Regulatory Affairs Manager

BAT is evolving at pace - truly like no other organisation.

To achieve the ambition, we have set for ourselves, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to live our ethos every day. Come be a part of this journey!

SENIORITY LEVEL: Mid-senior level

FUNCTION: Legal & External Affairs

LOCATION: Tokyo, Japan

ROLE POSITIONING AND OBJECTIVES

This role is part of External Affairs. The role is responsible for providing strategic direction to BATJ to navigate the regulatory developments as they unfold, with key stakeholders, as a responsible tobacco company.

Reports to: Senior Commercial Support Manager

Geographic Scope: Local

WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR

• Work closely with Sr. Commercial Support Manager and other team members in LEX organization, to support timely development and effective delivery of the LEX strategy at the end-market level. This requires not only understanding business priorities and challenges but also driving alignment and support from the senior management team towards the LEX functional agenda, with proper consultation from Regional and Global LEX representatives. 
• The key focus of the role is to develop and execute the Regulatory Affairs strategy and plan in Japan especially for New Product Introduction (NPI) projects with good collaboration with cross-functional team, to support growth agenda of BATJ.
• Ensure compliance of BATJ’s marketing materials with local regulation, industry code and BAT’s Compliance Standard.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Regulation (including Excise, Tobacco Product, Trade in Tobacco, Packaging & Labelling issues)

• Identify, define and promote a regulatory environment consistent with both British American Tobacco business goals and business principles to ensure that the company can operate successfully and in a manner consistent with its beliefs.
• Engage with regulators to ensure timely New Product pricing approvals to support timely delivery of NPI.
• Manage BATJ engagement process in line with strategic plan objectives.
• Provide regular updates to the business regarding potential regulatory opportunities and threats, and recommend and execute relevant plans.
• Build and maintain BATJ’s external stakeholder relationships (e.g. politicians, government officials, NGOs, media, business, local community, employees and other key influencers).
• Support and help to grow solid relationships with the Tobacco Institute of Japan (TIOJ) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
• Working with the TIOJ, help to develop an approach that allows the industry to work together on key issues.
• Review BAT’s marketing materials to ensure compliance with local regulation, industry code and BAT’s Compliance Standard.

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Honours Degree/post-graduate degree.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the national policy making environment is preferable, including the government sector and/or a substantial corporate affairs management role in a comparable commercial/FMCG organization with a proven track record.
• Demonstrated experience in government relations/regulatory affairs; additional experience in other communications related areas including media relations, employee communications, crisis communications, new media techniques etc. a plus
• Proven experience in international trade and advocacy
• Knowledgeable and experienced on Social Network Site and Digital.
• Outstanding influencing skills
• Ability to develop and maintain healthy partnership, strategic alliances and associations (media, NGO, TIOJ)
• Strong communication skills in English & Japanese (native speaker) in both written & verbal
• Depth understanding of local regulations

WE ARE BAT

At BAT we are committed to our Purpose of creating A Better Tomorrow. This is what drives our people and our passion for innovation. See what is possible for you at BAT.

• Global Top Employer with 53,000 BAT people across more than 180 markets
• Brands sold in over 200 markets, made in 44 factories in 42 countries
• Newly established Tech Hubs building world-class capabilities for innovation in 4 strategic locations
• Diversity leader in the Financial Times and International Women’s Day Best Practice winner
• Seal Award winner – one of 50 most sustainable companies

BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER

Collaboration, diversity and teamwork underpin everything we do here at BAT. We know that collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals. Come bring your difference!