How to become A Director Of Consumer Affairs

• Director of Consumer Protection

What do Directors of Consumer Affairs do?

A Director of Consumer Affairs would typically need to:

• Administer a consumer affairs program; plan and implement policies and procedures governing the program; develop and implement strategies to inform the public of departmental objectives
• Conduct investigations on complaints received from the public or undertake investigations initiated by their office
• Develop a risk-based approach when dealing with complaints received to ensure the efficacy of the enforcement potential of new legislation
• Cooperate with government agencies, the business community, and private organizations in resolving violations of consumer protection laws
• Enhance existing liaison arrangements with crucial retailers and representative bodies to safeguard consumer interests
• Advocate consumer interests before legislative bodies, regulatory agencies, and other judicial forums; recommend changes in legislation affecting consumer protection; refer significant policy matters to elected representatives for final decisions
• Direct or conduct research on issues concerning consumer service; coordinate activities of businesses or departments associated with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products
• Nominate citizens to boards or commissions; represent the organization in external forums and conferences
• Review and analyze legislation or public policy; recommend changes to promote or support interests of the public or particular groups; provide detailed analysis and assessment of regulatory and public policy proposals, and their impact on the firm and the industry
• Monitor the development and operation of an official website which provides authentic information to the business sector on current and proposed legislation
• Work with the business sector in developing the potential of Codes of Conduct and redressal schemes
• Channelize enforcement activity and additional resources to areas with considerable consumer detriment and loss of substantial sums through scams and unfair and misleading practices
• Hire, train, and evaluate staff

Directors of Consumer Affairs work out of an office for the most part. Daily interactions with the general public in person, by phone, and email communications are typical. You may report to the Head of Consumer Affairs & Public Policy. The dress code would be formal unless otherwise specified.

The position of Director of Consumer Affairs is, in theory, a full-time position entailing a regular schedule of 40 hours per week. But you may need to work unusual hours when lobbying or troubleshooting. The workload may be highly erratic, peaking during seasonal shopping periods, legislative sessions, or other consumer-related events.

The Director of Consumer Affairs is usually on the payroll of the Department of Regulatory Affairs in the government or large companies. Public service jobs are available at all government levels, from federal/central to municipal. These jobs may be listed in civil service bulletins.

Chief executives from the corporate sector who have made a name for themselves in the field may be asked by the government to take up the position on an ad-hoc or consultancy basis.

Directors of Consumer Affairs are generally employed by:

• The Government
• Large Industries

Professional associations and organizations are crucial for Directors of Consumer Affairs interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Regularly exercising patience, courtesy, discretion, and objectivity
• The need to deal with difficult people in high pressure and conflict situations

The role of the Director of Consumer Affairs requires extensive managerial experience and significant experience in the key issues that impact the consumer industry. The right candidate will draw on a solid foundation of expertise built up within the industry, most often within the government where they engaged effectively with the policymakers and the public.

Volunteer work for a citizens' group or nonprofit consumer organization may provide the experience and visibility necessary to enter the field.

People from a variety of backgrounds can take on the role of Director of Consumer Affairs. Candidates who aspire to the post will find these college majors most helpful: law, political science, business administration and management, general business/commerce, general entrepreneurship/entrepreneurial studies, finance, general or international business/trade/commerce, management science, public administration, community education, and public policy. Names of the programs will vary from school to school. Although a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement, a master’s degree may help you clear location-specific examinations to gain entry into government.

Certification in mediation and conflict-resolution would come in handy as would certification in Microsoft Office Suite.

The Director of Consumer Affairs is generally the highest post in the department, but this may vary by location. There may be a position for the Head of Consumer Affairs & Public Policy that you can target.

Those who work for large companies may find themselves aspiring to Vice-President and President after that. You may also choose to use your hard-won experience and expertise as a lobbyist for organizations.

Candidates with extensive experience in dealing effectively with the government, the business sector, and the public will have the best job prospects.

Training programs, executive development programs, and certification can often help in advancement.

Extensive Responsibilities

The Department of Consumer Affairs updates and modernizes consumer law. It provides for significantly greater protection for consumers, with the availability of additional and powerful enforcement options. It imposes significant penalties on businesses found guilty of offenses.

Areas of Consumer Justice

The Director of Consumer Affairs strives to ensure justice to the consumer in multiple areas. These include product price regulation, the misleading indication of prices, price display by catering businesses and restaurants or diesel and petrol outlets or hairdressers, labeling of food, textiles or footwear, and misleading advertising.

Other areas are product safety, including food & drink adulteration, package travel & airfare orders, distance selling, E-commerce, unfair terms, car clocking of used vehicles, VAT-inclusive orders, and concert & theatre ticket orders.

As Director of Consumer Affairs, your enforcement approach entails seeking voluntary compliance where appropriate and taking action through the Courts if the situation warrants it.

Multifaceted Knowledge

A Director of Consumer Affairs must possess a keen understanding and thorough knowledge in several areas. These include administration and management, personnel and human resources, customer and personal service, law and government, economics & accounting, mathematics, public safety & security, education & training, sales & marketing, psychology, communication & media, clerical duties, production & processing, sociology, and anthropology.

Consumers have five responsibilities: critical awareness, action, social concern, environmental awareness, and solidarity. But generally, the fundamental duty of every consumer is to know their rights.

The goal is to ensure a healthy, reciprocal synergy between the consumer and the vendor...one based on sound science and consumer protection...one that the Director of Consumer Affairs can make a reality through responsible innovation.

Customers are the most important visitors to our premises. They are not dependent on us. We are dependent on them. They are not an interruption in our work. They are the purpose of it. They are not outsiders in our business. They are part of it. We are not doing them a favor by serving them. They are doing us a favor by allowing us to do so.