Head of Government Affairs UK

Job Description
We have an excellent opportunity available for an experienced Head of Government Affairs to make a difference at Kraft Heinz. You will shape the external policy environment to support our commercial goals, drive sustainable business practices, and foster our reputation as a responsible food manufacturer.
You will be responsible for building a new government affairs (GA) ecosystem to position Kraft Heinz as a thought and knowledge partner with government. Working closely with the Managing Director for the UK & Ireland, you will ensure that the organisation has a strong voice in public policy discussions and contributes to shaping legislation or regulatory frameworks relevant to our business. This is a meaningful role at the intersection of policy, business, and brand.
This role lies within the European Developed Markets business unit. The position is based in London, located in the Shard, and will report to the Director for Government Affairs Europe, based in Brussels.
Owning the development and execution of Kraft Heinz's GA and public affairs strategy in the UK will be your primary responsibility. You'll be working in a high performing team, alongside peers always trying to reach the next level!
What you'll do

• Develop a long-term UK GA strategy and serve as an outstanding strategist and tactician in terms of planning and delivery.
• Guide the UKI Managing Director in engagement with senior political and industry leaders.
• Advise senior leadership and commercial teams on potential risks and opportunities arising from the policy landscape.
• With our agency partner, supervise and assess policy and regulatory developments affecting the food sector, including nutrition policy, packaging and sustainability, economic policy and trade.
• Build and maintain relationships with key collaborators across Westminster, devolved governments, local authorities, regulatory and institutional bodies (e.g., DEFRA, DBT), and relevant industry associations (e.g. IGD).
• Develop and deliver briefings, position papers, consultation responses, and public submissions on key legislative or regulatory proposals.
• Lead external messaging on policy, corporate announcements, and key business initiatives.
• Represent Kraft Heinz at external meetings, roundtables, parliamentary receptions, and industry forums.
• Support engagement with NGOs, think tanks, and advocacy groups on shared policy objectives (e.g., food reformulation, carbon reduction).
• Collaborate closely with internal teams across Legal, Regulatory, Sustainability, Procurement, R&D, and Communications to ensure alignment on public affairs activity. Mentor and leverage internal experts in government engagement.

What you'll need:

• Guideline minimum of 10-years' experience in a public affairs, government relations, or policy role, ideally within a large FMCG or highly regulated sector.
• A strong understanding of the UK political and policy-making landscape coupled with a strong network. Specific knowledge of food, health, and sustainability policy is a plus.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and proactively in a fast-paced environment that requires management of multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with devolved government policy environments and experience with international and UK-EU trade challenges.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage and influence at all levels.

Desired skills & attitude:

• Ability to speak fluently in lay terms to a range of audiences about the business and priorities and challenges of Kraft Heinz.
• Capability to make nuanced recommendations and business decisions based on facts and the work environment of Kraft Heinz.
• Comfortable with ambiguity, both internally and externally, using strong communication and problem-solving skills.

• Public affairs campaign skills, including involving traditional and social media.
• A relevant degree or equivalent experience (e.g., Politics, Public Policy, Law, Communications, or Food Science).

What we offer you

• We are an ambitious employer with an industry-recognised career development pathway
• We have a meritocratic, pay for performance approach
• Flexible and hybrid working approach, including ability to work from abroad
• Inclusive culture/work environment, backed by leadership-sponsored Business Resource Groups
• Family-friendly; market leading parental leave benefits & sponsored nursery scheme

Wellbeing

• Private medical cover & Digital GP
• Best-in-class gym discounts & cycle to work scheme
• Premium membership to Calm App
• 3 volunteering days per year (e.g. Soup Kitchen, Magic Breakfast)

Location(s)
London - The Shard
Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes.