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

Overview

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, with a dotted line to Italy Managing Director

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of about 11 people and be part of the Italy Leadership team.
• Implement the government affairs and external communications plan in Italy; protect the company’s interests in public, political, and regulatory landscapes; strengthen reputation and maintain trust with institutional stakeholders in alignment with HQ.
• Develop and sustain strong relationships with national and local authorities, institutions, communities, and media; represent/support the company in dealings with governmental institutions and trade associations; engage across associations, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary projects.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting consumer-facing industries; identify trends, assess impacts, and provide informed recommendations to internal leaders; proactively limit negative public policy outcomes and promote strategic positions.
• Lead Italy’s communication and external relations approach; ensure clear, coherent, and credible messaging across audiences; oversee Brand PR activities within the Region; ensure coherence of official statements and corporate messages aligned with Group guidance; act as spokesperson for the Italian business and coordinate crisis communication when needed.
• Anticipate and forecast issues from national and regional political/stakeholder environments; nourish and grow a relevant network in Rome.
• Oversee the company’s presence in communities through charitable contributions, community programs, partnerships with NGOs and associations; coordinate sponsorships and CSR projects in line with Group guidelines.
• Support development and deployment of sustainability initiatives; assist the sales department in engaging customers on sustainability topics; maintain relationships with organizations focused on social and environmental matters; communicate Sustainability and CSR commitments clearly; support ESG communication and transparency.
• Ensure all activities comply with Group policies; uphold high standards of integrity and consistency in decision-making.

Requirements

• Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, or related fields; Master’s degree preferred.
• More than twenty years of experience across public policy, legislative, government affairs, and corporate communications in corporate, association, governmental contexts, or related consumer-facing sectors.
• Ability to work in an international corporate environment and matrix organization.
• Strong expertise in crisis management, sustainability, advocacy, and media relations; solid network with local and international media platforms.
• Extensive experience with governmental stakeholders and a well-established network in Italy, especially Rome.
• Strong judgment, interpersonal skills, and ability to work effectively in multicultural and diverse organizations.
• Fluent in English and Italian; proactive, results-driven mindset; capable of working independently and as a collaborative team player; able to contribute 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.