Lead (Auto) - Group Public Affairs

Purpose of the role

The role plays important link between business and policy makers both at Central Govt level and State Govt level. This role brings in business perspective and thus protecting bisiness interest while Govt shapes various policies for the sector. Absence of this role will lead to missing organisation interest in the policies and will miss competitive advantage with competitors.The role also brings in intellgience for various policies being developed to business and in a way eyes and ears of the business.

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

As the Lead of Policy Advocacy, Regulatory and Government Affairs at M&M, you will be entrusted with the responsibility of building and maintaining strategic relationships with government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders. Your leadership will be pivotal in influencing policies, advocating for the company's objectives, and ensuring compliance with relevant and changing regulations. As the Lead of Government Affairs and Policy Advocacy, you will play a pivotal role in influencing and driving the company's success in a dynamic and evolving landscape. 
Key Responsibilities: 
1.    Policy Advocacy: 
•Develop and execute strategic advocacy initiatives to promote policies that align with M&M India's business goals and industry requirements. 
•Be able to build argument using facts, data and statistics on policy making in line with policy objectives and company interest. 
• Collaborate with industry associations Think Tank, and other stakeholders to build a unified voice on key policy issues. 
• Should provide thought leadership internally and externally in areas of new mobility and technology; EV, Hybrid, Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, Charging Infrastructure etc. 

2.    Regulatory Compliance: 
• Stay abreast of changes in laws and regulations affecting the automotive industry in India. Be able to get first hand and fast information of policies under drafting announcement. 
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements. • Provide strong relations with testing and homologation agencies such as ARAI, ICAT etc. 
• Proactively develop intelligent insights around legislative and regulatory developments and assess their impact on company products, processes and production. 
• Keep a record of relevant policies rules and regulations meetings/ deliberations and communicate internally. 

3.    Strategic Planning: 
• Provide insights on regulatory and policy trends to contribute to the development of the company's overall business strategy. 
• Align government affairs strategies with broader organizational objectives.
 • Support the business to build strategic relationships that align to market positioning and be able to interpret and share comments on government economics/industrial policies, regulations and standards 

4.    Government Relations: 
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with key government officials, policymakers, and regulatory bodies to strategically position M&M the regulatory landscape
• Look to increase networking foot print at various Ministries such as Finance, Surface Transport, Commerce, O&G including key State Government machineries. 
• Lead Represent the company's interests in various industry forums and governmental consultations. 
• Create opportunity for Company leaders’ external engagement for thoughtful conversation including scheduling meetings.
• Lead supporting the development of briefing packs, talking points for meetings and events and supporting participation in top conferences and events.

5.    Crisis Management: 
• Develop and implement strategies for effective crisis communication, addressing issues that may impact the company's reputation or regulatory standing.

Qualifications

•    Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Law, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field. 

Experience

•    Proven experience (15+ years) in a leadership role in policy advocacy, or regulatory compliance within the automotive sector and government affairs. Worked with various Ministries – MHI, MORTH, MOEFCC, MoF, MoC, Niti, DPIIT, etc

Functional skills required to execute the role

In-depth knowledge of the Indian regulatory, environment and legislative environment especially from the automotive, road transport point of view. Prior knowledge of emission norms, CAFÉ norms, FAME, NLP-e-AMRIT policies is required. 
•    Relevant work experience in regulatory policy affairs working with various industrial bodies viz ARAI, BIS, SIAM in area of electrification emission norms, CAFE norms and Safety-airbag BNCAP, AEB FCW, etc.
•    Knowledge of International Trade issues related to FTAs. BTA, PTA
•    Experience of taxation and trade related issues .
•    Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. 
•    Ability to navigate complex regulatory issues and work collaboratively across departments with an excellent rolodex of relationship with multiple ministries, state governments and associations preferably at the Under Secretary, Director General level and above. 
•    Ability to influence negotiate with and persuade others. Must be flexible and demonstrate strong judgement decision making skills and possess high political acumen. 
•    Ability to grasp to others’ views and opinions and distil and share the company’s perspective on those with external stakeholders. 
•    Experience in cross industry policy and governance areas is preferred

Behavioural Competencies required

Political Acumen

-Ability to understand and interpret political dynamics, legislative processes, and regulatory frameworks.Navigates political sensitivities and anticipates shifts in policy or leadership.
-Strategic Relationship Building. Builds and maintains trust-based relationships with government officials, regulators, and stakeholders.
- Demonstrates diplomacy and tact in interactions with diverse political actors.

Advocacy and Influence

-Persuasively communicates organizational positions to policymakers. Uses data, storytelling, and strategic messaging to influence decisions.

Communication Skills

-Translates complex policy issues into clear, actionable insights for internal and external audiences.
- Adapts messaging for different stakeholders, including executives, regulators, and the public.

Collaboration and Cross-Functional Coordination

- Works across departments to align on policy positions and advocacy strategies.
- Facilitates consensus-building among diverse internal stakeholders.

Analytical Thinking
- Conducts policy analysis, risk assessments, and scenario planning.
- Evaluates the impact of legislation and regulatory changes on organizational goals.

Adaptability and Crisis Management
- Responds swiftly to unexpected political or regulatory developments.Maintains composure under pressure and adjusts strategies as needed.

Ethical Judgment and Integrity
- Upholds transparency, compliance, and ethical standards in all advocacy efforts.
- Balances organizational interests with public trust and democratic principles.

Project and Campaign Leadership
- Leads government relations initiatives from strategy to execution.
- Measures outcomes and adjusts tactics based on feedback and results.

Public Speaking and Representation
- Represents the organization in hearings, forums, and public engagements.
- Follow Company guidelines for comminication to external agencies