Manager - Group Public Affairs

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

As the Manager of Group Public Affairs at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, your primary responsibility will be to serve as a strategic advisor to the Group, proactively identifying and flagging evolving policies which could affect our business operations. You will play a critical role in advocating for policy changes that are aligned with the Mahindra Group's long-term strategic objectives. This position requires not just knowledge of policies, but also a keen sense of timing and influence to position Group leadership as thought leaders in the government and trade chambers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES OF THE ROLE:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with relevant Ministry officials at various levels, ensuring that Mahindra Group representatives are well-positioned to advance our interests and influence key decisions.
• Conduct thorough market intelligence assessments on emerging policies that may impact our operations and work to ensure that our perspectives are reflected in draft policy guidelines being discussed.
• Actively position the Group as a collaborator on important policy issues, linking these initiatives to our overarching business interests and influencing policy outcomes to favour our goals.
• Facilitate internal engagement and align communication strategies across Business Units to ensure we are meeting set objectives and milestones as outlined in our Business Charters and Competitive Intelligence.
• Provide support to Business Development teams at both the Central and State levels, ensuring that our public affairs strategy aligns with business needs.

Experience

You will need a proven track record of at least 10 years in Public Affairs, demonstrating a strong background in navigating complex governmental environments and influencing policy. Experience in building relationships with policymakers and understanding public policy landscapes is critical. You should also have a history of successfully facilitating communication between business entities and government agencies. Your skills will empower you to integrate seamlessly into our Public Affairs team, navigating both the intricacies of state and national policy agendas.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a graduate degree or higher from a recognised institution. Education in fields related to political science, public administration, or business will be especially advantageous. This educational background should complement your practical experiences, equipping you with the analytical capabilities to interpret and influence public policy effectively.

Functional Skills

• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain bankable relationships with key ministries including but not limited to PMO, Home, Civil Aviation, Finance, Steel, Commerce, and Industries. Familiarity with state-level networks will be an added advantage.
• Possess a strong strategic orientation, exceptional business acumen, and exemplary stakeholder relationship management skills, along with an entrepreneurial mindset that drives results.
• Exhibit patience and maturity in navigating governmental processes, with a solid understanding of the intricacies of government file movements and the agility to track and advance these files effectively.