Public Affairs Manager

Job purpose

The Public Affairs Manager, reports to the Head of Public Affairs, and supports the public policy priorities and advocacy efforts for Bridgestone EMEA on mobility, sustainability and digital subjects, primarily at European level. The Public Affairs Manager also contributes to Bridgestone’s engagement in relevant trade associations and coalitions and assists with the creation of trustworthy connections with key institutional players and outreach to relevant local authorities in EU countries.

Main responsibilities

This function includes following main responsibilities:

• Monitor EU policy developments that are key to the Company in general.
• Maintain and develop a network of relationships with relevant European and National officials.
• Represent Bridgestone and ensure that the Company has a “seat at the table” in those critical interactions with external regulatory-related groups, directly or through Trade Associations.

Accountabilities

Regulatory monitoring:

• Screen policy initiatives and identify threats and opportunities of advocacy with identification on key stakeholders in the process.
• Analyse relevant EU Authorities documentation and prepare reports on policy topics.
• Prepare briefing material for executive functions within the company.
• Update institutional calendars relevant for Bridgestone.

Relationship with EU Authorities:

• Identify and establish communication channels and build networks with EU Institutional Representatives.
• Draft reports/presentations/advocacy material for meetings with EU decision-makers.
• Represent Bridgestone and promote its interests at key events (conferences, workshops, meetings) and other EU fora.
• Promote activities aimed at reinforcing Bridgestone image, business and products awareness amongst Institutional Stakeholders

Relationship with trade Associations:

• Represent Bridgestone at EU and International Trade Associations.
• Defend and promote Bridgestone interests in discussions at Trade Associations, and with Customers and Suppliers Associations, while leveraging technical expertise internal to the company.
• Identify possible partnership opportunities with International Bodies conducive to the achievement of Bridgestone’s strategy.

Support to Bridgestone functions:

• Contribute to the development of advocacy and outreach programs and goals related to the Company mid- and long-term plan.
• Prepare meeting reports for Management team, and Company top management.
• Maintain and update internal communication tools in relation to the main policy developments.
• Support Corporate Global Functions on topics having international impact and of interest in Europe, while leveraging the synergies with regional Public Affairs activities.

Profile

• High degree in Economics, Engineering, Science, Law, European Studies, Public Administration or Political Sciences or related discipline.
• Minimum 6 – 8 years of experience in managing EU policy topics related to the EU environmental, mobility, sustainability agenda.
• Excellent knowledge of the EU decision-making process, with good insights into EU legislation, especially in the fields of environment, chemicals, transport and other related policies.
• Proven records in outreach activities and established network of contacts in key EU institutions, especially EU Parliament and EU Commission Directorates (e.g. GROW, Connect, Environment, Clima).
• Experience in negotiation within complex situations, like meeting with competitors and politicians.
• A self-starter who can take general direction and produce specific results.
• High personal levels of ethical conduct, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Critical thinking. Process information from multiple sources, forecast potential scenarios, prioritize based on probability and desired outcome, and recommend a best course of action.
• Outstanding oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to create factual, relevant and easily understandable talking points and other messaging, and persuasively deliver it to relevant audiences.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of French and other European languages is a plus.
• Strong values in line with Bridgestone’s behavioral expectations (= Involvement, Commitment, Ownership, Teamwork, & Flexibility).

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