Head of Government Affairs (Automotive OEM)

Michael Page; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global automotive OEM is seeking a Head of Government Relations to lead regulatory compliance and government strategy in Malaysia. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in regulatory affairs, strong relationships with key governmental bodies, and the ability to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. This strategic role offers the opportunity to significantly impact market compliance and relations, ensuring the company's leadership position in the industry.

Benefits

Attractive compensation and benefits package

High visibility and impact in key market

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in regulatory affairs or government relations.
• Automotive OEM experience with knowledge of compliance and regulatory processes.
• Direct experience working with JPJ, MIROS, SIRIM, DOE, MITI, MARii, and customs.

Responsibilities

• Lead national homologation and regulatory strategy for a global brand.
• Develop and manage key relationships with regulatory bodies.
• Monitor regulatory developments impacting the automotive industry.

Skills

Regulatory Affairs

Government Relations

Interpersonal Skills

Cross-functional Leadership

Job description

• Lead national homologation and regulatory strategy for a global brand
• Shape policy and compliance outcomes with key regulatory stakeholders.

About Our Client

Our client is a globally established automotive OEM, celebrated for their technological innovation, product reliability, and commitment to quality. With a strong presence in Malaysia, the company maintains high standards of compliance and maintains strong relationships with public sector stakeholders. This role is vital to sustaining their leadership position in the market.

Job Description

As Head of Government Relations, your responsibilities will include:

• Lead the entire vehicle homologation process and coordinate with statutory bodies including JPJ, MIROS, SIRIM, DOE, ensuring timely certification and regulatory compliance.
• Develop and manage key relationships with MITI, MARii, customs, and other relevant government or regulatory bodies.
• Monitor regulatory developments, policies, and standards impacting the automotive industry and proactively advise internal stakeholders.
• Represent the company in government working groups, technical committees, and key industry forums.
• Provide strategic input and regulatory risk analysis to support product launches, imports, and compliance planning.
• Work closely with cross-functional departments (e.g. product planning, engineering, legal) to ensure alignment with regulatory frameworks.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Head of Government Relations should have:

• Malaysian citizen with minimum 10 years of experience in regulatory affairs, government relations, or homologation.
• Automotive OEM experience is a must - with deep knowledge of local vehicle compliance and regulatory processes.
• Direct experience working with JPJ, MIROS, SIRIM, DOE, MITI, MARii, and customs.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage senior government officials and internal leadership teams.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional coordination and manage complex approval processes.

What's on Offer

• Strategic leadership role with a globally respected automotive OEM
• Opportunity to shape regulatory and compliance direction for a key market
• High visibility and impact in both public and internal stakeholder arenas
• Attractive compensation and benefits package