Head of IA&CC (Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications) Region Italy

Our client, an important multinational Group operating in the FMCG, is currently looking for a:

Head of IA&CC (Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications) Region Italy

Location : Italy – Rome

Department : Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications (IA&CC)

Reporting Lines : Reports to Head of IA&CC Area Europe, and dotted line to Italy Managing Director

Job Summary :

As the Head of IA&CC Manager Region Italy, you will be part of the Leadership team in Italy and will lead a team with 11 persons. You will implement the government affairs and external communications plan in Italy. You ensure that the company’s interests are protected in the public, political, and regulatory landscape, while strengthening its reputation and maintaining trust with institutional stakeholders and alignment with the HQ.

In this role, you develop and sustain strong relationships with national and local authorities, institutions, communities, and media organizations. You represent and/or support the company in dealings with governmental institutions and trade associations, ensuring that the company’s voice is effectively heard. You participate in associations, engage stakeholders across government, civil society, academia and diplomacy, and act as a connector across multidisciplinary projects.

You monitor legislative and regulatory developments that influence consumer-facing industries at national and local levels. You identify trends, assess potential impacts, and guide internal leaders with informed recommendations. You actively work to limit negative public policy outcomes while promoting positions that support the company’s strategic interests.

You lead communication and external relations approach in Italy by ensuring clear, coherent, and credible communication with all relevant audiences. This extends to overseeing Brand PR activities within the Region, making sure our messaging is consistent and impactful. You ensure coherence of official statements, press releases, and develop corporate messages aligned with Group guidance. You act as spokesperson for the Italian business, and you coordinate crisis communication efforts to ensure a timely and effective response in sensitive situations.

Given Italy’s importance to the Company, you will act as a focal point to anticipate and forecast issues raised from both national and regional political and stakeholder environments that may affect operations. In particular, this role requires nourishing and growing a relevant network in Rome.

You strengthen the company’s presence in the communities we operate by overseeing charitable contributions, community programs, and partnerships with NGOs and relevant associations. You coordinate sponsorships, patronage initiatives, and CSR projects, ensuring coherence with Group guidelines and alignment across functions.

You support the development and deployment of sustainability initiatives, support the sales department in the engagement of customers on sustainability topics and maintain strong relationships with organizations focused on social and environmental matters You ensure that the company’s Sustainability and CSR commitments are clearly communicated. You support Environmental Social Governance (ESG) communication, provide transparency, and reinforce the company’s reputation through responsible and consistent messaging.

You ensure that all activities under your responsibility are carried out in full compliance with Group policies. You uphold the highest standards of integrity and consistency in decision-making.

About you/Requirements :

You hold a degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, or related areas with a Master-level degree. You have more than twenty years of experience across public policy, legislative, government affairs, and corporate communications roles, gained in corporate, association, governmental contexts, or other relevant consumer-facing sectors.

You demonstrate ability and organizational savviness to work both in an international corporate environment and matrix organization.

You demonstrate strong expertise and proven track record in crisis management, sustainability, advocacy and media relations, with a solid understanding and network of local and international media platforms.

You have extensive experience working with governmental stakeholders and have a well-established network of relevant stakeholders in Italy and especially in Rome.

You possess strong judgment, robust interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively within multicultural and diverse organizations. You communicate fluently in English and Italian and approach challenges with a proactive, results-driven mindset. You can operate both independently and as a collaborative team player, bringing your strategic vision and contributing meaningfully to regional and Group-level priorities.

This company is an equal opportunities employer. Candidates that will not receive an answer within 30 days, should consider the present selection process closed.