Head of Government Relations

Objective

This role is for a senior leader to proactively manage the company's relationship with government entities. The incumbent will be responsible for shaping the operating environment, unlocking new opportunities, and driving favorable policy outcomes. This is a strategic position, focused on active engagement rather than reactive problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities & Focus Areas

Policy Advocacy:

This person will be responsible for favorably lobbying to revise regulations related to the company's business, including tax matters. The individual will lead key projects involving government interaction to drive favorable policy outcomes for the company.

• Examples: Engaging with the Tax Research Unit to clarify the tax position on corrective versus non-corrective glasses. Advocating for a supportive regulatory framework for remote optometry and for practical regulation of eye tests and relaxed eligibility for optometrists.

Strategic Project Facilitation:

The role involves facilitating strategic projects that require government relations.

• Examples: Facilitating the launch of a new factory by engaging with local government bodies. Securing investment promotion incentives from state governments.

International Government Relations:

The incumbent will build government relations overseas in territories such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Operational Risk Mitigation:

This role involves addressing specific lobbying needs to ease operational challenges.

• Examples: Streamlining medical device registration processes and managing sensitive investigations by regulatory bodies.

Proactive Regulatory Engagement:

The individual will monitor and influence regulations that impact the company, such as Quality Control Orders for product lines and evolving data privacy laws.

Stakeholder Relations:

This person will systematically engage with Central and State governments to drive favorable policy outcomes. This involves arranging management meetings and clearly articulating the company's story, its contributions to the economy, job creation, and vision.

Qualifications & Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of post-qualification experience is required.
• Proven experience in managing all forms of government relations, including both proactive and reactive liaison.
• Educational qualifications: Law (LLB) or Public Administration (MPA) degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience dealing with government affairs, with a strong understanding of the Indian regulatory and political landscape.