Head of Corporate Legal Affairs

**UP FOR AN EXCITING CHALLENGE?**

We're a truly international company, fourth largest in our industry and operating across 120 markets. An inclusive, innovative global FMCG business supported by over 27,500 employees. As we embrace a new era of growth, we are transforming. Our ways of working and culture are driven by a challenger mindset, constantly questioning the status quo. Our agility and entrepreneurial spirit, alongside award winning development programmes, enable innovation and success while creating exciting and rewarding career choices. As we move forward, our customers will be at the heart of what we do, evolving to needs and expectations and committing to a more meaningful contribution to harm reduction by building a successful business. Integral to our long-term success is our sustainability strategy, behaving responsibly and supporting our ambitions, all underpinned by high governance. Encouraging inclusion at local levels and supporting a developing and robust diversity agenda globally, we’re fully committed to creating and maintaining an environment that celebrates and respects difference.

**THE ROLE**

Location**:Madrid**

This role is part of the Cluster Leadership Team and will champion key GDF regulatory issues on behalf of IMB and for the Cluster, also will build, plan, and implement key activities in conjunction with the CLT and within the Cluster sales regions. The activities should dovetail with the strategy of Group Corporate & Legal Affairs and with the Regional Corporate Affairs teams.

The post holder will defend and protect Duty Free as a legitimate sales channel and, position business model of GDF and TR to prevent new rules and regulation. The post holder will ensure that Corporate Affairs strategy is integrated in actions undertaken by associations and key customers in order to achieve IMB’s objectives and lead and influence political engagement to strengthen IMB’s customer relationship and generate added value for key trade partners. In addition, the post holder will lead and develop Corporate Affairs Team to improve compliance reporting and to be prepared for auditing, also tackle, and mitigate Illicit Trade of Imperial products.

**KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES**
- Be the main point of contact for regulatory issues of importance within the international markets. Take responsibility for the global business and develop close working relationship with Group Corporate Affairs,
- IB Regions, local markets/regions as well as trade associations and other key external and internal stakeholders.
- Take full ownership of all External Affairs (Task Forces and Working Groups) related to GDF, TR and Rizla
- Define recommendations for management and team on existing regulation and support with proportionate and workable solutions given GDF’s commercial landscape and business priorities Safeguard all external and internal communication
- Safeguard brand and trade marketing initiatives Coach CLT to become familiar with Corporate & Legal Affairs and Compliance and how to handle related issues in daily business
- Translate CLA strategy for full team, develop and implement trainings about regulation, Imperial’s position, compliance and code of conduct
- Co-ordinate activities in support of markets/trade associations/accounts (e.g. briefings, submissions) in conjunction with CLA strategy.
- Represent Imperial’s positions and GDF’s interests in trade associations, political discussions and on conferences
- Ensure GDF regions implement risk monitoring tools, develop and communicate best practices for international business model and audits
- Develop direct reports and act as a business partner for the Cluster. And a first point of contact for external and internal queries [Trade Press, associations] and Region Group

**SKILLS & EXPERIENCE**
- To be able to create and influence key contacts and networks and have a high level of resilience and political knowledge.
- Ability to plan, organise and implement key tasks in relation to overall strategy
- To engage and influence for Imperial’s interests externally with other company representatives, officials, customers, authorities, and agencies.
- Communicate effectively and achieve key goals at all levels, advanced skills in campaigning
- Presentation skills to different numbers and levels of audience
- Minimum 8 years of regulatory experience or successful track record in influencing internal and external stakeholders/lobbying.
- A competent level of English is essential

**WHAT WE OFFER**
- Imperial Brands offers a competitive salary package, 26 days of holidays plus 2 additional days for Christmas and all Spanish public holidays.
- Be part of an international team, dynamic and friendly environment where every day is a different day.
- Dedicated time for your professional development (Career Development programs, Mentorship opportunities, and access to Learning courses).
- Work Life Balance - Flexible working hours, work from home opportun