*External Affairs Manager BBEEE (**Cato Ridge, Durban) R**70,000 - R**80,000 per month* Industrial Manufacturer seeks a External Affairs Manager to responsible for managing relationships with the companies external stakeholders, mainly Central and Regional Government, as well as community leaders and advocate for a competitive business environment to lobby government (National & Local) and regional trading blocs and advocate for development of policies, regulations and laws for improved business competitiveness (Tariffs, Taxes, Charges, Input costs, efficient transport and logistics, illicit trade, standards) and work collaboratively with industry associations to advocate for regulation and policies that improve business competitiveness. *Qualifications required:* Minimum academic qualification: A degree level qualification with a MBA Professional registration: Added Advantage *Key functions: * To lobby government (National & Local) and regional trading blocs and advocate for development of policies, regulations and laws for improved business competitiveness (Tariffs, Taxes, Charges, Input costs, efficient transport and logistics, illicit trade, standards). To work collaboratively with industry associations to advocate for regulation and policies that improve business competitiveness. To advise the company and Business Heads and Management teams regarding external issues may affect the companies adversely. To drive top of mind awareness with Government that the company is a proudly South African Company that produces locally and creates employment. Work with the company Business Head and Management teams to understand business priorities and develop appropriate strategies and plans to deliver. Provide the business with timely regulatory insights/updates to support decision-making Be visible as industry standards champion. Communicate company position to Government, Institutions and other Stakeholders by preparing evidence-based submissions challenging factors that affect business competitiveness Participate, together with the company Business Head in committees within the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry and Trade among others to advocate the companys position on all matters that affect business or that will be beneficial to the industry Lobby with external stakeholders and the company Business Head on new Government Regulations that require input before the regulations are implemented if they are of an adverse nature to the steel industry. Provide timely, accurate and comprehensive intelligence of political, policy and stakeholder developments and advice how to influence any opportunities or mitigate potential risks. Prepare Annual Budget Proposals for submission at Country and South African Development Community (SADC) level. * * *Key relationships* The External Affairs Manager will need to build strong and productive relationships with: The company Business Head and Senior Management Team The company Business Head and Senior Management Team External stakeholders including journalists, Associations, Regional Economic Community Secretariat, Industry Peers, Government officials including the Department of Trade and Industry and arms-length entities such as Arcelor Mittal. * * *Experience required:* General work experience (years): A minimum 10 years experience in a senior management position Specific to the position (level/discipline/years): at least 5 years hands-on experience in dealing with Government Economic Ministries, South Africa Revenue Service (SARS), South Africa Bureau Standards, Sector Specific Associations, South Africa Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Metal Industry Regulators, Architects and Surveyors and other relevant Professional bodies. Knowledge of Government Budget Making Cycle Industry: Good knowledge of the Manufacturing Industry Lobbying: Evidence of having lobbied government for the creation or abolition of protectionist tariffs. Added Advantage: Specific Experience in the metal industry *Key competencies and skills:* Ability to work under pressure Strong interpersonal and communication skills Ability to influence and negotiate Decision Making Skills Conflict resolution skills Highly inclusive and strong collaborator Ability to maintain professional relationships with Government policy makers, key external stakeholders, and community leaders Strong stakeholder engagement skills Ability to build a network of key relationships Strong strategic and planning skills * * *Mail *[**********]() ....
