JOB DETAILS

The Director is responsible for leading and managing Drinks Ireland Spirits, the category association of Drinks Ireland, a sector trade association within Ibec. The role requires close collaboration across the wider Drinks Ireland and Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) teams to successfully deliver on key work programme items. The closing date for applications is 5pm on 10th November.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Association Management and Governance as identified by Drinks Ireland Director

To oversee development and implementation of the Drinks Ireland|Spirits work plan, including the protection and promotion of the Irish Cream GI; implementation of the Strategy for Irish Gin; the protection and promotion of the Irish Poitín GI; regulatory and trade policy issues; Imported Spirits trade and Spirits category education initiatives.
Act in a secretariat capacity to the Drinks Ireland|Spirits Council and relevant Spirits/IWA working groups, ensuring meetings are held regularly, strong participation, appropriate minutes and papers prepared, and action plans implemented;
To support implementation of the Drinks Ireland work programme, as agreed with the Drinks Ireland Director.

Member services and relations:

Deliver member services including training, events and networking as defined by the membership;
Lead a membership development and support programme across Drinks Ireland with a view to recruitment and retention of smaller and new-entrant companies across all categories;
Build and maintain relationships with CEOs and senior executives in member companies.

Representation and lobbying:

Representation and lobbying activities on regulatory, protection, development, and trade policy issues at national, European, and international level, as agreed with Drinks Ireland Director;
Develop and maintain relationships with policy makers in government, EU, and related agencies;
Identify opportunities to raise the profile of the Irish spirits and broader drinks sector and make recommendations accordingly;
Monitor developments in the external environment relevant to the sector including regulatory, social, competitive, and political and make recommendations for action in consultation with the Drinks Ireland Director;
Provide analysis, reports, and appropriate updates on sector related issues, including the annual “Spirits Market Report”;
Review draft legislation; consultation papers, research papers, etc., and provide appropriate feedback and submissions;
Represent Drinks Ireland|Spirits, IWA and Drinks Ireland on external and internal working groups and committees and provide progress reports to the category associations and Drinks Ireland Director.

Irish Cream GI Protection

To protect the integrity of the Irish Cream category by monitoring domestic and international markets for potential infringements on the Irish Cream GI;
Engage with the relevant state agencies to ensure active pursuit of transgressors of the GI File and/or to seek enforcement of the GI protection through local global agencies where bilateral trade agreements apply.

Communications, public affairs, and media

Manage the Drinks Ireland|Spirits public relations activity in consultation with the Drinks Ireland Director;
Where necessary and appropriate, represent the Drinks Ireland|Spirits and the broader sector on national and regional media;
In collaboration with the Drinks Ireland Director, support our communication strategy including directly to members, management of websites and social media strategy.

Financial management and income generation as identified by the Director of Drinks Ireland;

Collect membership subscriptions;
Meet budget targets;
Membership development.

Ibec Strategy Delivery:

Play a key role in Ibec's strategic delivery as a senior manager.
Collaborate with various teams across the organisation on key and general account management.
Engage collaboratively in initiatives and projects relevant to the Trade Association's mission.

NOTE: This list is not exhaustive but serves to reflect the nature of the duties included in the role. Given the nature of the organisation and the need to respond to members’ needs on an ongoing basis, the role is subject to change over time.

Qualifications, experience & knowledge

Primary degree;
Legal or other relevant post graduate qualification an advantage;
Ideally at least 5 years post graduate relevant experience;
Press or media experience would be an advantage;
Experience of working with committees/working groups essential;
Policy development and advocacy with key policy makers is desirable

Knowledge and insight of the following topics;

Business, regulatory, and legislative challenges and opportunities facing the drinks industry in Ireland, EU and globally (specifically the spirits sector), including trade, promotion, IP Policy, and interaction with agricultural and public health policies.
Political environment and role of Government, EU institutions and state agencies in policy making and regulation;
Operational and competitiveness issues for drinks companies.

Competencies and behaviours

Ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders;
Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills;
Influencing and advocacy skills;
Excellent report writing and analytical skills;
Ability to multitask, work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
Team player – capable and results orientated; capable in lead role where appropriate
Ability to communicate succinctly and utilise a range of communication methods as appropriate;
Ability to review and interpret complex information (e.g. research papers) and present it to members in summary form;
Articulate, confident, and highly professional demonstrating leadership potential
Be committed to developing innovative models for engagement with members and to the development of new member services.

Ibec Core Competencies

Bias towards action

Collaborative – work together as ‘one Ibec’.
Dynamic – approach initiatives with careful planning, energy, drive, and resilience.
Decisive – make clear, well-informed decisions.

Member and Customer Focus

Agile and Adaptive – embrace change and be adaptive to members’ needs and in ambitious
situations.
Creative and Innovative – not afraid of dynamic thinking in finding solutions.
Curious and Critical Thinking – open minded and proactive in gathering data in developing opinions.

Drive and Personal Leadership

Ambitious – driven and can take responsible risks.
Accountable – committed to highest standards and takes ownership of actions.
Continuous Improvement – proactive on personal and professional development

Ibec is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with a disability. Should you wish to request a reasonable accommodation please email Kenny at Kenneth.Kelly@ibec.ie

Why us?

ABOUT YOU

Director of Drinks Ireland - Spirits

Job Description