Regulatory Affairs Manager

Regulatory Affairs Manager

Closing date: 29 April 2024

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is the trade association for Scotch Whisky. We work for and on behalf of our members to protect and secure a sustainable future for the Scotch Whisky Industry. We can offer the right candidate the opportunity to join a thriving industry with colleagues who have a wealth of experience and knowledge. The Industry Sustainability team works to support members in all elements relating to their operations covering a wide range of topics essential for production of this iconic drink, and this new role will provide a key support for the SWA and our members as our work continues to grow.

The production of Scotch Whisky is highly regulated. Compliance is essential and cuts across all the industry s operations including customs and excise, health and safety, environment and food safety.

The role will provide the opportunity lead on two important regulatory topics within our iconic industry, working with senior managers in the Industry Sustainability Team, reporting to the Deputy Director. You will be confident in working independently but will have the wider support of the industry team and its senior managers to provide guidance and support as needed.

Our small team works closely together supporting each other as we navigate a wide range of issues on behalf of our iconic industry. Each team member takes responsibility for specific topics but will offer help and work flexibly with each other as needed.

This role will lead on the initiation and formulation of industry policy in key areas of regulation for Scotch Whisky production including customs and excise and control of major accidents and hazards (COMAH) in consultation with member companies.

• Customs and Excise regulations and controls apply from the moment cereals are first processed in our distilleries through to the export of bottled Scotch Whisky. This is an important and at times, complex, area. Topics include the holding and movement of excise goods, customs controls and processes, verification and alcohol fraud.

• COMAH alongside related regulations and guidance, underpin health and safety for our members production facilities and warehouses. Along with industry ambitions to achieve high levels of compliance in their operations, new technologies (for example the adoption of hydrogen) will bring increasing complexity.

The successful candidate will provide an important role supporting sector compliance and providing a voice to influence and inform evolution of regulations across both topic areas. This will include representation on behalf of SWA and members at external meetings and being seen as the go-to industry expert; influencing and lobbying government and regulatory bodies where needed; monitoring legislation and other regulatory issues to support understanding and compliance in the sector. You will work with senior colleagues in our member businesses and with key regulators, notably HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

The SWA offers an attractive range of benefits to its employees including: hybrid working (based on 2 days in the office FTE); a generous pension scheme with employer pension contributions matching employee contributions plus 3%, up to a maximum of 15%; 25 days annual leave in addition to 9 public holidays and closure of our offices between Christmas and New Year.