Head of External Affairs

About the job

Based in Wieze / Brussels - Belgium , the Head of External Affairs plays a central role in shaping Barry Callebaut’s positioning on key legislative files and external sustainability issues, with primary focus on Europe. The role is responsible for monitoring, interpreting, and coordinating responses to evolving regulatory developments, particularly those stemming from the EU Green Deal -  as well as relevant legislative initiatives at the EU Member State level, and translating their implications into actionable insights for the business. This includes advising internal stakeholders on managing shared ESG risks and operational alignment with regulatory expectations.

The Head of External Affairs will work closely with the Director of External Affairs and ESG to shape and lead the company’s ESG and External Affairs strategy, ensuring a strong, integrated, and forward-looking approach to sustainability, regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, and corporate reputation.

The Head of External Affairs also leads the company’s engagement strategy with selected stakeholders, including trade associations, NGOs, policy platforms, and other relevant forums, to advocate for Barry Callebaut’s positions, stay ahead of legislative trends, and shape the external policy environment. The role works closely with the ESG Manager to support the drafting and positioning of external communications, ESG Annual reports, public policy responses, and sustainability-related messaging and communications.

In addition, the Head of External Affairs brings strong project management skills to drive cross-functional coordination, support the execution of ESG-related campaigns, and ensure the timely delivery of key initiatives. This role requires a balance of external advocacy and internal collaboration to support the company’s broader sustainability ambition and regulatory readiness.

Key responsibilities include

Legislative Monitoring & Regulatory Advisory

• Monitor and analyze key legislative files and ESG-related regulations (e.g., EU Deforestation-free Regulation, CSDDD, CSRD) with a focus on implications for Barry Callebaut’s operations, supply chain, and ESG strategy.
• Translate complex regulatory developments into clear guidance for business functions, supporting internal decision-making and compliance efforts.
• Provide subject matter input to cross-functional teams on how to manage common ESG risks in light of emerging legislation.

External Affairs Strategy & Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead the design and execution of the external affairs strategy in alignment with ESG and business priorities.
• Actively participate in and represent Barry Callebaut in relevant trade associations, policy groups, and multi-stakeholder platforms.
• Build and manage relationships with NGOs and civil society actors, ensuring transparency and constructive dialogue on ESG issues.
• Collaborate with the ESG Manager to shape position papers, policy responses, and stakeholder messaging that reflect the company’s commitments and actions.

Project Management & Delivery

• Lead or contribute to cross-functional projects related to external affairs, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory implementation.

Cross-functional Collaboration & Communications Support

• Work with internal teams (e.g., Legal, Sustainability, Procurement, Communications) to ensure coordinated responses to regulatory changes and stakeholder inquiries.
• Provide advisory support for internal and external ESG-related communications, including press releases, campaign content, and sustainability disclosures.
• Support the alignment of Barry Callebaut’s ESG narrative across key audiences.
• Apply strong organizational and project management capabilities to drive execution, monitor timelines, and track deliverables.

About you

• Senior External Affairs expertise with 8–10+ years of experience, particularly focused on ESG, sustainability, and responsible business topics.
• Strong understanding of ESG and regulatory frameworks, with proven ability to interpret, influence, and respond to regulatory and legislative developments.
• Advanced education (Master’s degree) in Communications, Public Policy, External Affairs, or a science-related field.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, including working with regulators, trade associations, NGOs, and other external partners to shape policy and represent company interests.
• Ability to translate complex policy, legal, and technical content into clear, actionable insights tailored to diverse audiences (internal teams, senior leadership, and external stakeholders).
• Cross-functional collaboration experience, working closely with legal, sustainability, procurement, and communications teams to drive a unified external affairs strategy.
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities, including leading teams, managing multiple priorities, and delivering high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• Agile mindset, able to adapt and reprioritize in a changing external and regulatory landscape.
• Food industry experience is a plus.
• Native-level English proficiency is essential.