External Affairs Manager - Ankara

MBRF Global Foods Company S.A.; Çankaya; On-site; TRY 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Banvit MBRF, a global food company, seeks a senior professional to lead public affairs and government relations from Ankara. You will engage with authorities, NGOs, and industry bodies, shaping policy and representing the company in high-visibility forums.

The role requires deep knowledge of Türkiye's regulatory landscape, a robust Ankara network, and fluency in Turkish and English. Travel to multiple sites may be required as part of stakeholder engagement and regulatory coordination.

Qualifications

• University degree, preferably in Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in public affairs, government relations or external/corporate affairs with NGO/sector engagement.
• Fluency in Turkish and English, spoken and written.
• Based in Ankara with flexibility to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Company before relevant public authorities in Ankara and before local municipalities.
• Build and maintain engagement with public authorities, chambers of commerce, sectoral organizations, NGOs and associations.
• Participate in policy-shaping activities and advocacy initiatives relevant to the Company’s business.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and report updates to internal departments.
• Develop and maintain a stakeholder map and government/corporate relations strategy.
• Provide regular reporting to senior management on public affairs and stakeholder engagement.
• Track regulatory and export-related developments and coordinate internal responses for product compliance.
• Represent the Company at official and sectoral events and accompany official auditors as required.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Turkish & English fluency

Education

University degree in Political Science / IR / Public Administration

Job description

How about building your career at one of the world’s largest food companies?
Come work at MBRF, a company present in the lives of thousands of families around the world. From the simplest moments to the most special ones, we nourish life through quality, innovation, and the people who make everything happen.

Would you like to join Banvit MBRF and be part of a global food giant?

Since 1968, Banvit has been one of Turkey's leading food manufacturers, known for its sustainability mindset and quality-oriented approach. We count on our 5,000 employees and stakeholders all around Turkey, especially in Bandırma, İzmir and Elazığ, where our production facilities are located.
In 2017, Banvit has joined forces with MBRF, one of the world's leading food manufacturers. Thanks to a legacy spanning 90 years, together we are more confident in our future than ever. Serving more than 125 countries, MBRF is a global company that employs more than 100,000 people around the world.

What will you be doing at Banvit MBRF?

• Reporting to Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs, represent the Company before all relevant public authorities in Ankara, as well as before local municipalities, including in Izmir, Elazığ and Bandırma, and other production locations
• Build and maintain the Company’s engagement with the public authorities, chambers of commerce, commodity exchanges, sectoral organizations, NGOs and associations
• Participate in policy-shaping activities and advocacy initiatives relevant to the Company’s business, contributing to the regulation-making process on behalf of the sector
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and sectoral trends, and report updates to relevant internal departments in a timely manner
• Develop and maintain a stakeholder map and government/corporate relations strategy aligned with Company objectives
• Provide regular, structured reporting to senior management on public affairs, government relations and stakeholder engagement activities
• Closely track regulatory and export-related developments affecting the Company’s operations, and coordinate the appropriate internal response and ensure the product compliance
• Represent the Company at official and sectoral events, and accompany official auditors and delegations as required

What kind of profile are we looking for?

• University degree, preferably in Political Science, International Relations, Public Administration or a related field
• Minimum 10 years of experience in public affairs, government relations or external/corporate affairs, with substantial NGO and sectoral association engagement, preferably experience in food industry
• An established network within Ankara’s public institutions and the sector’s civil society organizations
• Strong understanding of Türkiye’s legislative and regulatory processes, including export, import regulations, product compliance
• Experience in policy advocacy and representing organizations in regulation-making processes
• Fluency in both Turkish and English, spoken and written
• Based in Ankara, with flexibility to travel as required

What competencies are key to this role?

• Excellent stakeholder management, strategic planning, and reporting skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, supported by a solid academic background
• Highly motivated and comfortable working in a high-visibility role
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for the company’s external voice and reputation