Government Affairs Director- D.C.

About Flora Food Group

We offer consumers a compelling choice in four growing categories: butters and spreads, creams, liquids and cheeses. We hold leadership positions in many of the 100 countries we operate in, with iconic brands including Flora, Becel+ProActiv, Blue Band, Country Crock, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter, Rama, and Violife, together with our local brands and Professional business.

Global branded food champion Flora Food Group, offers the next generation of delicious, natural, nutritious food. Our products are more affordable and more sustainable than their dairy equivalents.

Job Title: Government Affairs Director, North America

Location: Washington, D.C.

Reports To: Chief Corporate Affairs & Communications Officer, Flora Food Group

Role Overview

The Government Affairs Director for North America at Flora Food Group will lead the company’s efforts to shape policy, engage with regulatory bodies, and drive advocacy initiatives across the U.S. and Canada. This role is critical in establishing Flora Food Group as a trusted partner in the food sector, influencing policy in support of sustainable food solutions, and advocating for industry-aligned regulations. Working closely with the global government affairs team, this director will represent Flora Food Group’s interests with local, state, and federal governments, as well as industry associations and other key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Policy Advocacy: Develop and execute strategies to advocate for policies that support Flora Food Group’s mission, particularly around sustainability, food labeling, and plant-based innovation.
• Government and Regulatory Relations: Build and maintain strong relationships with key government officials, regulatory bodies, and policymakers in North America to position Flora Food Group as a leader in sustainable food practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with industry associations, NGOs, and advocacy groups to advance shared goals around environmental sustainability, nutrition, and food system innovation.
• Legislative Monitoring: Track relevant legislation and regulatory changes across North America, assessing potential impacts on Flora Food Group’s business and proactively addressing opportunities and risks.
• Crisis and Issues Management: Serve as the North American lead for governmental crisis and issues management, coordinating responses to protect the company’s reputation and interests during regulatory or legislative challenges.
• Internal Collaboration and Education: Work closely with the global government affairs and communications teams to align strategies and share insights. Educate internal teams on regulatory and political developments relevant to the company’s goals.

Required Experience and Skills

• Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years in government affairs or public policy, with experience in the food, agriculture, or consumer goods sectors preferred. Strong knowledge of U.S. and Canadian legislative processes and regulatory environments.
• Advocacy Expertise: Demonstrated experience in developing and executing successful government relations and advocacy campaigns, with proven relationships across government, regulatory bodies, and industry associations.
• Strategic Insight: Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess policy impacts and devise strategic responses that align with Flora Food Group’s mission and business objectives.
• Stakeholder Relationship Management: Skilled at fostering and maintaining productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, from government officials to industry allies.
• Crisis and Issue Response: Experienced in handling government-related crises and issues, with a proactive approach to risk management.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Ability to clearly communicate complex regulatory or legislative issues to internal and external stakeholders, adapting messaging as needed for different audiences.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, or a related field is required. A master’s degree or Juris Doctor (JD) is preferred.

Why Join Flora Food Group?

Flora Food Group offers a dynamic, purpose-driven environment focused on shaping the future of food through sustainability and innovation. As the Government Affairs Director, you’ll have the opportunity to lead transformative projects, contribute to the global food conversation, and be part of a company committed to making nutritious, natural food accessible and sustainable worldwide and a dynamic, forward-thinking team.

What’s next

If this position sounds interesting, please hit the apply button now!

We understand your resume might not be up to date and recommend that you apply with what you have or your LinkedIn Profile. Flora Food Group is dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workplace, we understand that you might not meet all the requirements stated in the description, but we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the right candidate for this role or other roles. 

Flora Food Group is an employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and equal opportunities for all. We recruit based only on values, qualifications, performance, skills, behaviours, experience, and knowledge. We ensure job advertisements are free from unintentional bias.

No personal characteristics should be a barrier to joining Flora Food Group. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or other personal characteristics.