Director, Government Relations

About the role: 

Barry Callebaut is a global organization poised for growth; a company that has embraced the vision to delight its customers while out-performing its competitors, a business that is committed to sustainability, has innovation in its DNA, is a leader in complex manufacturing and supply chain solutions and is focused on being a best-in-class employer. Barry Callebaut seeks diverse and passionate people who thrive in a dynamic environment, focused on continuous learning, living BC’s Values, and of course, loving chocolate.

The Director, Government Relations will establish and maintain close working relationships with relevant internal stakeholders in the United States and with our global team and serve as the Barry Callebaut representative for these matters with key national and state trade associations, coalitions and other partnership organizations.

Based in the D.C. area,  the Director will participate actively and collaboratively represent Barry Callebaut in independent and trade association activities in Washington, DC and throughout the United States. Provides insight and analysis on federal legislative, policy, and regulatory actions and trends that impact the Company’s ability to manufacture, market and sell products in the United States. 
The Director, Government Relations will establish and maintain key relationships in the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, Administration, key federal departments, and with business partners and national trade associations. The Federal Government Relations Manager will proactively provide strategic advice on the engagement and influence of policy matters related to Federal legislative and policy issues to the internal Government Relations team and the Company. This position requires a sophisticated understanding of political and legislative strategy, and a proven record of political acumen.
Reporting to the President of North America, this individual will develop strategies to further Barry Callebaut’s federal legislative and strategic growth priorities, establishing and maintaining key relationships at federal level, and with key business partners and national associations (such as the National Association of Manufacturers, SNAC International, and the National Confectioners Association, and The United States Council for International Business). The Director, Government Relations will proactively provide strategic advice on federal matters related to the Company’s portfolio business and policy objectives.  Collaboration will also occur globally with Barry Callebaut’s team based in Zurich.  

The successful candidate will be experienced in stakeholder engagement and representing an organization internally and externally. The successful candidate must perform well in a team environment, with the ability to work effectively and independently. This is an external-facing position based in Washington, DC.

Key responsibilities include: 

●    Represent the public policy interests of Barry Callebaut before Congress, the Administration, and administrative and regulatory bodies.
●    Review, monitor, forecast and analyze applicable federal legislative and regulatory issues and trends. 
●    Consult with appropriate internal departments, business units and trade associations to help inform and develop strategies to mitigate risks and optimize opportunities.
●    Engage with federal policymakers to advocate for legislation and policies favorable to our Company and industry that align with our policy framework and are consistent with our regulatory strategy and Company values.
●    Maintain a robust federal intelligence gathering network and identify and apprise management of political and legislative opportunities and threats of importance to Barry Callebaut
●    Create and implement strategic plans for effective government relations engagement with federal public policy makers based on the Company’s business priorities
●    Prepare briefing notes and memos, position statements, talking points and other policy communications for Company leadership, and participate in the development of relevant reports and communications materials
●    Provide high level strategic advice on Barry Callebaut’s growth strategy, giving, and planning, with a focus on federal and PAC-to-PAC political contributions; attend PAC functions.
●    Establish and maintain interactions with public officials as well as with other institutions directly and through associations and other organizations on issues of interest to the United States.
●    Liaise with federal and state agencies responsible for trade, commerce, labor and economic policies including, but not limited to, US Departments of Treasury, Commerce and Labor, US Trade Representative and other related agencies.
●    Serve as the principal policy/issue expert on government policies related to food and general business taxes, international trade, labor, and economic policy.
●    Serve as a Barry Calleabut representative on relevant policy and technical committees of trade association allies (GMA, NCA, NAM,), international alliances (ICC, USCIB) and other groups as needed.
●    Support relationship building with confectionery industry colleagues and, more generally, CPG industry colleagues; as well as general business groups, trade alliances and third-party tax organizations.
●    Support Barry Callebaut’s global outreach and engagement efforts related to commerce and trade, which includes establishing and maintaining relevant policy contacts at the US Missions to the UN, WTO, and OECD.
●    Establish and maintain relationships and dialogue internally to help inform Barry Callebaut’s strategy and positioning on key issues in the portfolio.

About you:

●    Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, political science, international affairs 
●    Advanced degree preferred 
●    7-10 years of experience as legislative staff, department/agency staff or in a trade association or corporate government relations role; CPG industry experience preferred.
●    In depth knowledge and experience in food manufacturing, trade, tax, commerce, supply chain, privacy, economic and related matters.
●    A confident advocate who can build rapport and engage collaboratively with international, federal, state and local public officials and staff.
●    Strong public speaking skills, and an ability to clearly articulate Barry Callebaut’s position on specific topics; an ability to influence persuasively at all levels.
●    Ability to write well-organized, clear and compelling policy documents, advocacy pieces, background papers, briefing books and talking points.
●    Ability to be flexible and adaptable, managing and progressing projects with differing objectives, milestones, and deliverables
●    Ability to write well-organized, clear and effective policy documents, advocacy pieces and talking points 
●    Excellent judgment on key sensitive issues, and an ability to provide recommendations on how they are advocated
●    Possess the stature and presence to represent Barry Callebaut at industry forums and events
●    Ability to keep information confidential.
●    Ability to travel required. 

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut:

●    Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
●    Paid time off, plus 12 paid holidays, plus your birthday off
●    Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility 
●    An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
●    Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth
●    Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products.