Senior Manager, EU Public Affairs

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Plc; Anderlecht; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) seeks a Senior Manager, EU Public Affairs to shape the external environment in which we operate across Europe. You will build trusted relationships, influence policy discussions, and advance sustainability ambitions while coordinating with policymakers, associations, NGOs, and internal teams.

The role combines stakeholder engagement, coalition-building, strategic advocacy, and policy insight in a highly visible position within the European Public Affairs

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in Public Affairs or EU affairs.
• Experience developing advocacy strategies within European institutions or associations.
• Proven track record building relationships with policymakers and external stakeholders.
• Experience working through industry coalitions or complex networks.
• Strong understanding of the European political and regulatory environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead stakeholder engagement and advocacy execution for priority EU files.
• Represent CCEP in European trade associations and industry coalitions.
• Coordinate with internal functions and external partners to align priorities.
• Provide stakeholder intelligence and monitor developments affecting policy positions.
• Contribute to EU Public Affairs strategy and policy positions, with Brussels-networking perspective.

Skills

Public Affairs

EU Affairs

Stakeholder Engagement

Policy Advocacy

Coalition Building

Education

Degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, European Affairs, International Relations, Law, Economics, or related discipline

Job description

Senior Manager, EU Public Affairs

At Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), we believe meaningful progress happens when business, government, and society work together. We're looking for a Senior Manager, EU Public Affairs to help shape the external environment in which we operate, building trusted relationships, influencing policy discussions, and advancing our sustainability ambitions across Europe.

This is a highly visible role at the heart of our European Public Affairs team, combining stakeholder engagement, coalition building, strategic advocacy, and policy insight. You'll work across a broad network of policymakers, trade associations, industry partners, NGOs, and internal stakeholders to help ensure CCEP's voice is heard on some of the most important issues facing our business and industry.

What to expect:

Lead stakeholder engagement and advocacy execution

• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement and advocacy plans for priority EU files, based on agreed positions and priorities.
• Build and deepen trusted relationships across EU institutions, Member State representations, associations, NGOs, think tanks, academia and other influential stakeholders.
• Prepare objectives, messages, briefings and follow-up for external engagement, including senior-level meetings, and identify opportunities to strengthen CCEP's influence.

Drive coalition-building and industry collaboration

• Represent CCEP in European trade associations, industry platforms and multi-company coalitions.
• Help shape common positions, mobilise partners and coordinate joint outreach so CCEP's priorities are reflected effectively.

Drive internal alignment across a complex matrix

• Build strong relationships across CCEP functions, Business Units, local Public Affairs teams, senior stakeholders and Coca-Cola system partners.
• Connect teams, enable timely alignment and operate with diplomacy, judgement and discretion across different priorities and market realities.

Provide stakeholder and political intelligence

• Monitor political and stakeholder developments and provide concise intelligence on emerging risks, opportunities, alliances and engagement choices.

Contribute to EU Public Affairs strategy and policy positions

• Bring an engagement and Brussels-network perspective to EU Public Affairs priorities in coordination with policy experts, the Brussels team, Business Units and Coca-Cola system partners.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of priority EU issues, particularly packaging, circular economy, sustainability and related value-chain matters, together with their relevance to CCEP's business.
• Contribute stakeholder and external perspectives to policy positions and consultations, and develop the messages and advocacy tools required for credible engagement.
• Coordinate engagement across policy files and stakeholder channels to improve consistency, timing and impact.

Advance digital and AI-enabled ways of working

• Strengthen and use digital and AI-enabled tools responsibly to improve stakeholder intelligence, research, planning, preparation, follow-up and knowledge-sharing across the team.

What we are looking for:

Experience:

• Significant experience in Public Affairs, Government Affairs, EU Affairs, Policy, Stakeholder Engagement, or a related field.
• Experience developing and executing advocacy strategies within European institutions, trade associations, consultancies, corporate environments, or similar organisations.
• Proven track record of building trusted relationships with policymakers and senior external stakeholders.
• Experience working through industry associations, coalitions, or complex stakeholder networks.
• Understanding of the European political and regulatory environment and how policy is developed and influenced.

Knowledge and Expertise:

• Strong understanding of EU institutions, legislative processes, and the Brussels policy landscape.
• Knowledge of sustainability, packaging, circular economy, environmental policy, or related areas.
• Commercial awareness and an understanding of how policy developments impact business operations and value chains.
• Experience using digital collaboration, monitoring, research, and AI-enabled tools to support decision-making and engagement activities.
• FMCG, food and beverage, consumer goods, sustainability, or related sector experience is highly valued.

We're looking for someone who:

• Builds strong relationships and networks quickly.
• Influences with credibility, diplomacy, and sound judgement.
• Navigates complex stakeholder environments with confidence and professionalism.
• Thrives in a matrix organisation and collaborates effectively across teams, functions, and geographies.
• Balances strategic thinking with a practical, hands-on approach.
• Communicates clearly and effectively with a wide range of audiences.
• Is curious, adaptable, and motivated by continuous learning and improvement.

Qualifications

• Degree in Public Affairs, Political Science, European Affairs, International Relations, Law, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualifications are welcome but not essential.
• Fluent English is required. Additional European language skills are advantageous.

Why Join CCEP?

This is a unique opportunity to help shape policy discussions on some of the most important topics facing Europe and our industry. You'll work closely with senior leaders, external stakeholders, and expert colleagues across the business while helping advance sustainability, circular economy, and public policy priorities that matter to CCEP's future.

We Welcome Everybody

At CCEP, we know that different experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds help us make better decisions and build stronger teams. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, even if your experience doesn't match every requirement listed.

If you're passionate about stakeholder engagement, public policy, and creating positive impact through collaboration, we'd love to hear from you.