complementary food categories, supported by strong retail and foodservice platforms. McCormick brings more than 135 years of heritage, a presence in 150+ countries and territories, and a portfolio of trusted brands. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, with completion estimated for mid‑2027. /p h3Role /h3 pPublic Affairs Manager Europe /p h3Team /h3 pFoods Corporate Affairs Team /p h3Reporting to /h3 pExternal Communications Public Affairs Lead /p h3Location /h3 pBrussels, Belgium /p h3Purpose of the Role /h3 pLead public affairs activity in Brussels to deliver tangible business value and enable sustainable growth. Through effective stakeholder engagement, policy advocacy and policy monitoring, the role will strengthen Foods' reputation, advance business priorities, and help the business navigate and shape an evolving policy environment. /p h3Key Responsibilities /h3 ul liDevelop and implement Foods' public affairs advocacy plans at EU level, coordinating with key European markets. /li liRepresent Unilever extensively in key trade associations, while building strategic relationships with EU institutions, policymakers, NGOs, think tanks and academia. /li liSupport the development of public policy positions, advocacy strategies and stakeholder engagement plans working closely with the External Communications and Public Affairs Lead. /li liMonitor policy, regulatory and political developments that could impact the business and provide timely analysis and recommendations. /li liCoordinate public affairs activities with market teams to ensure alignment on priorities, messaging and stakeholder engagement. /li liSupport reputation management and issues preparedness activities related to public policy developments. /li liTrack and evaluate public affairs activity to measure impact and support continuous improvement. /li /ul h3Experience Skills /h3 ul liAt least 7 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, policy, corporate affairs or related fields. /li liDeep understanding of and experience in the European policy and regulatory environment, particularly in areas such as health and nutrition, labelling, trading relations and packaging. /li liExtensive knowledge of and experience working in, or closely with, the food industry, combined with strong business acumen and an understanding of commercial priorities and growth drivers. /li liExperience engaging with policymakers, trade associations, industry bodies, and external stakeholders. /li liStrong analytical capability and ability to interpret complex policy developments. /li liExcellent written and verbal communication skills. /li liStrong influencing and stakeholder management skills, and a strong network in Brussels. /li liAbility to work effectively in a complex international environment. /li /ul h3MINDSET BEHAVIOURS /h3 h3Focus on What Counts /h3 pPrioritises public affairs activity that supports Foods' strategic objectives and reputation. /p h3Stay Three Steps Ahead /h3 pAnticipates policy developments and stakeholder expectations that may affect the business. /p h3Challenge Debate on the Right Choices /h3 pProvides informed challenge and insight to strengthen policy positions and advocacy strategies. /p h3Deliver with Excellence /h3 pDelivers high-quality stakeholder engagement and public affairs execution. /p h3Within 24 Months /h3 h3WHAT SUCCESS WILL LOOK LIKE /h3 ul liPublic affairs priorities are clearly aligned to business objectives. /li liFoods has established strong relationships with key policymakers and industry stakeholders across Europe. /li liFoods' messages and priorities are effectively represented and advanced through key trade associations. /li liStakeholders recognise Foods as a credible and constructive contributor on relevant policy topics. /li liEmerging risks and opportunities are identified early and managed effectively. /li liPublic affairs activity contributes positively to Foods' reputation and external positioning. /li /ul pUnilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recru