Engagement Manager

About the role

BAT is advancing quickly as a diversified global business, guided by its ambition to build a smokeless world and create a better tomorrow. The company is hiring an Engagement Manager in Auckland, New Zealand to help shape regulatory, public affairs, communications, and stakeholder engagement work across the business.

Regulation and public affairs

In this role, you will support New Zealand political, regulatory, and public affairs priorities across major areas such as combustible products, new category products, pricing and excise, and anti-illicit trade. You will also take a cross-functional view to address both current and emerging regulatory challenges and opportunities.

Corporate communications and advocacy

You will contribute to government and Select Committee submissions, run stakeholder engagement and advocacy campaigns, support regulatory and compliance messaging, protect and strengthen corporate reputation, and assist with media and communication activity when needed. The position also includes management of BATNZ digital channels and corporate assets, plus support for internal communication activities such as town halls.

Reporting and governance

The role covers product notifications, licensing, and mandatory reporting duties, along with budget management, group compliance, internal reporting, and CORA vendor, supplier contracting, and onboarding responsibilities.

Management results

You will support the Head of CORA - NZ by helping deliver regulatory strategies. This includes identifying and assessing new issues and risks, carrying out ongoing regulatory monitoring and horizon scanning, analysing policy and regulation, building and executing campaign and engagement plans, advising the business on external affairs matters, and monitoring political, media, and partner activity to provide timely insights and recommendations.

Leadership results

The position expects leadership in external partner engagement and regulatory matters, active contribution in meetings and forums, and consistent role-modelling of BAT’s leadership behaviours and values.

Relationship results

You will be expected to build strong working relationships with internal and external partners, create effective engagement with government agencies, industry groups, retailers, consultants, trade associations, and broader business networks, and support local and wider external affairs priorities and campaigns. Accurate and timely reporting is also essential.

Innovation results

The role requires a mindset of continuous adaptation to shifting regulatory and external environments, along with a proactive approach to improving processes, effectiveness, and strategic delivery.

What we are looking for

The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience handling corporate or public affairs matters. Experience in a political environment, consultancy, or an in-house setting is required. You should have strong knowledge of government and regulatory affairs, plus experience dealing with partners on difficult and sensitive issues. Prior people management experience is also needed.

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to influence, persuade, and present to varied audiences. The role also calls for strong engagement, negotiation, relationship-building, organisational, analytical, tactical, planning, strategic, and leadership skills. You should be comfortable working with peers, senior leaders, and external stakeholders, manage deadlines and budgets effectively, and bring a creative approach to problem-solving.

Additional expectations include confidence in public speaking and presentations, capability to lead, coach, and develop others, a strong business focus, understanding of the sensitivities and complexity of the nicotine products environment, the ability to turn ideas into practical implementation, and awareness of tobacco- and nicotine-related social issues.

What BAT offers

BAT offers a market-leading annual performance bonus subject to eligibility, with benefits that may include health cover, work-life balance initiatives, transport support, and a flexible holiday arrangement with additional incentives depending on country. The company also supports internal career growth, offers access to online learning and personalised development programs, and promotes continuous improvement within a changing environment.

Why join BAT

BAT is recognised as a Global Top Employer, reflecting its employee-focused standards. The company places collaboration, inclusion, and partnership at the centre of its culture and values diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. It also supports professionals returning to work after a career break through the Global Returners program.

Additional information

Candidates who need reasonable adjustments or accommodations during recruitment are encouraged to let the company know so appropriate support can be arranged.