Head of Global Political Affairs

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We are seeking a seasoned and strategically minded leader to serve as Head of Global Political Affairs, as a member of the Communications and Government Relations (CGR) team. This pivotal role demands deep expertise in public affairs, international relations, and/or strategic communications, alongside a profound understanding of policymaking processes and their impact on the evolution of the energy sector—a complex and highly regulated environment. 

As Head of Global Political Affairs, you will lead the development and execution of our global political engagement strategy. In coordination with the Head of Global Government and Institutional Relations and the Region Heads of Communications and Government Relations, you will coordinate government relations teams across countries and regions to ensure a deep understanding of local energy sector policymaking and regulatory landscapes. In close collaboration with Hitachi Energy business leaders and key functions such as Technology, Legal, and Sustainability, you will provide strategic counsel to identify and advocate for the most effective solutions that drive sustainable growth and reinforce our long-term market positioning.

As Head of Global Political Affairs, you will play a central role in shaping and executing integrated political affairs strategies that align with Hitachi Energy’s global objectives. Your main accountabilities will include:

Global policy development and advocacy 

• Develop and Drive Global Policy Strategy - define and lead Hitachi Energy’s global policy and regulatory strategy, ensuring alignment with and influence on emerging legislative and regulatory trends across key markets.
• Coordinate Country-Level Advocacy - Guide and support Heads of Government Relations in each country and regions in advocating effectively with policymakers, legislators, and regulatory bodies.
• Strengthen Government Relations - Support country teams in building and sustaining strong relationships with local, regional, and national government officials. Act as the central point of contact for high-level political inquiries and negotiations.
• Provide Hands-On Support Where Needed - Step in to directly manage government relations activities in specific countries or regions when strategic or operational needs arise.
• Advise Senior Leadership - Prepare high-quality briefs, reports, and presentations on political and policy developments for the Executive Team. Ensure timely, clear communication with internal and external stakeholders on political strategies.
• Foster Strategic Alliances - Collaborate with the Communications and Government Relations (CGR) team to build coalitions and partnerships with industry groups, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders to advance shared policy objectives.
• Elevate Executive Thought Leadership - Support the positioning of Hitachi Energy executives as thought leaders in the global energy space through strategic visibility at events, media engagements, and authored content.
• Plan High-Impact Political Engagements - Assist in organizing and coordinating strategic events such as forums, panels, and meetings with key political figures to promote the company’s vision and priorities.
• Monitor and Analyze Legislative Developments - Track regulatory and legislative activity at local, national, and international levels. Assess implications for the business and develop response strategies.
• Provide Political Intelligence and Insight - Conduct in-depth research and analysis of political trends, policymaking dynamics, and public sentiment to inform strategic decisions.
• Ensure Legal and Ethical Compliance - Oversee compliance with all applicable laws and regulations governing political activities, including lobbying, disclosure, and campaign finance requirements.

Team Leadership and Collaboration

Political affairs are critical to our business success. This role requires aligning the organization around a unified, strategic approach that embraces diverse perspectives and regional dynamics.  

• You will report directly to the Chief Communications and Government Relations Officer of Hitachi Energy, while working in close coordination with the Global Head of Government and Institutional Relations and the Regional Heads of Communications and Government Relations.
• You will be a member of the global CGR leadership team.
• You are expected to inspire, lead, and support a network of government relations professionals across countries, fostering collaboration, innovation, and high performance across regions and functions.  
• You should build strong bridges across business units, functional teams, and geographies to ensure a cohesive, agile, and forward-looking public affairs strategy.  
• You must act as a trusted advisor and thought partner to business leaders and the senior management team, bringing political affairs insight and strategic guidance to the table.

The ideal candidate will bring a broad and deep skillset developed over a career of strategic leadership in communications and public affairs, with proven success in complex, international environments. Key requirements include:

• Extensive Experience – a minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in political affairs, government and institutional relations, event management, and/or communications, ideally in a multinational, matrixed organization.
• Cross-Functional Expertise - demonstrated ability to lead across the full spectrum of public affairs, institutional relations, corporate protocol and communication activities.
• Strategic and Operational Planning Skills - strong planning, prioritization, and organizational capabilities with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations simultaneously.
• In-Depth Knowledge of Political Affairs Practices - a deep understanding of effective tools, methodologies, and best practices, as well as the ability to tailor strategies for different audiences and regions.
• Digital Fluency - solid understanding of digital communication platforms and the strategic use of social media to build reputation, drive engagement, and support business objectives.
• Business Acumen - strong commercial awareness with the ability to link public affairs efforts to business strategy, performance, and market impact.
• Global Mindset with Multicultural Competence - outstanding interpersonal and networking skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate across diverse cultural and functional contexts.
• Sector and Regional Knowledge - international work experience is essential. Direct experience in working in relevant political institutions in the energy or technology sector is a significant advantage.
• Executive Presence and Influence - experience working directly with senior leadership teams; ability to provide strategic counsel, influence decision-making, and represent the function at the highest levels.
• Stakeholder Engagement - proactive and diplomatic communicator with a track record of engaging local and regional business partners, government bodies, and internal stakeholders with impact and integrity.
• Language Proficiency – Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential. Proficiency in one or more additional languages is a strong plus.

Qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.

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