Director, Government Relations, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)
Lenovo
Why Work at Lenovo
Description and Requirements
Based in Belgium, incumbent will be responsible for Lenovo’s interaction with the government departments (state and federal) in the European Union, primarily working and liaising to influence policies before they are adopted and focused on maintaining Lenovo’s ability to conduct business free from unnecessary or burdensome regulation or restrictions. Reporting to the VP, Deputy General Counsel, Government Relations, Trade Regulation, and Ethics & Compliance, the incumbent will closely interact with business leaders, finance team, Lenovo’s EMEA and global legal team and will have several direct reports involved in policy review and government outreach.
Job Responsibilities (Essential functions and duties):
- Build and maintain relationship with the key Government stakeholders at all levels of Government;
- Strategically evaluate impact of implementing key Government guidelines and processes on Lenovo’s business, with the ability to advocate on Lenovo’s behalf to Government decision makers;
- Align and engage with government to create good working relationship and adoption of Lenovo portfolio products in public markets;
- Liaison / Communicate with government authority / body on policy matters;
- Build relationships, and ensure regular communication with policy makers; government authorities, and advisors in order to understand the latest regulatory requirements;
- Actively identify emerging and significant policy issues in the region and engage with stakeholders on issues of importance;
- Monitor political and social events in the EU and work with local teams to mitigate operation risks;
- Work closely with the Business Units and on their behalf, address their issues with various departments/organizations in the Government.
- In collaboration with SMEs, handle various issues related to manufacturing, marketing, regulatory, finance, taxation, import / exports, foreign direct investment etc.;
- Provide inputs and influence policy/ regulatory legislations, which affect Lenovo’s business;
- Stakeholder mapping at central, state, institutions, NGOs and international organizations to prepare blueprint for engagement and influencing processes.
- Represent Lenovo at major industry trade associations. Work directly or through trade associations to play a key role in the development of business intelligence in political and regulatory information as well as in-market competition, through monitoring processes, shared tools, data bases, and periodic reports, aiming to provide accurate information to business strategy;
- Actively participate as a technology industry leader in trade associations and, coordinating with Lenovo Legal, with regulatory agencies, and various branches of government where Company’s most relevant issues are addressed;
- Strategically utilize knowledge on government’s FDI / foreign investments and incentive policies to benefit Lenovo’s business and long-term planning;
- Help Lenovo Implement technology product industry guidelines and processes as directed by EU member states and other jurisdictions across EMEA.
Job Requirements – Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Competencies (KSAC’s):
- A vast understanding of the EMEA technology market ideally in the areas of the laptop / IT hardware /mobile phones / cloud computing;
- Keen understanding of the EU political system, environment and institutions, as well as cultural landscape and a general understanding of other political systems in the region;
- Solid network with the European policy makers centrally and at member state levels, the academia, and a working knowledge of the technology industry;
- Experience with other EU government/policy schemes;
- Interest in emerging technologies and policy work;
- Outstanding judgment, persuasive and advocacy skills, creativity, and the ability to work in a dynamic environment;
- Strong collaboration skills, drive for results, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence;
- Experience in Government or diplomatic sector.
- 15+ years of demonstrated experience in areas such as managing public policy, government relations and advocacy, or international trade relations and diplomatic sectors at the EU and local levels;
- At least 5+ years’ work experience in global technology manufacturing company is preferred;
- At least 5+ years’ work experience in trade associations is preferred.
- Fluent in Dutch, French, and English required.
- Suitable qualifications include Bachelors degrees in: Public relations, communication, political sciences, public affairs, law, business, economics. marketing, journalism, business/commerce, history, geography.
- 20% expected travel
- Lenovo and Motorola Products Discounts
- Sickness and Long Term Disability Plan
- Service Anniversary Awards
- Meal Vouchers
- Lenovo International Meditation sessions
- Reimbursement of public transport
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Employee Assistance Program, e.g., for health, legal & financial consultancy
- Internal E-learning Development Platform Available for Employees