We are seeking a strategic and high-caliber External Affairs Director to lead the national regulatory agenda in Vietnam. This is a critical leadership role focused on protecting the company’s reputation, navigating complex legal frameworks, and building trust-based partnerships with high-level government stakeholders. You will act as a key advisor to the leadership team, ensuring the business is positioned as a responsible investor and a preferred partner in the industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Regulatory Leadership: Lead and manage the national regulatory affairs agenda, ensuring all initiatives align with global corporate priorities and local business strategies.
- Government Relations & Advocacy: Build and maintain strong, transparent relationships with government officials at all levels. Position the company as a credible and proactive stakeholder in policy discussions.
- Stakeholder Mapping: Support the Cluster Head in designing and executing long-term reputation strategies, including sophisticated stakeholder mapping, classification, and engagement frameworks.
- Policy Analysis: Monitor and interpret public policy trends and regulatory shifts. Evaluate short- to medium-term implications for the business and develop proactive mitigation plans.
- Compliance & Licensing: Provide expert guidance to commercial and cross-functional teams to ensure full compliance with Vietnamese laws. Secure necessary licenses and endorsements to support ongoing operations.
- Business Intelligence: Gather primary insights from government sources and secondary market data to provide a competitive edge and inform executive decision-making.
- Team Development: Coach and mentor the wider Corporate Affairs team, fostering a culture of functional excellence and knowledge sharing.
Requirements
- Experience: A minimum of 10 years of proven experience in government relations or external affairs, with at least 5 years in a senior management capacity.
- Industry Background: Direct experience within a multinational FMCG , or a highly regulated industry (e.g., alcohol, pharmaceuticals, energy) is essential.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Law, Economics, International Relations, or a related field.
- Network: An extensive and active network within Vietnamese government agencies and a deep understanding of governmental administrative processes.
- Competencies: Exceptional commercial acumen with the ability to translate complex regulatory insights into business impacts.
- Communication: Fluent in Vietnamese and English (both written and spoken) is mandatory for high-level negotiations and reporting.
- What’s on Offer?
- Market-leading Rewards: Competitive base salary plus a high-performance annual bonus scheme.
- Holistic Benefits: Comprehensive health plans, flexible holiday schemes, and transportation support.
- Career Progression: A culture that thrives on internal advancement and "Global Returner" programs for those re-entering the workforce.
- Growth Environment: Access to global online learning platforms and personalized leadership development programs.
Client Overview
We are partnering with a globally recognized leader in the tobacco industry, renowned for its extensive portfolio of iconic brands and commitment to innovation. This established player operates across numerous international markets, consistently demonstrating strong market performance and a forward-thinking approach to evolving consumer preferences. They are dedicated to fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where talented professionals can thrive and contribute to shaping the future of their sector. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a company with a rich heritage and a clear vision for sustainable growth.
