Mars has been proudly family owned for over 100 years. It's this independence that gives us the gift of freedom to think in generations, so we can invest in the long-term future of our business, our people and the planet — all guided by our enduring Principles. We believe the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today, and our bold ambitions are matched with actions from our 130,000+ Associates in 80 countries around the world. Like any business, we set measures to track our progress. But unlike just any business, we are a company owned across generations who thinks in generations. We firmly believe what has made us successful is more than just thinking about the bottom line.

At the intersection of Mars and policy makers, our Public Affairs team leads engagement with government stakeholders and public policy influencers to 1) Shape public policy developments in support of the Mars strategy and purpose; 2) Grow trusting relationships with key stakeholders; and 3 Provide strategic policy insights to inform business decisions.

As part of Mars' EU Government Relations Service Centre (GRSC) in Brussels, the Director Public Affairs Europe will, in accordance with Mars' principles and purpose, play an active role in shaping EU policies and issues for a mutually sustainable future where both Mars and its stakeholders can thrive.

The Director Public Affairs Europe executes his/her role on the EU GRSC team as part of the Mars Incorporated global Public Affairs team, which operates alongside Public Affairs Associates in Mars' business segments. As such and without direct report relationships, he/she will work through intensive internal engagement and coordination with a network of Global, Regional and Market Corporate and Segment Public Affairs Associates as part of a matrix organisation. In this respect, the Director Public Affairs Europe engages with internal stakeholders to provide expert insights and direction on EU policy developments and develops proposals for Mars positioning to shape the external environment. He/She also develops a strong external network (i.e.: Industry, political, administrations) capable of shaping said policy developments and contribution to appropriate Mars positioning.

He/She contributes to the creation of the EU GRSC strategic annual plan and is responsible for delivering on contracted priorities. The Director Public Affairs Europe, while allocating appropriate amount of time to cross border trade, taxation etc, needs to remain agile and support where needed on other priority areas. He/She also will be intentional on keeping regular contact with market Corporate Affairs associates and assessing when coordinating a cross segment / cross market task force is needed to address ad hoc issues stemming from market policy activity. He/She will be able to manage Agency support, ensuring the service levels remain high and effective.

What are we looking for?

Education & Professional Qualifications:

• Masters Degree

• Minimum of 10 years of Public Affairs experience

• Broad and pre-established relationships with policy-makers at EU level is a plus

• Excellent English language needed oral / written (additional EU language is a plus)

Knowledge/Experience:

• Experience in a multi-national organization and in consumer goods industry strongly preferred

• Preferred: hands-on experience of EU Institutions workings or relevant national political institutions.

• Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision as well as part of a high performing team

• Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously

• Advanced ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, to all levels, both internally and externally

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills

• Ability to manage issues with cross-functional, cross-segment teams

• Experience in providing strategic counsel to senior executives.

• Strategic thinker, results oriented approach, proven negotiation skills

• Capacity to build strong productive working relationships within and across teams without direct report relationship

• Ability to understand the dynamics of the business both internally and externally including the impact of the outside market, competitive landscape and other economic pressures.

• Non-hierarchical/team-oriented with a strong sense of commitment to colleagues and internal clients.

• Sound experience, good judgment and poise in a crisis situation

What will be your key responsibilities?

• As a member of the core team representing Mars vis a vis the EU institutions and relevant European industry bodies, you will play a leading role as we actively advocate in favour of appropriate regulation needed to achieve our ambitions The primary focus is to shape the EU regulatory environment but includes efforts to support EU markets (and non-EU) in addressing their local challenges and guiding different business units' Associates to act as part of a pan-EU policy approach. In this role you will build an internal and external network of stakeholders to be able to effectively convey and convince on our policy approach incl. representing Mars in external stakeholder meetings and Trade Associations and supporting senior leaders where appropriate. Contributing to the internal and external visibility of the Mars actions, the Director Public Affairs Europe will collaborate with internal and external communication Associates. Responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: 1) Shape public policy developments in support of the Mars strategy;

• Lead Mars' efforts for seamless cross border trade in intra-EU and extra-EU relationships and seize opportunities for mutually sustainable business growth;

• Ensure the right insights are garnered and actions are taken for the EU-UK trading relationship to develop with minimal friction;

• Engage so that carbon pricing approaches and carbon border adjustment mechanisms are WTO compliant and effective in carbon reductions;

• Help frame and represent Mars point-of-view in the regulatory and non-regulatory approach to digital environments (digital and data regulations, advertising etc.);

• Support a balanced approach to mandatory corporate sustainability reporting (i.e.: ESG);

• Identify, communicate and where necessary shape developments in the areas of direct and indirect taxation .

• Manage priority projects within Mars' global Public Affairs organization

3) Provide strategic policy insights internally to inform business decisions.

Help anticipate policy risks and opportunities for the business and communicate internally in a succinct, timely and impactful manner; Provide relevant and pertinent policy insights to the relevant subject matter experts inside the business and follow-through on actions, decisions needed; Take a leadership role in driving necessary internal task forces to tackle key policy developments that can contribute, to or impede, business objectives; Support Markets in addressing their policy challenges; Support and learn from other Mars Government Relations Service Centers in the U.S., the U.K., Russia and China

2) Grow trusting relationships externally with key stakeholders;

Represent and advocate for Mars' positions in the relevant business associations and coalitions; Work with Senior Mars leaders in representation at Board-level in Trade Associations; Develop robust external stakeholder mapping and engagement strategies in line with the Public Affairs strategic plan; Support Mars business segments in engaging external stakeholders at EU-level in line with their needs; Support business segments' corporate affairs associates to develop proactive strategies, positions and messages on key public policy issues and communicate those messages to critical stakeholders; Sharing best practices and building public affairs capabilities in markets; Help develop effective external communications to relevant stakeholder groups.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 like-minded and talented Associates, all guided by The Five Principles.

• Join a purpose driven company, where we're striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.

• Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.

• An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.