External Commercial Engagement Executive

About the role

BAT is seeking an External Commercial Engagement Executive to lead corporate and regulatory advocacy in Papua New Guinea. The role will develop and implement key documents and strategies for the Corporate and Regulatory Affairs (CORA) function, supporting the company’s goal of building a smokeless world.

Key responsibilities

• Develop core CORA documents such as the Annual Campaign Strategy, PNG Horizon Scan, Annual Campaign Plan and Corporate Engagement Plan.
• Implement these strategies through external advocacy focused on commercial compliance, regulation, excise and related engagement activities.
• Collaborate with Commercial Compliance, Excise and CORA teams to provide analysis and insights for BAT PNG.
• Customize and produce campaign and advocacy materials that meet market requirements.
• Support technical engagement on illicit and counterfeit tobacco, product issues and excise matters.
• Maintain ongoing relationships with governmental bodies and state entities on budgets, taxation, excise duties, revenue, employment and CSR/ESG programmes.
• Lead the planning and rollout of trade and retail communications addressing illicit, counterfeit and non‑compliant activities.
• Act as the primary contact for external engagement across other business functions.

Required profile

• Minimum five years of experience in the PNG public sector, a commercial/business environment, a statutory body, or an industry association with strong knowledge of public‑sector operations, legal and regulatory frameworks and taxation laws.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Taxation, Economics, Law or a related field (or a college diploma with equivalent experience).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to build rapport with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, critical‑thinking and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Team‑oriented mindset with the ability to work collaboratively across functions.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Required skills

• External corporate engagement and advocacy.
• Understanding of commercial compliance, excise duties and regulatory risk management.