Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability

Position Snapshot

Business area: Communications, Sustainability and Government Relations

Location: North York, ON located at 25 Sheppard Ave W, North York, ON M2N 6S8; Hybrid

What to Expect:

As Vice President, Corporate Affairs, you lead the strategy that protects and strengthens Nestlé Canada's corporate reputation and builds trust with employees, consumers, government, industry and community stakeholders. Reporting to the Market Head, you serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Executive Team and provide enterprise leadership across corporate communications, sustainability and government relations. You oversee internal and external communications, employee engagement, issues and crisis management, stakeholder and government relations, sustainability strategy, community partnerships, corporate events and translation services. As a senior spokesperson for Nestlé Canada, you shape how the organization is represented in Canada while building a high-performing team and ensuring disciplined management of the Corporate Affairs budget.

A day in the life:

• Lead the development and execution of an integrated Corporate Affairs strategy that strengthens the Nestlé brand, advances employee engagement and builds long-term trust with key opinion leaders and external stakeholders.
• Advise the Market Head, Executive Team and business leaders on reputation, public policy, stakeholder and communications matters that influence business performance and corporate trust.
• Manage enterprise-wide internal and external communications, including change communications, corporate events, media relations, digital and social channels, and reputation-building initiatives across Nestlé in Canada.
• Lead issues and crisis communications from early identification through resolution, including executive briefings, stakeholder strategies, key messages and communications for employees, media, customers and consumers.
• Set and advance Nestlé Canada's sustainability strategy and roadmap, integrating priorities such as climate, packaging, regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, responsible sourcing and social impact into business planning and decision-making.
• Represent Nestlé Canada as a corporate spokesperson and senior ambassador with media, government, regulators, industry associations, NGOs, community partners and other influential institutions.
• Lead government relations, external advocacy and stakeholder engagement to inform policy, protect the company's reputation and strengthen Nestlé Canada's voice on issues affecting the business and food industry.
• Manage, coach and develop the Corporate Affairs and Sustainability team, build succession and organizational capability, and oversee the function's budget and translation services with strong governance and accountability.

Qualification and Role Requirements:

• University degree in Communications, Sustainability, Public Policy or a related field.
• 15 years of progressive leadership experience across corporate communications, sustainability and government relations in a fast-paced organization managing complex issues.
• Demonstrated expertise in issues and crisis management, media relations, executive counsel, advocacy and change communications, with the judgment to remain composed and decisive under pressure.
• Proven ability to serve as a credible corporate spokesperson and represent an organization with senior government, industry, media and community stakeholders.
• Strong people leadership experience, including coaching, talent development, succession planning and leading teams through change.
• Exceptional written, presentation, relationship-building and influencing skills, with the ability to distill complex issues and communicate persuasively at all levels, including with senior executives.
• Strong business and financial acumen, including understanding of business performance drivers, financial and non-financial results, strategic planning and budget accountability.
• Deep knowledge of communications channels, stakeholder networks and measurement approaches used to evaluate communications effectiveness.
• Understanding of the food industry's issues, legislation, opportunities and challenges; knowledge of Nestlé's strategy and initiatives is an asset.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, with advanced digital capabilities and the ability to leverage AI effectively.
• High integrity, resilience, cultural sensitivity and courage to constructively challenge and advise at the highest levels.
• Flexibility to travel and to work evenings or weekends when business needs, issues or crisis situations require.
• Company matched pension plan
• Comprehensive total rewards benefits package including Health and Dental benefits that start on day one of employment
• Four weeks of Vacation and five personal days (Personal Paid Holidays)
• Flexible and hybrid work arrangements
• Excellent training and development programs as well as opportunities to grow within the company
• Access to Educational Assistance & Tuition Reimbursement
• Gender affirmation benefits to ensure access to necessary care, resources, and coverage for gender-affirming procedures
• Fertility Services and Surrogacy Medical Coverage to support the pursuit of a path to parenthood regardless of medical conditions, gender or sexual orientation
• Adoption benefits to remove some of the financial barriers associated with adoption
• Up to 50% off – Nespresso Coffee Machine, Capsules and accessories
• Access to the Discount Company store with Nestlé, Nespresso, and Purina products (Located across various Nestle offices/sites)
• Vehicle Eligibility

What you need to know

Nestlé Canada is an equal-opportunity employer. The principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are vital to how we operate. We strive to foster a respectful and supportive environment where individuals feel valued and empowered to contribute and succeed.

If you are invited to participate in the recruitment process and require an accommodation, please inform Human Resources. Nestlé will work with you to ensure full participation.