Senior Manager, International Policy Strategy and Advocacy (Japan)

Senior Manager, International Policy Strategy and Advocacy (Japan)

Position Summary:

The Senior Manager, International Policy Strategy and Advocacy will lead Coca‑Cola’s strategic engagement on priority policy issues impacting the company’s reputation and long‑term growth. The role shapes and advances public policy approaches on current and emerging issues—particularly ingredients and nutrition‑related topics that are gaining global attention—by building trusted relationships with governments, industry associations, academia, and other key stakeholders.

The role proactively identifies and manages emerging policy developments, regulatory and reputational risks, and opportunities to foster a favorable external environment for the company. Working closely with global and local teams, the Senior Manager ensures Coca‑Cola’s positions are clearly articulated and well understood across diverse stakeholders.

This role will navigate complex global policy issues, including Sugar‑Sweetened Beverage (SSB) taxation, Low‑ and No‑Calorie Sweeteners (LNCS), and Ultra‑Processed Foods (UPF), while supporting science‑based policy discussions and avoiding discriminatory regulatory development, to enable sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute public policy and engagement strategies on priority international policy agendas by integrating insights from external stakeholders (e.g., industry associations, academic experts, and NGOs) and internal partners, including subject matter experts at global headquarters and relevant local functions

• Lead engagement on complex policy topics such as SSB tax, LNCS, and UPF, which are receiving increasing regulatory attention globally and in Japan. This includes monitoring policy trends and debates, assessing regulatory and reputational risks, and advancing science‑based dialogue through industry associations and government engagement. Drive advocacy and policy engagement with the Japanese government, influencing policy direction and official positions on relevant global and local public policy issues in alignment with company priorities.

• Monitor the external environment to identify emerging international policy agendas and policy developments that may affect the company, including regulatory initiatives, shifts in public health narratives, and evolving perspectives among key opinion leaders.

• Build and sustain strong relationships with government officials, industry groups, bottlers, academia, and other stakeholders to support the company’s public policy priorities and mitigate potential risks. Serve as a key point of contact on international policy agendas with the focus on ingredients and nutrition‑related policy topics.

Core Competencies:

• Extensive experience in public affairs, advocacy, or regulatory strategy, with a strong understanding of government and regulatory processes.

• Demonstrated ability and strategic judgement to lead and manage advocacy campaigns.

• Collaboration and relationship-building skills—the ability to work across functions and stakeholder groups.

Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in public policy or a relevant field to the role.

• 7+ years of experience in public affairs, government relations, regulatory advocacy, or related fields, ideally with familiarity with ingredient-related topics.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, both in Japanese and English. Native level Japanese proficiency strongly preferred.