Director of Government Affairs

Barrington James; Singapore; On-site; SGD 280,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Barrington James is seeking a Director of Government Affairs / Public Affairs for APAC, based in Singapore. You will lead regional government engagement, policy, market access and stakeholder strategy across APAC, sitting on the Regional Leadership Team.

You will work hands-on with ministries, healthcare bodies and industry associations to shape strategy, influence regulation and drive market access. Strong leadership and a track record in regulated healthcare sectors are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in Government Affairs, Public Affairs, Government Relations or closely related field.
• Experience in a highly regulated industry such as Medical Devices/MedTech, healthcare or pharmaceuticals.
• Strong understanding of healthcare systems, device regulation, reimbursement and market access in APAC.

Responsibilities

• Build APAC Government Affairs function and strategy.
• Shape policy, access, reimbursement and healthcare policy.
• Lead government engagement with ministries, agencies and policymakers across APAC.
• Drive advocacy with stakeholders and industry associations across key markets.
• Navigate policy risks and lead government engagement during regional developments or crises.
• Advise Regional Leadership by translating policy developments into commercial actions.
• Build regional capability and KPIs for Government Affairs across APAC.

Skills

10+ years Government Affairs

Healthcare policy & regulation

APAC regional experience

Stakeholder engagement

Policy strategy

Crisis management

Education

BA/BS

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Director, Government Affairs / Public Affairs – APAC | Medical Devices

Singapore | Regional Leadership Team

We are seeking a strategic, commercially minded and highly influential Director of Government Affairs / Public Affairs to lead regional government engagement, policy, market access and stakeholder strategy across APAC for a leading medical device company.

Based in Singapore and sitting on the Regional Leadership Team, this is a high-impact role with the opportunity to build and shape the Government Affairs function from the ground up and play a key role in influencing the external environment in which the business operates.

This is not a purely strategic or corporate role. You will be hands-on and in-market, working directly with Ministries, government agencies, Trade & Commerce stakeholders, healthcare bodies, industry associations and other senior external stakeholders across the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Build Government Affairs: Establish and shape the APAC Government Affairs function and strategy.
• Shape Policy & Access: Influence regulation, reimbursement, market access and healthcare policy.
• Lead Government Engagement: Build relationships with Ministries, government agencies and policymakers across APAC.
• Drive Advocacy: Lead stakeholder, industry and advocacy strategies across key markets.
• Navigate Risk & Crisis: Anticipate policy risks and lead government engagement during regional developments or crises.
• Advise Regional Leadership: Translate policy and government developments into clear commercial insights and actions.
• Build Regional Capability: Develop market strategies, best practices, KPIs and Government Affairs capability across APAC.

About You

We are looking for someone who combines strong Government Affairs expertise with commercial judgement and an ability to get things done.

• 10+ years' experience in Government Affairs, Public Affairs, Government Relations, healthcare policy or a closely related field
• Experience within a highly regulated industry, ideally Medical Devices / MedTech, healthcare, pharmaceuticals or another complex regulated environment
• Strong understanding of healthcare systems, medical device regulation, reimbursement and market access across APAC
• Proven experience engaging directly with Ministries, government agencies and senior policymakers, including beyond traditional healthcare stakeholders
• Strong network across government, industry associations and broader healthcare stakeholders
• Experience building or developing a Government Affairs / Public Affairs function, strategy or operating model
• Strong ability to navigate complex, ambiguous and fast-moving environments
• Commercially minded, with the ability to connect policy and government developments to business operations, growth and market access
• Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on levels
• Proven ability to influence and collaborate with senior regional and commercial leadership
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to build capability and influence across a matrix organisation
• Low ego, agile and pragmatic approach, with a strong bias towards action and execution
• BA/BS required; advanced degree preferred

Why This Role?

This is an opportunity to build something rather than simply inherit it.

You will have the mandate to shape the Government Affairs function across APAC, establish the regional strategy and work directly with senior government and business stakeholders to influence policy, protect the business and improve access to healthcare technologies.