Manager Gov't Relations & Fiscal Affairs

Position: Manager of Fiscal Affairs & Western Canada Government Relations

Location: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, or Saskatchewan.

• Relocation support is not available for this vacancy.

Be a part of a ground-breaking change.

At Rothmans, Benson & Hedges Inc. (“RBH”), Philip Morris International’s subsidiary in Canada, we’ve chosen to do something incredible. We’re totally redefining our business and building our future on smoke-free products.

With huge change, comes huge opportunity. So, wherever you join us, you’ll enjoy the freedom to dream up and deliver better, brighter solutions and the space to advance your career in endlessly new directions.

Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion

Our commitment is to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to share their unique perspectives.

We celebrate the innovation that diversity champions and recognize that each employee's capabilities, experiences, and perspectives contribute to our teams and our work.

Equal employment opportunity

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity regardless of race, ancestry, colour, religion, marital/family status (including pregnancy), national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, immigrant and newcomer status, age, citizenship, or disability.

We strive to recognize and value diversity and equity, and to ensure the inclusion of equity-deserving groups and the four designated groups under the Employment Equity Act: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. We value, respect, and equally support applicants from these groups.

Your day to day

This position is responsible for three distinct sets of accountabilities.

First, this individual is responsible for leading the Fiscal Affairs file across the entire Government & Regulatory team, leading the internal relationships among RBH Commercial, Finance and the LA&C Regional Economic & Fiscal Affairs team.

Second, the management of RBH’s relationships with the Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba & Saskatchewan governments, and partners at the provincial level within this commercial region, including elected officials, public servants, political staff, and third-party organizations. Keeping in mind that Alberta & BC are two of the four major markets for RBH.

Third, the management of RBH’s relationships with the Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba & Saskatchewan governments, and partners at the provincial level within this commercial region, including elected officials, public servants, political staff, and third-party organizations (business and industry alike).

Reports to the Senior Manager, Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs:

Her/his/their peers include:

• the Quebec/ATL GR Manager.
• the Ontario GR Manager; and
• the Federal GR Manager.
• the Regulatory Compliance Supervisor Canada

Supports the commercial priorities at the regional levels and works in partnership with the Manager and Consultant in Illicit Trade Prevention on government interaction in all four provinces.

Is the single point of accountability to design, propose and respond to government fiscal treatment of our growing reduced-risk product (RRP) portfolio and government tax implications on combustible tobacco. This person will work closely with the appropriate Government Relations colleagues (Regional Managers) when responding and briefing the business.

Duties & Responsibilities

The Western Canada Government Relations Lead has primary accountability for government and partner relations with the commercial region in Western Canada (i.e., Four provinces – of which Alberta & British Columbia are significant commercial markets for RBH).

• Primary Accountability: Lead government and partner relations in Western Canada, focusing on Alberta and British Columbia.
• Team Collaboration: Work with the Senior Manager and peers to develop the Government Relations team action plan within the External Affairs strategy.
• Legislative Priorities: Develop legislative and regulatory priorities at the provincial level based on RBH’s commercial needs.
• Vendor Management: Oversee external vendors, consultants, and collaborators, including budget management.
• Customer Management: Run corporate and commercial partners at the regional level, including projects like the Retailer Contraband Engagement Project.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with lobbying laws and handle provincial lobbyist registries.
• Adherence to Principles: Follow Philip Morris International’s Principles and Practices.
• Goal Setting and Assessment: Collaborate with team members to set annual goals and conduct mid-year and year-end assessments.

Fiscal Affairs

• National Fiscal Affairs Leadership: Lead the Government Relations team in analyzing, proposing, and responding to annual Provincial & Federal government budget processes.
• Working Group Creation: Establish a multidisciplinary Fiscal Affairs Working Group (EA, Finance, Legal, Region) to enhance fiscal differentiation efforts.
• Fiscal Proposal Development: Analyze and design various fiscal proposals to find feasible tax models for the SPF portfolio, aligning with PMI´s principles and Canadian political and legal realities.
• Primary Contact: Serve as the main RBH contact with the PMI Economic & Fiscal team.
• Timely Communication: Immediately communicate government tax/fiscal changes within RBH for prompt commercial responses (e.g., price increases).

Government Relations

• Government Contact: Act as the primary government contact for RBH in Western Canada to advance the company's strategic positioning and public affairs strategy.
• Spokesperson Role: Serve as a spokesperson with regional politicians, civil servants, political staff, and key collaborators, as delegated by the Senior Manager.
• Regular Meetings: Meet regularly with government officials to discuss issues and policies impacting RBH’s business.
• Action Plan Development: Develop and implement action plans for corporate or commercial objectives through direct advocacy.
• Executive Preparation: Coach and prepare Managing Director and Senior RBH executives for political interactions, including detailed briefings.
• Strategic Collaboration: Work with RBH leaders to identify relevant developments in innovation, science, technology, and regulations to support the #UnsmokeCanada strategy by 2035.
• Policy Monitoring: Monitor policy, legislation, and program developments, advising the Senior Manager on RBH’s response.
• Research and Analysis: Conduct research and analysis to support advocacy activities and public policy development.
• Briefing Materials: Write and disseminate briefing materials on government activities impacting RBH, including budgets, throne speeches, and key programs.
• Initiative Assessment: Assess the effectiveness of government affairs initiatives.
• Compliance: Make sure to PMI Policies & Principles, including the Anti-Corruption Program and T&E policies.

Regional Partner Relations

• Networks and proactively identifies key influencers and partners to build authentic, constructive, and believing relationships with members of the Western Canada businesses, such as industry associations, think tanks, and where appropriate collaborate with Commercial on key supplier and vendor relationships.

The role of this Manager is to chip in to a high-functioning team of expert professionals and to develop strategies and tactics to meet the public affairs goals established by the External Affairs team. This means that the Manager must be a team-focused interdependent contributor who seeks to elevate those around them and create opportunities for those individuals to succeed. Conflict resolution skills, a calm demeanor and excellent communication skills (written and verbal, in English mandatory) are critical in an environment that can frequently become unstable. Active listening and learning are key to creating workability. Strong written and oral communication skills are also vital.

A strong working understanding of the politics and structure in all 4 Provincial governments (specifically Alberta & British Columbia) is critical and having knowledge of all 4 Provincial government politics and structures is ideal with an understanding of the processes by which laws and regulations are developed and the interplay between elected officials, the public service and Western Canadian society in influencing these developments.

Nice to have:

Education

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in business, political science, commerce, economics is required.

Work Experience

• Experience conducting financial analysis of Provincial and/or Federal government budgets.
• Experience with writing technical fiscal Pre-Budget government submissions.
• Eligible to act as a registered lobbyist in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba & Saskatchewan.
• Excellent language skills, both written and oral, in English.
• Minimum 10+ years in government, government relations and/or public affairs roles.
• Experience with running External Government Relation Consultants.
• Experience in provincial politics is an asset.
• Familiarity with matrix-based organization is an asset.
• Corporate experience, preferably in a publicly-trade international company, is required.
• Ability to work in a non-partisan manner and establish/maintain credibility and access across challenging party lines.
• Proven results in advocating for regulatory or fiscal reform at the provincial level.
• Established senior-level political contacts across multiple political parties and demonstrated ability to expand network, from a deputy minister to a chief of staff to a Minister or Best-in-class.
• Detailed understanding of Canadian political system and current regional political dynamics.
• Proven experience researching and supervising public policy, legislative and regulatory developments.
• Experience preparing communications materials, including briefing and background notes, etc.

Other skills/function-specific:

• Analyze government budgets, cash flow, and financial systems to anticipate the effects of administrative, legislative, economic changes.
• Ability to communicate technical/fiscal terminology for non-fiscally literate colleagues for the purposes of sharing with government collaborators.
• Ability to work closely and collaboratively with internal and external associates.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to represent RBH in a professional manner.
• Ability to communicate in daring, sometimes hostile environments.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Committed to excellence and accountable for results.
• Initiative-taking with strategic and critical thinking skills.
• Enjoy working in a fast-paced, rapid-response, collaborative environment.
• Proactive and collaborative team player able to lead shifting priorities.
• Capacity to work independently, as well as in a team environment.
• Impeccable integrity and good sense of humor.
• Strategic and collaborative style, thoughtful judgment, team oriented.
• Flexibility to deal with immediate or late-breaking situations is required.
• Ability to work in a sophisticated and dynamic business environment, both inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to work and lead remotely.
• Ability to travel extensively across Western Canada – Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba & Saskatchewan (across Canada, if needed and on occasion internationally).

What we offer

We offer the opportunity to join an organization where you can grow in a wide range of business functions. You will have the chance to build your professional expertise, business understanding, and leadership capabilities in a collaborative, bold environment where we will empower you to try new things, experiment and explore. Our company cultivates excellence in execution and is comprised of dedicated people all working together to continue to grow our status as industry leaders. We offer our employees a competitive salary, an attractive compensation package, including flexible work schedules (where applicable), health and wellness programs, and attractive benefits options.

For this position, the salary starts at $152,000.

Who we are:

Our parent company PMI is one of the world’s leading international tobacco companies. In addition to the manufacture and sale of cigarettes, PMI is engaged in the development and commercialization of smoke-free products.

RBH is thrilled to announce that we have been officially certified as a Great Place to Work, a testament to our commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture.

We welcome and encourage applicants to reach their full potential with us. If you are unable to apply for a position online, or require any further accommodation during our recruitment process, please contact: AODA.RBH@rbhinc.ca