Country Director - Govt Affairs

We are looking for a strategic leader to direct Ford's government relations covering all India operations, with responsibility for the Central Government in New Delhi and India's federal policy structures, and dedicated coverage of the state governments and political leadership of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat - Ford's key states of manufacturing and investment interest. You will act as the primary liaison between Ford and government at the national and state levels, navigating complex legislative and regulatory landscapes to drive favorable policy outcomes.

As such, the Country Director Government Affairs India will embody strong proven leadership, proactive and candid/transparent communication, problem solving, out-of-the-box thinking, entrepreneurial, highly collaborative attitude.

He/she will provide timely policy guidance and recommendations, drive and execute advocacy, and lead negotiations with government, collaborating closely with the broader Ford India business team. The Director serves as Ford's principal and senior political and government relationship-holder in India, providing strategic counsel to India leadership and IMG Government Affairs leadership on political risk, policy trends, and stakeholder engagement.

The candidate will have built a strong network of relationships with key policymakers - including at the central/cabinet level in New Delhi, and with senior government and political leadership in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat - and a comprehensive understanding of how policy is made and shaped within India's federal and state government structures, including grass-roots level campaigns.

An important plus: the candidate should also have had experience working in a different market other than India.

• Create and execute advocacy strategies that drive and support Ford's policy agenda including legislative, regulatory, trade, investment incentives, and business operations at the Central Government level in New Delhi and within the state governments of Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
• Track and analyze the emerging political environment, automotive policy/regulatory, legislative, and trade issues, and government support programs across national and state levels (e.g., PLI schemes, FAME/EV incentives, GST/customs policy, Bharat Stage emissions standards, state industrial and investment policies).
• Anticipate geopolitical and domestic political shifts (national and state elections, coalition dynamics, cabinet reshuffles), integrating this analysis into strategic planning to safeguard Ford's India operations amidst evolving dynamics.
• Collaborate and consult with Ford India management and across the organization/skill teams to determine the impact on business, operational costs and efficiencies, and profitability. Help drive and ensure corporate alignment.
• Provide recommendations on key business organizations and coalitions, including grass-roots efforts, where the company should hold membership/be represented (e.g., SIAM, CII, FICCI, ACMA) and drive these organizations/initiatives toward Ford's policy agenda fulfillment.
• As the senior point of contact with Central Government officials in New Delhi and with Tamil Nadu and Gujarat state officials, lead/table negotiations with government and key industry associations/stakeholders on policy/regulatory priorities for the Company (in concert/alignment with senior management and subject matter experts).
• Key issues/areas of own expertise include, but are not limited to, industrial incentives, trade agreements, fuel economy/CO2/electrification, government fleet sales, government support programs impacting the automotive sector, and urban and rural mobility challenges and needs.
• Support CSR/Community activities in collaboration with Ford Philanthropy and Communications teams.

• Employ astute diplomatic skills to navigate complex intergovernmental relationships across India's federal and state structures and cultivate alliances conducive to the advancement of the company's objectives.
• Forge, nurture and elevate strategic relationships that are Best in Class (BIC) with key stakeholders, including senior Central Government and cabinet officials in New Delhi, Chief Ministers' offices and industries departments in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, industry leaders, industry associations, the U.S. Ambassador and U.S. Embassy/Diplomatic Community; leveraging these alliances to champion the company's policy agenda.
• Deploy sophisticated management techniques to orchestrate coalitions and sway decision-makers in key regulatory arenas, effectuating transformative policy outcomes aligned with the company's strategic imperatives.
• Successfully navigate the intricacies of interagency coordination and intergovernmental negotiations between Central and State governments, fostering consensus among disparate stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial regulatory outcomes.

• Proactively identify and mitigate regulatory and political risks arising from Central Government policy and from Tamil Nadu and Gujarat state government actions that could impact market entry, investment and operational activities. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to provide this analysis.
• Lead crisis management responses to emergent policy challenges, safeguarding the company's reputation and standing.
• Collaborate with Legal and cross-functional teams to interpret complex legislative texts and provide authoritative guidance on compliance across national and state jurisdictions.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, International Relations, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• At least 15+ years in government affairs, public policy, or regulatory compliance (the last 3 years in an India GA country director role and with demonstrated track record of leading a GA team) in an MNC setting.
• The candidate should hail preferably within the automotive sector and/or the larger manufacturing sector but candidates from other industries with comparable experience are welcome to apply
• Track record in leading a GA / Corporate Affairs team to secure key objectives
• Demonstrated network of relationships with Central Government officials in New Delhi and with state government leadership in Tamil Nadu and/or Gujarat.
• Experience working in markets outside of India is highly preferred.
• Strong diplomatic negotiation skills, analytical ability to interpret complex policies, and expertise in crisis management.
• Strong business analytical and policy acumen.
• Fluency in both Hindi and English is mandatory; working knowledge of Tamil and/or Gujarati is a strong plus.
• Although the position is planned to be in New Delhi, the Company is flexible to attract the right candidate.
• Flexibility to travel domestically and regionally as needed to discharge duties.
• Superb and proactive communication skills that drive efficient decision-making and strategic recommendations.