A rare opportunity has opened up to join the Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) in Brussels, Belgium, leading the the organization’s policy and regulatory affiars at the European level, with the possibilty to expand into a global role.

About the Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA)

The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA) is a global member-based alliance representing manufacturers in the food and beverage carton ecosystem. FBCA works across the entire value chain — from raw material sourcing and production to consumer use and recycling — to advance safe, sustainable, and circular packaging solutions in markets around the world.

Food and beverage cartons are a vital part of resilient food systems — reducing waste, extending the shelf life of perishable foods, and ensuring safety and quality for consumers worldwide. As demand for safe, low-carbon, and resource-efficient packaging grows, our industry delivers scalable, sustainable solutions to meet the needs of a changing world.

As the collective voice of the industry, FBCA engages with policymakers, regulators, civil society, and value chain actors to shape effective policy, drive innovation, and support sustainable growth across regions.

Role Summary

The Senior Director of European Policy will join FBCA at an exciting time of renewal and expansion. You will serve as the leading voice for FBCA’s advocacy and regulatory engagement across the Europe Union, covering both member and non-member countries. This is a high-impact and agile role responsible for shaping policy, aligning stakeholders, and ensuring FBCA’s positions are understood and recognized in the European policy environment and beyond.

The role combines strategic foresight with hands-on advocacy, working closely with FBCA member companies, regional directors and national associations, regulatory bodies, and civil society. It plays a key role in providing early signals on emerging risks and opportunities, while helping the Alliance prepare for and shape regulatory developments.

You will report directly to the FBCA’s Director General and will have the opportunity to lead working groups as well as being an influential voice in the FBCA’s broader community and Secretariat. The successful candidate will either be listed or eligible for listing in the EU Transparency Register and uphold high standards of ethical advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead FBCA’s regulatory and public affairs strategy for Europe (EU and non-EU).
• Provide strategic foresight to identify and communicate emerging regulatory trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Advocate for the FBCA members’ interests through direct engagement with policymakers and regulators, including lobbying efforts at EU and national level.
• Represent FBCA in Brussels and other European cities as required, engaging with EU institutions, national governments, regulators, and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with national industry associations, ensuring alignment and open communication between regional and EU-level advocacy efforts. Monitor, analyze, and interpret legislation and policy developments affecting the food and beverage carton value chain.
• Draft, align, and deliver position papers, consultation responses, and advocacy materials, coordinating with members and external experts.
• Actively participate in public consultations, expert groups, industry alliances, and stakeholder platforms.
• Collaborate closely with the FBCA’s Center of Expertise to ensure technical and scientific perspectives (e.g. recyclability, circularity, life-cycle analysis) inform policy engagement.
• Coordinate with external affairs teams of member companies to ensure strategic coherence and maximize advocacy impact.
• Work in partnership with the Communications Team to align regulatory messaging and support public positioning.
• Occasional travel both within Europe and internationally will be required.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in public affairs, regulatory policy, or government relations, ideally in packaging, FMCG, food & beverage, or similar sectors.
• Strong knowledge of EU policymaking and regulatory frameworks, including experience with European institutions and national governments.
• Experience with key EU legislative files relevant to packaging and sustainability, such as PPWR, Single Use Plastics Directive, or the EU Green Deal, is highly desirable.
• Experience engaging with or working within national and European industry associations.
• Proven ability to deliver regulatory foresight, anticipate developments, and translate them into actionable strategies.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage complexity and build consensus across diverse member interests.
• Fluent in English at C1 level or above (written and spoken); additional European languages are an asset.
• Academic background in law, political science, public policy, environmental studies, or related discipline.

What FBCA Offers

• A unique opportunity to influence the regulatory future of a fast-growing sector committed to sustainability and innovation.
• A senior, high-visibility role with the opportunity to shape policy and build alliances.
• Direct collaboration with industry leaders and cross-functional teams.
• A friendly, collaborative working culture with a modern central Brussels office space and generous flexible working options.
• An international and inclusive culture that values diversity and creativity
• Commitment to sustainability and innovation
• Competitive compensation package based on experience and seniority, and additional benefits

How to Apply

The selection process will begin on a rolling basis starting in mid-May. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as the position will be filled as soon as the right candidate is identified. To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV to recruitment@fbcaglobal.com by Monday 9 June.

Applicants must have the legal right to live and work in the European Union at the time of application. For any inquiries regarding the role, feel free to use the same email address.

Recruitment agencies: Please note that we are not currently accepting candidate submissions or unsolicited profiles for this position. 

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