Overview:
This role is based in Brussels and reports to the Vice President of Global Public Policy. The Director of Agriculture Policy is responsible for developing and enabling the execution of pan-European and U.K. agriculture and food system policy strategies that advance PepsiCo’s business, sustainability, and sourcing objectives and protect the company’s long-term interests.
The role serves as the primary agriculture policy subject-matter expert and strategic partner to enterprise-level functions, including the Global Agriculture Office and Global Sustainability Office, as well as in-market PPGA teams across Europe and the U.K. The Director works in close partnership with market teams, who retain ownership of government relationships, to ensure policy strategies are market-appropriate, additive, and aligned with local political realities.
The role focuses on agricultural supply chain resilience, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, and brand reputation, while addressing agriculture-relevant trade and market access considerations in close coordination with internal trade policy teams and supporting PepsiCo’s broader Public Policy and Government Affairs priorities across Europe and the U.K.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a pan-European and U.K. subject matter expert for agriculture policy within the global PPGA function, supporting global and regional colleagues and working closely with the Global Agriculture Office and Global Sustainability Office.
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Act as a primary agriculture and food system policy partner to enterprise-level functions, translating global strategies and commitments into credible, policy-relevant positions and advocacy approaches.
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Partner closely with in-market PPGA teams, particularly the Brussels office, to co-develop and support the execution of agriculture and food system policy strategies, ensuring alignment with local political dynamics and broader market advocacy priorities.
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Provide hands-on, subject-matter support for policy engagement, including preparing materials, shaping messages, and directly engaging with policymakers and stakeholders at EU, member-state, and U.K. levels, in partnership with market teams.
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Develop and maintain deep expertise in PepsiCo’s agricultural supply chains across Europe and the U.K., including sourcing models, key commodities, and exposure to regulatory, climate, political, and market risks.
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Monitor, analyze, and prioritize policy, regulatory, climate, political, and societal developments affecting agriculture and food systems, and advise senior leadership and internal partners on implications for business continuity, competitiveness, and reputation.
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Translate complex policy and regulatory developments into clear business implications and decision-ready insights for senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
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Partner with internal trade policy colleagues to assess and address agriculture- and supply-chain-related trade, import/export, and market access issues, ensuring alignment with broader corporate trade strategies.
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Identify and support relevant public funding, financing, and partnership opportunities that advance agricultural innovation, supply chain resilience, and sustainable sourcing, with a focus on priority markets including France, Spain, Poland, and the U.K.
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Represent PepsiCo externally with external institutions, national governments, regulators, trade bodies, NGOs, and other key stakeholders, while building and maintaining a strong network critical to advancing the company’s policy objectives.
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Maintain strong internal coordination with Corporate Affairs, Legal, Operations, Procurement, and European and U.K. business teams.
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Ensure all activities are conducted with the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and compliance; travel approximately 25–30%, including international travel.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred.
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10+ years of experience in food, agriculture, sustainability, trade-adjacent, or related public policy and government affairs roles.
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Strong understanding of EU and U.K. legislative and regulatory processes, including EU institutions.
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Deep knowledge of European agricultural policy, including the Common Agricultural Policy, and familiarity with trade and import/export frameworks affecting agri-food supply chains.
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Demonstrated ability to translate enterprise strategies and complex policy issues into practical, executable advocacy approaches.
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Proven experience working effectively in global, matrixed organizations, including close collaboration with country-level government affairs teams.
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Strong leadership, stakeholder-management, and relationship-building skills, both internally and externally.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at senior levels.
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Sound judgment, adaptability, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic policy environment.
