The Food and Drink Federation (FDF) is the voice of the UK food and drink industry - the largest manufacturing sector in the country. We help our members operate in an appropriately regulated marketplace to maximise their competitiveness. We communicate our industry's values and concerns to Government, regulators, consumers and the media. We also work in partnership with key players in the food chain to ensure our food is safe, affordable and nutritious and that consumers can have trust in it.
FDF Benefits
FDF offers an excellent employee benefits package to its employees – a pension scheme, life insurance, 25 days annual leave, childcare vouchers, cycle-to-work scheme, eye-care vouchers, weekly fruit drop. After successful completion of a 6-months’ probationary period, employees will be entitled to an interest-free season ticket loan, gym subsidy and private health insurance.
Job Purpose
To provide a supporting role to the Public Affairs Manager and Media & Campaigns Manager with the execution of FDF’s public affairs strategy, media and stakeholder relations. Act as an official spokesperson for FDF, its Groups and consumer information programmes.
Working as part of FDF’s busy Corporate Affairs team, this role will enable FDF to deliver on its programme of campaign and public affairs activity on health and wellbeing, sustainability, food safety & science, competitiveness issues and commercial services.
To operate as an integral part of the FDF Corporate Affairs team, providing a coordination role in the design, development and delivery of FDF’s external communications output.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities
Political and Media Monitoring
- To keep abreast of political and media developments affecting food and drink manufacturing, analysing content and then advising FDF colleagues in a timely way on relevant items such as Government announcements and consultations, Parliamentary debates and media campaigns;
- To assist with the compilation of regular reports for FDF colleagues and members, disseminating intelligence on policy, political and parliamentary developments.
Political and Stakeholder Engagement
- To assist with the delivery of a public affairs engagement programme at Westminster, devolved government and EU level;
- To draft briefings, correspondence and stakeholder communications on a wide range of topics for Parliamentarians and key contacts;
- To proactively seek opportunities to communicate FDF’s position, through public events and meetings;
- To regularly monitor and update contact details for Parliamentarians and other relevant stakeholders and contact log notes on FDF’s contact database;
- To build and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues, members and Parliamentary contacts.
Project Management
- To assist the team in supporting FDF in its role as Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Food and Drink Manufacturing, co-ordinating meetings and activity throughout the year;
- To liaise with and provide public affairs support to members of the Association of Cereal Food Manufacturers (ACFM).
FDF Events
- To assist with the planning, logistics and delivery of FDF events, including the annual Parliamentary Reception, Commercial events and other ad hoc events.
Media Relations and Campaigns
- To handle media queries, seeking advice from specific FDF colleagues as appropriate or external organisations, in consultation with the Media & Campaigns Manager. With the other members of the Media Team, to provide a 24-hour on call media service for FDF;
- To develop FDF press notices, position statements, media responses, media plans, Q&As, and proactive press releases in consultation with Media & Campaigns Manager and FDF colleagues, ensuring appropriate sign off. To write articles and letters to the editor for publication on request;
- In liaison with the Media & Campaigns Manager, progress the forward plans for each identified campaign/FDF pillar to ensure maximum publicity for FDF and members. This will include developing communication solutions, stakeholder resources, planning events, creating web and hard copy and sourcing case studies;
- To work to develop and strengthen media contacts and ensure that databases, contacts lists and monitoring processes are kept up to date;
- To provide advice for member associations, and FDF committees/groups on media issues of concern to FDF and on specific issues relating to their sectors;
- To work with media and policy colleagues to publicise FDF’s work and successes through member communications including e-newsletters and via media alerts;
- To provide a secretariat for relevant campaign/event meetings including arranging dates, preparing and circulating proposals, updating papers and taking and distributing minutes;
- To support FDF’s Commercial Services team in the promotion of FDF’s training courses, events and other commercial opportunities.
General
- To assist with any other reasonable duties that may be required by the Media & Campaigns Manager, Public Affairs Manager or Corporate Affairs Director;
- To develop and maintain an understanding of FDF’s work and the needs of members.
Working Relationships
Work closely with the Media & Campaigns Manager, Public Affairs Manager and Corporate Affairs Director on FDF’s media relations and public affairs programmes. Work with all other members of the Corporate Affairs team on joint projects and be available as a source of advice to all FDF staff and members. Build relationships with key political stakeholders and Industry Group Partners.
Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience;
- Proven experience working within a public affairs environment, preferably with some crisis management experience;
- Good understanding of politics and Westminster parliamentary processes;
- Experience of working with politicians and journalists;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- A persuasive and diplomatic communicator with the ability to handle confidential information sensitively and quickly build trusting relationships with a wide range of individuals;
- Able to work as part of a team and multi-task, with good time management skills;
- A proactive and creative approach;
- Ability to work flexibly and cope with change;
- Good organisational skills with attention to detail;
- Events management experience;
- Able to demonstrate interest in the food and drink sector;
- Competent in Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Desirable
- Food industry experience;
- Experience of dealing with cross departmental teams;
- Previous public affairs experience, preferably in a membership or trade organisation.