Corporate Affairs Manager SSA

Corporate Affairs Manager SSA (12 Month Contract)

What we do

At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in science, we’re the house of iconic brands - including NEUTROGENA, AVEENO, TYLENOL, LISTERINE, JOHNSON’S and BAND-AID that you already know and love. Science is our passion; care is our talent.

Who We Are

Our global team is ~ 22,000 brilliant people with a workplace culture where every voice matters, and every contribution is appreciated. We are passionate about insights, innovation and committed to delivering the best products to our customers. With expertise and empathy, being a Kenvuer means having the power to impact millions of people every day. We put people first, care fiercely, earn trust with science and solve with courage – and have brilliant opportunities waiting for you! Join us in shaping our future–and yours.

Role reports to

Cluster Corporate Affairs Director, RAMET

Location

Europe/Middle East/Africa, South Africa, Gauteng, Johannesburg

Work Location

Hybrid

What you will do

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Development and Execution: Establish, execute, and manage a robust corporate affairs strategy to optimize the impact of stakeholder engagement, ensuring customers have access to our personal health products and solutions.
• Local Advocacy and Engagement: Lead the execution of advocacy strategies and drive impact at a local/market level through both employee engagement and external stakeholder strategies.
• Strategic Communication: Provide strategic assessments and develop corporate communication plans, both internal and external, to shape the external environment, engage third parties, and ensure business strategy is informed by a strong understanding of external stakeholder expectations. Enhance trust and reputation of the company.
• Horizon Scanning and Insights: Establish, manage, and execute country horizon-scanning and insights that connect the business with policy trends and opportunities, informing business strategy.
• Content Management and Communication: Build and amplify content, vet reporter inquiries on topics related to Government Affairs, draft key documents including messaging, speeches, and testimony, and review external content including social media posts. Provide strategic counsel on key global trends to internal team members.
• Country Leadership: Serve on the Country Leadership Teams, contributing to strategic decision-making in setting the direction of the business and offering counsel to leadership.
• Strategic Integration: Embed external environmental assessments, policy objectives, and stakeholder engagement into business unit’s strategic and operating plan development and execution.
• Opportunity Identification: Work with business leaders to identify priority public policy, government affairs, and global public health/consumer access opportunities to maximize value to the business. Proactively identify opportunities where external affairs initiatives advance business strategy, address issues, strengthen alignment, and convey the business mission, vision, and priorities.
• Business Alignment: Ensure that the business model and commercial objectives are reflected in the function’s priorities.
• Policy and Stakeholder Guidance: Proactively provide input and guidance on the development of company strategic and operational plans regarding major external public policy and stakeholder forces, including appropriate business responses.
• Trade Association Management: Lead a coordinated approach to company trade association memberships, in partnership with commercial leaders, ensuring strong alignment to business objectives and resources. Regularly assess progress and return on investment.
• Stakeholder Network: Cultivate and nurture a strong network of key external stakeholders who can support strategic policy objectives.
• Compliance: Ensure 100% compliance with internal and external policies, laws, and requirements.

Experience:

• 10+ years in government affairs/public policy
• Background in political/legislative/public sector combined with corporate experience in a multinational company.

Key Skills:

• Deep understanding of political decision-making and external environments.
• Strong leadership, with experience in cross-functional policy strategies.
• Proven ability to build trust with corporate/government leaders.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management in matrix structures.
• Analytical skills to assess policy issues and convey insights clearly.
• Project management of complex initiatives.
• Languages: Fluent in English, French is a plus.

Work Style:

• Adaptable to fast-paced, changing environments.
• Works well under pressure, both independently and in teams.
• Balances strategic thinking with practical execution.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in high-stakes, complex situations.
• Background in Consumer Healthcare (strongly desired).
• Crisis/reputation management expertise.
• Advanced degree preferred.
• Agile, innovative mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Strong business acumen—translates business needs into public affairs strategies.
• Digital proficiency and ability to drive tech-enabled solutions.

If you are an individual with a disability, please check our Disability Assistance page for information on how to request an accommodation.