British Soft Drinks Association
Public Affairs and Policy Manager
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About the organisation:
The British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) brings together the manufacturers, franchisors, importers and suppliers behind the soft drinks people choose every day. As the industry's centre of technical and regulatory expertise, it represents members' interests, shapes the policy environment and leads the national debate on the sector's contribution to consumers, the UK economy, the environment and public health. BSDA is in an important phase of growth, strengthening its capability and influence on behalf of its members, and aims to be an open and inclusive place to work.
The opportunity:
This is a chance to lead on the policy issues that matter to UK soft drinks, within a small public affairs team at a growing organisation. Supporting the Director of Public Affairs, you will take the lead on specific issues and workstreams, combining hands-on stakeholder engagement across Parliament and government with the research behind BSDA's evidence-based policy positions, and turning the sector's technical and regulatory expertise into public affairs activity and consultation responses.
Main responsibilities:
- Deliver the public affairs and policy elements of BSDA's corporate affairs strategy, working closely with the Director of Public Affairs, Deputy Director General and Director General.
- Carry out primary and desk-based research to develop evidence-based policy positions, and draft consultation responses, briefings and policy papers that reflect BSDA's technical and regulatory expertise.
- Give management timely, accurate briefings ahead of key meetings and events, and monitor political and legislative developments, feeding intelligence into policy development.
- Work with policymakers and stakeholders across Westminster, Whitehall and the devolved administrations to promote the interests of the soft drinks industry, building a personal network across Parliament, government and industry.
- Develop and maintain relationships with members' public affairs contacts, keeping messaging consistent and sharing intelligence early.
- Organise BSDA's member group and committee meetings, including papers and slides, help develop the annual timetable of governance and member meetings, and support events including the annual conference and Parliamentary engagement.
- Help distil diverse member views into clear, agreed positions, and draft content for BSDA's website and social media.
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Key skills and experience required:
- Proven experience in stakeholder engagement, public affairs or policy work, ideally across multi-discipline campaigns, including leading on specific issues or workstreams.
- A track record of researching and developing evidence-based policy positions, and of influencing decision- or policy-makers to deliver organisational objectives, in-house or on behalf of clients.
- A good understanding of how the UK parliamentary and political process works, including legislation, the civil service and the main political parties, and of wider campaigns strategy.
- Knowledge of soft drinks or food and drink policy and the related stakeholder environment.
- The ability to write across a range of styles, including briefings, consultation responses and articles, and to structure, substantiate and communicate compelling policy positions.
- Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience, strong verbal, written and presentation skills, and a flexible, team-minded approach suited to a fast-moving environment.
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How to apply:
To apply, please submit via our website and include a copy of your CV.
Application deadline:
7 October 2026
Ellwood Atfield:
Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.
Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.
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