Senior Public Affairs Manager (12-month Fixed Term Contract)
Business Area: Nestle UK&I
Location: Gatwick
Salary £60,000-£70,000 (depending on experience)
Additional benefits will include;
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17 % car allowance
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Generous pension scheme – up to 12% contribution from Nestle
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12 flexible days on top of 25-day holiday entitlement
Although this is a full-time opportunity, please speak to us about what flexibility means to you as we are always open to discussing individual’s flexible working.
We are currently recruiting for an exciting opportunity within our Public Affairs team in the Corporate Affairs & Sustainability function. This role will be offered on a 12- months contract.
This is a varied and high-impact position within the UK & Ireland Public Affairs team, operating at the centre of a fast-paced political and regulatory environment.
You will play a key role in enhancing trust in Nestlé and strengthening our reputation by shaping how we engage with government, policymakers, NGOs, and broader stakeholders. Working across a diverse range of policy areas you will support the business in anticipating change, navigating complexity, and identifying growth opportunities.
The role involves working closely with external stakeholders such as partners, trade bodies, and political representatives to deliver campaigns and engagement strategies. You will also collaborate with colleagues across Nestlé, including EU and global teams, to share insights, and help shape decisions and business positions.
A bit about us
At Nestlé, our purpose is to unlock the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come.
We operate in a complex and evolving external environment, where trust, transparency and responsible business practices matter more than ever. Our Public Affairs team plays a critical role in helping the business navigate this landscape by bringing insight, shaping debates and policies, and building relationships that support the business in the long-term.
We take pride in championing inclusion and diversity. We proudly signed the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter, are committed to Disability Confidence, and have been recognised as a Times Top 50 Employer for gender equality for three consecutive years. Additionally, we are a headline partner of Diversity and Inclusion in grocery.
Your impact
This is a dynamic, externally focused role where no two days are alike. You will work across multiple topics and stakeholder groups, delivering strategic advice and leading impactful engagement.
You will:
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Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on political, regulatory, and societal developments
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Bring external insight into the business by identifying emerging risks and opportunities and translating them into clear, actionable recommendations
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Work across a broad policy agenda, building expertise quickly and shaping positions on complex, high-profile issues
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Design and deliver stakeholder engagement strategies, both proactive and reactive, developing campaigns and building strong relationships with government, policymakers, NGOs, and industry bodies
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Represent Nestlé externally, positioning the organisation as a credible, solutions-oriented partner
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Lead or support issue management, including on sensitive or high-profile matters
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Collaborate across the business to align Public Affairs activity with commercial priorities and strategic goals
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Drive thought leadership, contributing to key policy debates and enhancing Nestlé’s voice
Your ingredients for success
You will be an experienced Public Affairs professional with a strong network and a deep understanding of the UK political and regulatory landscape. You will have a proven track record of operating at a senior level. Experience within a FMCG or agency environment is advantageous.
You combine strategic thinking with execution and thrive in a fast-paced, complex setting.
Experience
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Significant experience in Public Affairs, government, policy, or a related field, alongside a solid understanding of the UK political and regulatory landscape and an established network
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Proven experience advising senior stakeholders and driving outcomes, ideally within a corporate and agency environment
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Exposure to food, sustainability, or consumer policy is beneficial
Key skills and capabilities
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Breadth and adaptability: Comfortable working across multiple policy areas
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Strategic mindset: Able to connect external developments to business impact and communicate clear recommendations
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Sound judgement: Confident managing complexity and sensitive issues
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Strong stakeholder engagement: Skilled at building trust with senior stakeholders, both internally and externally
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Clear communication: Able to distil complex policy topics into concise, actionable messaging
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Curiosity and agility: Quick to learn and respond in a fast-changing environment
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Collaborative approach with ownership: Works effectively across teams while taking accountability
What you need to know
Advert posting date: 03/07/2026
Advert closing date: 17/07/2026
We will be considering candidates as they apply and we will occasionally close job advertisements early in the event we receive sufficient applicants, so please don’t delay in submitting your application.
At Nestlé, our values are rooted in respect and we believe that embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive environment allows everyone to reach their full potential and drives innovative thinking. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all gender identities, ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities, parents, carers and members of the LGBT+ community. Please let us know if we can provide accommodations to ensure your full participation in the application process.
To find out more about Nestle’s commitment to DEI: Nestlé's Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
