With over 250 members worldwide the European Snacks Association (ESA) is the voice of the savoury snack food industry and represents its members who make up the €12 billion market in Europe. The importance of Brussels and the growing amount of legislation being driven from the EU, demands that ESA is appropriately represented with key stakeholders and other relevant organizations in the regulatory and policy making arena in Brussels.

We have a NEW exciting opportunity for a Director General

The Role: The DG is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the European Snacks Association within the outlines of both policy and directions of the board of directors. This is a full-time position, based in Brussels, reporting to the ESA President.

Key Tasks

  • Building an effective and productive network of contacts across the EU institutions and other industry sectors and organisations.
  • Representing the sector on appropriate industry associations or public forums/platforms
  • Helping to raise the profile of ESA and the sector in the Brussels arena as a responsible and pro-active partners.
  • Liaising with members, acting as the focal point for them and non-member organisations.
  • Monitoring of policy developments and developing position papers and other communications tools
  • Management of the ESA Secretariat, including financial aspects of the association’s business ,
  • Preparation of ESA strategy/policy documents
  • Promotion of ESA within the European Commission, with Members of the European Parliament and with outside organisations
  • Organising workshops/meetings with EU bodies: European Parliament and European Commission, etc.
  • Organising networking platforms and outreach events for members and key stakeholders
  • Preparation of ESA Board meetings

Key skills required

  • A public affairs professional with a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in Brussels
  • The DG is a people manager with good, strong and demonstrable interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Ability to deal with high-level business and government officials and deliver strong argumentation in respect of ESA’s key messages
  • Media relations expertise
  • Strong networking abilities.
  • Relevant working experience in Brussels.
  • The DG is self-motivated and able to work on own-initiative.
  • Ability to grasp technical and political issues quickly and to represent the organisation's position on them

Fluent spoken and written English and French is essential for this role with a third language (preferably German) desirable

Application procedure:
If you feel that you have the right skills and attitude to succeed in this role, and are looking for a new challenging and rewarding opportunity then please forward your details and cv to :
Claire Oates, Administration Manager - claire@esa.org.uk
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS 7th December 2011