Government Affairs Manager

Job Purpose

This is a key role for Dyson in Greater China that mainly supports the company’s high-profile government affairs in Shanghai and contribute to the overall government affairs agenda in Greater China which covers public policy, issues management and long-term stakeholder engagement, and brings synergy between internal and external stakeholder engagements by advocating Dyson’s values and facilitating understanding of business objectives among key external stakeholders.

Based in Dyson’s Shanghai office, the Manager of Government Affairs reports directly to Head of Government Affairs & CSR, Greater China, and serves to bolster Dyson’s reputation among key stakeholders in the region. With an eye to the future, the position requires proven experience and track record in managing complex issues (both governmental and internal), careful and thoughtful management of the business’ reputation, and strong ownership and capabilities to be the right “interpreter” and “bridge” between internal and external that empowers our sustaining success in the market.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Government Affairs

• Build sustainable partnership with government departments and government-organizations, primarily in Huangpu district and Shanghai Municipality, identify top stakeholders in terms of policy advocacy and social impact and support to enhance Dyson reputation, which includes but is not limited to in-depth engagements with the district and municipal Commissions of Commerce, Development and Reform, Industry & Information Technology, the Administration for Market Regulation, etc., and government-organizations (on consumer protection, advertising, green development – to name a few) and chambers of commerce, to help advance Dyson priorities in China and win favourable treatments such as special government subsidies on innovation and social impact, First-In-Its-Kind incentives, trade-in subsidies, etc.  

• Further contribute to Dyson’s business agenda by supporting government engagements at the central level and in the Yangtze-River Delta and GBA, keep stakeholders updated on the latest Dyson news and brand storytelling and seek cooperation opportunities that will be beneficial to Dyson in the longer term.

• Monitor and analyse relevant macro socio-economic, legislative and regulatory developments with strong business acumen, in the form of monthly policy papers and monthly insights sharing with LT, to help business understand, anticipate and prepare for future changes in the market.

• Work closely with key stakeholders across the business – including within the Comms & GA team – to shape and communicate Dyson strategy and differentiation to government officials and industry groups. Amplify Dyson agenda, narrative and key initiatives on key government platforms and win top-tier government awards.

• Play as a core team member of the Reputation Protection Committee, support to develop and implement a comprehensive and integrated approach to managing reputational issues and protecting business continuity, as well as effective internal insights sharing sessions to protect the reputation of Dyson in the longer term.

• Be a champion of Dyson culture.

Qualifications/Requirements: (Education / Experience / Competencies)

Skills and experiences required:

• Genuine interest in and extensive understanding of the China political system and proven track record of delivering best-in-class Government Affairs programs within an MNC.
• Deep knowledge of the technology and/or retail system and related regulatory policies, including extensive contacts and good relationships with key policy/decision makers.
• Highly self-motivated and proactive with the mindset of making each engagement, and Government Affairs program, different and pioneering.
• Adept diplomatic skills with demonstrated capability to manage potential geopolitical challenges.
• Ability to write concise bilingual policy papers (in English and Chinese) for leadership teams.
• Dealing with crisis related short deadlines and working in high pressure situations to drive outcomes in the best interest of the company.
• Strong people and influencing skills and ability to work with key internal stakeholders in a fast-changing market.

Required Education and competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree or above.
• 5-8 years as a professional in Government Affairs (being also in Corporate Communications is a plus) with proven track record in an MNC preferably in the technology, retail, or related industries in China.
• Proven ability to develop trust-based relationships with government officials.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (English and Chinese), both written and verbal.
• Excellent negotiation, facilitation and influencing skills.
• Strong capability in managing changing business environment and ambiguity.

Dyson is an equal opportunity employer. We know that great minds don’t think alike, and it takes all kinds of minds to make our technology so unique. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other any other dimension of diversity.