External Affairs Director APAC

Job Description:

The Regional External Affairs Director is responsible for supporting Airbus strategic interests, ensuring alignment with regional policies, fostering government and industry partnerships, and mitigating geopolitical risks. This role involves influencing and bringing local intelligence back to Central, as well as Sustainability Advocacy.

Key relationships:

The role reports to the Head of (HO) Regional Business Growth APAC. The incumbent will closely interact with the following key stakeholders:

• President of Region
• Head of Regional International Cooperation & Offsets (IC&O) APAC
• APAC Airbus Chief Representatives (ACRs)
• International Government Affairs
• Regional Heads of Airbus Helicopters and Airbus Defence & Space
• Other key members of the APAC Leadership Team, especially in Commercial Aircraft Sales, Services and Communications.

Key deliverables:

• Business development strategy and execution:

  • Provides deep insights on relevant decision-enabling, market positioning intelligence.

• Geopolitical analysis and risk management:

  • Monitors and analyzes geopolitical developments and trends regionally that impact the aerospace industry.
  • Assesses potential risks related to political instability, trade restrictions, and regulatory changes.
  • Develops, keeps current, and coordinates Country Briefs across APAC for consistent and on-point messaging for engaging visiting company senior executives and Home Country officials.
  • Provides monthly reports and strategic recommendations to Head of Region (HoR) and Executive Vice President (EVP) International.
  • Acts as a regional focal point for crisis response related to geopolitical issues.

• External stakeholder engagement & Sustainability advocacy:

  • Builds and maintains relationships with key stakeholders: government officials, regulatory agencies, industry associations, think tanks, NGOs.
  • Promotes Airbus sustainability roadmap, projects, and partnerships with various stakeholders.
  • Represents the company in regional forums, conferences, and high-level meetings.
  • Maps and scouts local stakeholders and aligns internally for partnership selection.
  • Contributes to the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) initiative and regional roadmap.

• Crisis management and communication:

  • Collaborates with the security office and corporate communications to maintain a positive public image in the region.

• Ethics & Compliance:

  • Ensures adherence to local laws and regulations and maintains Airbus' license to operate in the region.

General:

• Contributes to the overall Airbus Asia-Pacific management team.
• Complies with Airbus Singapore management policies.
• Leads Ethics & Compliance Training for direct teams in Government Affairs and International Cooperation & Offsets.
• Supports safety, ethics, compliance, diversity, and inclusion activities of Airbus.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Aviation, Public Affairs or related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in a similar role.
• Experience in External Affairs and knowledge of governmental processes in Asia.
• Experience in running commercial campaigns, especially in defense sales.
• Strong market analysis and financial modeling skills.
• Extensive external cross-industry network.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with senior leaders.
• Outstanding communication skills and diplomatic skills.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of accountability.

This role requires an awareness of compliance risks and a commitment to integrity as the foundation for success, reputation, and sustainable growth.