About the organisation:

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The British Soft Drinks Association (BSDA) brings together the manufacturers, franchisors, importers and suppliers behind the soft drinks people choose every day. As the industry's centre of technical and regulatory expertise, it represents members' interests, shapes the policy environment and leads the national debate on the sector's contribution to consumers, the UK economy, the environment and public health. BSDA is in an important phase of growth, strengthening its capability and influence on behalf of its members, and aims to be an open and inclusive place to work.

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The opportunity:

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This is a chance to help shape the policy debate on UK soft drinks, as part of a small public affairs team at a growing organisation. Working closely with the Director of Public Affairs, you will combine hands-on stakeholder engagement across Westminster, Whitehall and the devolved administrations with the research behind BSDA's evidence-based policy positions, turning the sector's technical and regulatory expertise into public affairs activity and consultation responses.

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Main responsibilities:

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• Support the delivery of the public affairs and policy elements of BSDA's corporate affairs strategy, working closely with the Director of Public Affairs.

• Undertake primary and desk-based research, and draft consultation responses, briefings and policy papers that set out evidence-based positions on behalf of members.

• Prepare briefings for management ahead of key meetings and events, and monitor political and legislative developments, flagging relevant intelligence to colleagues.

• Support engagement with policymakers and stakeholders across Westminster, Whitehall and the devolved administrations, and help maintain relationships with members' public affairs contacts.

• Support member group and committee meetings, including preparing papers, slides and briefing materials, and help coordinate the diary of governance and member meetings.

• Help organise and deliver BSDA events, including the annual conference and Parliamentary engagement.

• Help distil diverse member views into clear, agreed positions, and draft content for BSDA's website and social media.

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Key skills and experience required:

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• Experience in stakeholder engagement, public affairs or policy work, ideally across multi-discipline campaigns.

• Experience of researching and developing evidence-based policy positions, and of influencing decision- or policy-makers to deliver organisational objectives, in-house or on behalf of clients.

• An understanding of how the UK parliamentary and political process works, including legislation, the civil service and the main political parties, and of wider campaigns strategy.

• An understanding of soft drinks or food and drink policy and the related stakeholder environment.

• The ability to write across a range of styles, including briefings, consultation responses and articles, and to structure, substantiate and communicate compelling policy positions.

• Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience, and a flexible, team-minded approach suited to a fast-moving environment.

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How to apply:

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To apply, please submit the form below and include a copy of your CV.

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Application deadline: 7 October 2026

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Ellwood Atfield is the leading headhunter for corporate affairs, communications, policy, and advocacy. An employee-owned boutique search firm, we help you hire the most senior leaders and everyone who reports to them. We promise to connect talented people, smoothly and efficiently.

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Our purpose is to create important and enduring relationships. We are an equal opportunities employer and promote diversity across our profession to ensure every individual has the opportunity to perform at their best. If you have not done so already, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.