Country Director - Govt affairs

About Us

Ford has a long-standing presence in India, and today the automotive sector in India stands at the center of the country's industrial and mobility transformation — from electrification and localization to trade and infrastructure development. Ford continues to engage India as a strategic market for manufacturing, sourcing, technology, and talent, and maintains an active footprint and stakeholder network across key states including Tamil Nadu and Gujarat as well as the capital New Delhi.
About Ford Government Affairs

Ford Government Affairs represents the Company at all levels of government in markets across the world where Ford sells products and services. Manufacturing, technology, trade, environmental and mobility issues present complex policy challenges. The team sits in the Ford Policy Organization which is tasked with ensuring early understanding and taking action to mitigate risk to Ford’s business arising out of regulatory, trade, legislative, and political matters. Government Relations advances the company’s policy goals through trusted relationships with elected and appointed officials, regulators, key coalitions, associations and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, International Relations, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
- At least 15+ years in government affairs, public policy, or regulatory compliance (the last 3 years in an India GA country director role and with demonstrated track record of leading a GA team) in an MNC setting.
- The candidate should hail preferably within the automotive sector and/or the larger manufacturing sector but candidates from other industries with comparable experience are welcome to apply
- Track record in leading a GA / Corporate Affairs team to secure key objectives
- Demonstrated network of relationships with Central Government officials in New Delhi and with state government leadership in Tamil Nadu and/or Gujarat.
- Experience working in markets outside of India is highly preferred.
- Strong diplomatic negotiation skills, analytical ability to interpret complex policies, and expertise in crisis management.
- Strong business analytical and policy acumen.
- Fluency in both Hindi and English is mandatory; working knowledge of Tamil and/or Gujarati is a strong plus.
- Although the position is planned to be in New Delhi, the Company is flexible to attract the right candidate.
- Flexibility to travel domestically and regionally as needed to discharge duties.
- Superb and proactive communication skills that drive efficient decision-making and strategic recommendations.
- Highest transparency and collaboration, embodying servant leadership
- Embody Ford FoS behaviors: Excellence, Focus, Collaboration with strong team ethics