Director, Government and Corporate Affairs

Career Area:

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

The Position

The Director, India, Global Government and Corporate Affairs (GGCA), will lead government relations, policy advocacy, communications, media and corporate citizenship activities in the country. The position leads a team of five GGCA professionals, serves as a trusted advisor to in-country business leaders on political, policy and regulatory issues, and is accountable to deliver on goals to support the corporate strategy. Participating in and providing direction to senior leaders on government engagement strategy, industry relations, trade associations and strategic communications are key components of the position. This position will report to the Senior Director, Asia, Africa & Middle East in Global Government and Corporate Affairs (GGCA).

As an established leader, this position will be responsible for team performance, budget management and GGCA operational effectiveness in India.

The Team

This is a leadership role, which includes direct management of four full-time employees and one contractor.

Location: New Delhi, India

Travel : Approx. 20-25%, primarily to offices and facilities within India

Reports To: Senior Director, Global Government and Corporate Affairs

What You Will Do:

• Run an effective, high-functioning external affairs team encompassing government relations, communications and corporate citizenship.
• Leverage your established relationships with relevant ministries to enable Caterpillar to conduct its business successfully and enhance its reputation.
• Collaborate with business leaders to formulate and execute advocacy strategies on key issues, with a particular focus on manufacturing, regulatory and trade/commerce.
• Position the company and business leaders externally through communications, media, trade association events, conferences, etc.
• Engage on digital, tax, local content, labor and supply chain issues, as needed.
• Maintain regular contact with relevant ministries to clarify policies and regulations and communicate Caterpillar's principles and perspective.
• Facilitate government meetings for Caterpillar executives as appropriate.
• Build and maintain productive working relationships with relevant diplomatic corps representatives, specifically U.S. embassy personnel.
• Monitor and provide real-time analysis of relevant political, policy, legal and regulatory changes that could potentially impact Caterpillar.
• Liaise with the government agencies to support the obtaining of permits and licenses vital to Caterpillar operations.
• Interface and coordinate with independent dealers Gmmco and Gainwell, as appropriate.
• Lead trade association participation.
• Support the business on external communications, including media, trade association events, conferences, etc.
• Develop and manage an annual budget in line with approved plans and in compliance with enterprise procedures.

Required Qualifications:

• 15-20 years' experience as leader in an effective, high-functioning external affairs team (government relations and communications)
• Established, high-level relationships with key ministries in the central government
• Track record of successful policy advocacy on corporate issues (trade, manufacturing, permitting, etc.)
• Strong internal collaborator with experience working closely with and advising senior executives
• Familiarity with local and trade media and ability to effectively serve as a spokesperson for the company

Desired Additional Qualifications:

• Experience working in a corporate setting in India
• Knowledge of manufacturing, energy and/or mining sectors
• Experience working in, or closely with, ministries relevant to Caterpillar businesses
• Familiarity with corporate citizenship programs and their execution
• Experience working cross-functionally within a matrix organization
• Proactive, problem-solving attitude and collaborative approach to achieving success
• Willingness to periodically travel to Chennai, Bangalore and other Caterpillar locations in-country

What You Will Bring: 

Government Affairs Management:  Ability to manage corporate activities that benefit from interaction with or provide information to various governmental agencies; knowledge of relevant laws affecting government affairs.

• Knowledgeable about Indian industrial policies, operations and markets, coupled with an understanding of company organization.
• Understands the legislative and regulatory processes at national, state and local levels relevant to Caterpillar operations and business in India.
• Manages market access challenges and crisis communications.

Relationship Management: Knowledge of relationship management techniques; ability to establish and maintain healthy working relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including government, peers and suppliers.

• Established relationships with key ministries in central government coupled with a track record of successful policy advocacy
• Ability to build and maintain relationships and trust with government leaders in New Delhi, as well as key operating areas
• Effectively leverages government/industry relations at all levels to best position the company and assist in business development.
• Works within relevant ministries and agencies on key policy areas.
• Trade association leadership and management.

Communicating for Impact: Knowledge of the concepts, tools and techniques for effective listening and communicating; ability to apply these theories to receive, transmit and accurately interpret information and ideas to influence others in various situations.

• Ability to effectively identify, communicate and influence the acceptance of company positions.
• Ability to engage and interact with senior management/government officials and achieve consensus on difficult issues.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills; an excellent collaborator able to effectively navigate a matrixed organization.

Judgment and Decision Making: Knowledge of the decision-making process; ability to carefully evaluate the impact of emerging business situations and choose the best path forward communicating actions and activities that maximize organizational performance.

• Seeks input from multiple sources to generate diverse ideas for decision making.
• Relies on data, facts, and experiences to support the best outcome.
• Acts decisively and independently in situations requiring quick analysis and the application of sound judgment based on knowledge and past experience.
• Sustains organization strategies over time by accurately analyzing tradeoffs in changing direction or staying the course.
• Makes decisions that remain defensible beyond the short term.

Degree Requirement

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience desired.

India citizenship or residency with permanent right to work status required. Relocation assistance within India is available for this position.

Posting Dates:

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.