Job Title: Senior Communications Manager - Public Affairs
Location: Hybrid | Dublin & Cork
Contract Type: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract
About the Role:
Morgan McKinley is working with a FMCG company who are looking to hire a Senior Public Affairs & Communications Manager in either Dublin or Cork on a 12 month contract, starting in August.
As Senior Public Affairs & Communications Manager your role is to lead public affairs and external communications strategies that build reputation, shape policy engagement, and support corporate objectives across Ireland. This is a high-impact role focused on navigating the political landscape, managing key stakeholder relationships, and delivering thoughtful, strategic communication.
The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of Irish government and policy environments, coupled with the ability to influence, advise, and manage across senior levels of business and public institutions.
Key Responsibilities:
Public Affairs Strategy & Execution
Design and implement a public affairs strategy that aligns with the company's commercial and corporate priorities.
Advise senior executives on policy developments, regulatory risks, and political engagement.
Lead strategic public affairs initiatives, often managing multiple high-profile projects simultaneously.
Foster and maintain strong working relationships with government departments, public agencies, trade associations, and policy stakeholders.
Monitor political, legislative, and regulatory developments, offering timely insights and recommendations.
Coordinate with external consultancies, manage agency relationships, and oversee relevant budgets.
Develop policy positions on key legislative topics and ensure alignment across business units.
Prepare briefing documents, consultation responses, and stakeholder messaging.
Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver integrated communications and advocacy campaigns.
Corporate Communications
Lead corporate messaging and brand positioning efforts, especially during high-impact moments.
Support issue management and deliver clear, timely responses to media or stakeholder inquiries.
Draft and manage media statements, internal announcements, and public-facing communications.
Skills & Experience
5+ years' experience in communications, public affairs, government relations, or a related field.
Strong working knowledge of Irish political systems and legislative processes.
Proven ability to engage with senior-level stakeholders across government and business.
Experience in media relations, including handling sensitive or crisis-related communications.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex topics.
Confident managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Political Science, Public Affairs, Journalism, or a related field.
Desirable
Background in retail, food, or consumer goods industries.
Experience working in or with highly regulated environments.
Demonstrated success in delivering high-quality outcomes under pressure.