Director of the Irish Beverage Council

Ibec; Dublin; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ibec in Dublin seeks a strategic Association Manager to lead the Irish Beverage Council (IBC) agenda, oversee governance, and coordinate with the Deputy Director of FDI. You will build relationships with member companies, monitor regulatory developments and deliver lobbying at domestic and EU levels.

The role requires a primary degree, 5–7 years in public affairs or policy, and a flexible, collaborative approach to support the sector’s objectives and respond to member needs.

Qualifications

• Primary degree in a relevant discipline.
• Knowledge of Irish, EU and international policy and regulatory context.
• Understanding of government and agencies involved in policy making and regulation.

Responsibilities

• Initiate and lead a work programme for the Irish Beverage Council in line with the strategic plan.
• Provide administrative and high-level secretariat services to IBC committees and working groups.
• Deliver lobbying and representation activities at domestic and EU level as agreed with the Deputy Director of FDI.
• Develop contacts and relationships with policymakers and regulators in Government departments and state agencies.
• Build and manage relationships with senior executives in member companies.

Skills

Advocacy

Stakeholder management

Public affairs

Policy communication

Networking

Public speaking

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

IT skills

Job description

JOB DETAILS

To provide the necessary leadership, expertise, energy and support to ensure the objectives of the Irish Beverage Council (IBC), as determined by the IBC membership, are identified and met through the development and implementation of appropriate action plans.
The closing date for applications will be 3pm on 30th October 2026.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Association management and governance

• Initiate and lead a work programme in accordance with the strategic vision and action plan of the Irish Beverage Council and its working groups, and as agreed with the Deputy Director of Food Drink Ireland (FDI).
• Ensure that IBC is positioned to support the strategic, operational, and legislative/regulatory requirements of its members.
• Provide administrative and high-level secretariat services to IBC committees and working groups, facilitating the development of common positions.

Representation and policy development

• Monitor developments in the external environment relevant to the sector including legislative/regulatory, media and market developments and make recommendations for action in consultation with the Deputy Director of FDI.
• Track and analyse draft legislation, consultation/policy papers etc.
• Develop contacts and build relationships with policymakers and regulators in all relevant Government departments and state agencies.
• Deliver lobbying and representation activities at domestic and EU level as agreed with the Deputy Director of FDI.
• Participate in European associations and committees including UNESDA and NMWE.
• Identify opportunities to raise the profile of the IBC and make recommendations accordingly.
• Manage IBC media relations in consultation with the Deputy Director of FDI and the Ibec Press Office.

Member relations

• Build and manage relationships with senior executives in member companies.
• Deliver member services including advice, events and networking.
• Ensure excellent communication with member companies, keeping them informed and facilitating their input, producing regular submissions/publications and major reports where appropriate.

General

• Be an active member of the overall FDI team ensuring the objectives of the sector are met. This may include involvement in broader food and drink policy issues and other category associations.
• Carry out other duties as identified and agreed with the Deputy Director of FDI that are in keeping with the overall purpose of the position.

NOTE: This list is not exhaustive but serves to reflect the nature of the duties included in the role. Given the nature of the organisation and the need to respond to members’ needs on an ongoing basis, the role is subject to change over time.

ABOUT YOU

Qualifications
Primary degree in a relevant discipline
Knowledge

• Business, health and environmental issues facing the food and beverage sector and its supply chain in Ireland, EU and globally
• The Irish, EU and international policy and regulatory context and its implications for the beverage sector
• Role of national and EU government and agencies in policy making and regulation and an understanding of the issues that shape legislative and regulatory policy

Experience

• Ideally 5-7 years relevant post graduate experience (relevant – industry, sustainability, or public affairs/policy)
• Advocacy and communications experience including interaction with government, regulators, NGOs and the media
• Experience of working in complex environments
• Working in a busy and dynamic team environment; comfortable taking on varying team roles

Skills

• Ability to advocate industry perspectives and positions cogently and persuasively and demonstrated ability to influence
• Ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders and manage the complexities involved
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building and networking skills
• Exceptional communication skills, written and oral including public speaking ability
• Ability to review and interpret complex information and present it in summary form
• Ability to multitask, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Highly organised
• Excellent IT skills

Other

• Flexible approach to work
• Resourceful problem solver
• Confident, professional, and friendly demeanour
• Goal orientated
• Availability to travel with full driver’s licence

Why us?

Ibec Core Competencies
Bias towards action

• Collaborative – work together as ‘one Ibec’.
• Dynamic – approach initiatives with careful planning, energy, drive, and resilience.
• Decisive – make clear, well-informed decisions.

Member and Customer Focus

• Agile and Adaptive – embrace change and be adaptive to members’ needs and in ambitious situations.
• Creative and Innovative – not afraid of dynamic thinking in finding solutions.
• Curious and Critical Thinking – open minded and proactive in gathering data in developing opinions.

Drive and Personal Leadership

• Ambitious – driven and can take responsible risks.
• Accountable – committed to highest standards and takes ownership of actions.
• Continuous Improvement – proactive on personal and professional development

Ibec is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with a disability. Should you wish to request a reasonable accommodation please [e-mail]