Iberia Public Affairs Manager

Cainiao Group; Madrid; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cainiao Group is seeking an experienced Public Affairs professional in Madrid to lead policy initiatives aligned with our business priorities. You will build and maintain relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry associations across national and local levels.

In this role you will monitor developments, provide actionable recommendations to senior management, coordinate cross-functional responses, and represent the company in policy discussions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or above in Public Affairs, Political Science, Law, Communications, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in public affairs or government relations.
• Experience in multinational companies or government institutions is an advantage.
• Native-level Spanish; Chinese proficiency preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate policy developments into practical business insights.
• Cross-functional coordination across markets and teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement public affairs initiatives aligned with business priorities.
• Build relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry associations.
• Monitor national and local policy developments and provide actionable recommendations to senior management.
• Coordinate cross-functional responses to regulatory developments and external matters.
• Represent the company in meetings, industry forums, and policy discussions.
• Support business development and operations from a public affairs perspective.
• Improve internal processes for policy monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and issue escalation.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Cross-functional coordination

Project management

Policy understanding

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Decision making

Spanish language

Education

Bachelor's degree or above in Public Affairs, Political Science, Law, Communications, Business Administration

Job description

• Develop and implement public affairs initiatives aligned with business priorities. Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, industry associations, and other relevant external stakeholders.
• Policy Monitoring & Business Advisory. Monitor national and local policy developments, regulatory trends, and industry dynamics in relevant markets. Assess their business implications and provide actionable recommendations to support senior management's decision-making.
• External Affairs & Issue Management. Coordinate cross-functional responses to regulatory developments and sensitive external matters. Work closely with business, legal, compliance, and other relevant teams to assess potential impacts, align positions, and facilitate timely and effective responses.
• External Communication & Representation. Support the development of company positions, briefing materials, and key messages for external engagement. Represent the company in relevant meetings, industry forums, and policy discussions, ensuring clear and consistent communication of its priorities and perspectives.
• Business Support & Internal Coordination. Partner with local teams and headquarters to support business development and operations from a public affairs perspective. Identify opportunities for constructive engagement with external stakeholders and help address challenges in relevant markets.
• Processes & Early‑Warning Mechanisms. Develop and improve internal processes for policy monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and issue escalation. Strengthen organizational awareness of the external environment and preparedness for emerging challenges.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or above in Public Affairs, Political Science, Law, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Relevant Experience. 3-5 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, regulatory affairs, or a related field. Experience in multinational companies, government institutions, industry associations, or the logistics and e-commerce sectors is an advantage.
• Policy & Regulatory Understanding. Strong understanding of government institutions, policymaking processes, and regulatory environments, with the ability to translate complex developments into practical business insights.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Communication. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to build trusted relationships with external stakeholders and communicate company positions effectively on complex or sensitive matters.
• Cross-Functional Coordination & Project Management. Strong coordination and project management skills, with the ability to work across functions and markets, align stakeholders, and drive initiatives through to completion.
• Judgement & Problem‑Solving. Sound judgement, structured thinking, and a strong sense of ownership. Ability to respond effectively to emerging issues, manage competing priorities, and remain composed under pressure.
• Languages. Native‑level Spanish proficiency is required. Proficiency in Chinese is preferred.

Local Knowledge & Networks

Familiarity with the local institutional and business environment is highly valued. Experience engaging with government agencies and industry associations, along with an established network of relevant contacts, is an advantage.