Public Affairs Manager - Foods Europe

Unilever; Brussel Hoofdstad; On-site; EUR 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Unilever in Brussels seeks a Public Affairs Manager Europe to lead advocacy and engagement with policymakers across the EU. You will shape policy positions, monitor regulatory developments, and coordinate with market teams to align priorities with business objectives.

The role requires extensive experience in public affairs within the food sector, excellent communication skills, and a strong network in Brussels to influence policy and support sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• At least 7 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, policy, or related fields.
• Deep understanding of European policy and regulatory environment, particularly in health, nutrition, labeling, and packaging.
• Extensive knowledge of and experience with the food industry and commercial priorities.
• Experience engaging with policymakers, trade associations, industry bodies, and external stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Foods’ public affairs advocacy plans at EU level, coordinating with key European markets.
• Represent Unilever in key trade associations and build relationships with EU institutions and policymakers.
• Support policy positions, advocacy strategies and stakeholder engagement with the External Communications and Public Affairs Lead.
• Monitor policy developments and provide timely analysis and recommendations.
• Coordinate activities with market teams for alignment on priorities and messaging.
• Support reputation management and issues preparedness related to public policy developments.
• Track and evaluate public affairs activity to measure impact.

Skills

Public affairs

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Brussels policy

Trade associations

Job description

Earlier 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.

Role: Public Affairs Manager Europe

Team: Foods Corporate Affairs Team

Reporting to: External Communications & Public Affairs Lead

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Purpose of the Role

Lead 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement Foods’ public affairs advocacy plans at EU level, coordinating with key European markets.
• Represent Unilever extensively in key trade associations, while building strategic relationships with EU institutions, policymakers, NGOs, think tanks and academia.
• Support the development of public policy positions, advocacy strategies and stakeholder engagement plans working closely with the External Communications and Public Affairs Lead.
• Monitor policy, regulatory and political developments that could impact the business and provide timely analysis and recommendations.
• Coordinate public affairs activities with market teams to ensure alignment on priorities, messaging and stakeholder engagement.
• Support reputation management and issues preparedness activities related to public policy developments.
• Track and evaluate public affairs activity to measure impact and support continuous improvement.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• At least 7 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, policy, corporate affairs or related fields.
• Deep understanding of and experience in the European policy and regulatory environment, particularly in areas such as health and nutrition, labelling, trading relations and packaging.
• Extensive 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.
• Experience engaging with policymakers, trade associations, industry bodies, and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical capability and ability to interpret complex policy developments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills, and a strong network in Brussels.
• Ability to work effectively in a complex international environment.

MINDSET & BEHAVIOURS

Focus on What Counts

• Prioritises public affairs activity that supports Foods’ strategic objectives and reputation.

Stay Three Steps Ahead

• Anticipates policy developments and stakeholder expectations that may affect the business.

Challenge & Debate on the Right Choices

• Provides informed challenge and insight to strengthen policy positions and advocacy strategies.

Deliver with Excellence

• Delivers high-quality stakeholder engagement and public affairs execution.

WHAT SUCCESS WILL LOOK LIKE

Within 24 months:

• Public affairs priorities are clearly aligned to business objectives.
• Foods has established strong relationships with key policymakers and industry stakeholders across Europe.
• Foods’ messages and priorities are effectively represented and advanced through key trade associations.
• Stakeholders recognise Foods as a credible and constructive contributor on relevant policy topics.
• Emerging risks and opportunities are identified early and managed effectively.
• Public affairs activity contributes positively to Foods’ reputation and external positioning.

Unilever 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 recruitment journey.