VP, Global Government Affairs

Intuitive; California; On-site; USD 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Intuitive is seeking a seasoned leader to drive its global government affairs strategy from the vantage point of the Vice President, Global Government Affairs. The role focuses on aligning policy, regulatory, and advocacy efforts with Intuitive’s growth objectives across geographies, including US, EU, and APAC.

You will lead a global team, shape policy positions, and engage senior stakeholders to advance healthcare innovation and patient access while representing Intuitive to government and

Qualifications

• 20+ years in government affairs, public policy, or legislative affairs.
• 10+ years in a senior leadership role with global teams and P&L or budget responsibility.
• Deep healthcare policy experience across US, EU and APAC.
• Experience in healthcare, medical device, or life sciences policy environments.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree a plus.
• Proven track record influencing legislation and policy outcomes at national and international levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise government affairs strategy aligned with objectives.
• Oversee global government affairs across US, Europe, and APAC.
• Coordinate regional leaders with enterprise-level government affairs work.
• Establish cross-regional intelligence sharing, policy position alignment, and coordinated advocacy.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Regulatory Affairs, Market Access, Legal, and Clinical teams.

Skills

Executive leadership

Public policy

Global health policy

Strategic thinking

Policy advocacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master’s degree

Job description

It started with a simple idea: what if surgery could be less invasive and recovery less painful? Nearly 30 years later, that question still fuels everything we do at Intuitive. As a global leader in robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive care, our technologies—like the da Vinci surgical system and Ion—have transformed how care is delivered for millions of patients worldwide.

We’re a team of engineers, clinicians, and innovators united by one purpose: to make surgery smarter, safer, and more human. Every day, our work helps care teams perform with greater precision and patients recover faster, improving outcomes around the world.

The problems we solve demand creativity, rigor, and collaboration. The work is challenging, but deeply meaningful—because every improvement we make has the potential to change a life.

If you’re ready to contribute to something bigger than yourself and help transform the future of healthcare, you’ll find your purpose here.

The Vice President, Global Government Affairs is responsible for setting the enterprise-wide government affairs strategy, and leading a best-in-class global government affairs function that meaningfully contributes to Intuitive’s business goals and strategic priorities. The role sits within Intuitive’s Global Public Affairs team. Broadly, the GPA function is responsible for Intuitive’s strategy and activities across media relations and corporate reputation, patient advocacy, and government relations. The role reports to the Vice President of Global Public Affairs. The ideal candidate will bring significant government affairs leadership experience across geographies, a strong network, and a sophisticated understanding of healthcare innovation and the global policy and regulatory landscape – with the credibility, judgment and experience to engage across audiences and regions.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead Intuitive’s enterprise government affairs strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, pipeline priorities and market expansion plans.
• Oversee the global government affairs function, creating coherence across regional government affairs teams and functions in the U.S., Europe, and APAC on key, globally business impacting issues (AI, digital policy, etc.).
• Serve as the connective tissue between regional government affairs leaders and the broader enterprise-level government affairs work and strategy, ensuring regional and local expertise informs and shapes global priorities.
• Establish a framework for cross-regional intelligence sharing, policy position alignment, and coordinated advocacy – ensuring the company navigates consistently and credibly across jurisdictions.
• Work with cross-functional corporate partners (Commercial, Regulatory Affairs, Market Access, Legal, Clinical Affairs and more) to ensure government affairs strategy is integrated with and supports broader business objectives.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• 20+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, or legislative affairs.
• 10+ years in a senior leadership role with global team management and P&L or budget responsibility.
• Deep, demonstrated experience in global healthcare policy – including US, EU and APAC market dynamics.
• Strong experience in healthcare, medical device, or life sciences policy environments; knowledge of/experience in policy environments and regulatory frameworks across key global markets is a strong differentiator.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree a plus.
• Proven track record of influencing legislation, regulation or policy outcomes at national and international levels.
• Exceptional strategic and political acumen, with the ability to anticipate legislative and regulatory developments and translate complex policy environments into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Strong demonstrated people management and organizational leadership experience, including leading teams across geographies.
• Executive presence and the ability to credibly represent Intuitive’s interests and positions to the most senior government and industry audiences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy and technical topics into compelling, accessible materials.

Due to the nature of our business and the role, please note that Intuitive and/or your customer(s) may require that you show current proof of vaccination against certain diseases including COVID-19. Details can vary by role.

Intuitive is an Equal Opportunity Employer.We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type, without regard to race, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, genetic information or any other status protected under federal, state, or local applicable laws.

U.S. Export Controls Disclaimer:In accordance with the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR §743.13(b)), some roles at Intuitive Surgical may be subject to U.S. export controls for prospective employeeswho are nationals from countries currently on embargo or sanctions status.

Certain information you provide as part of the application will be used for purposes of determining whether Intuitive Surgical will need to (i) obtain an export license from the U.S. Government on your behalf (note: the government’s licensing process can take 3 to 6+ months) or (ii) implement a Technology Control Plan (“TCP”) (note: typically adds 2 weeks to the hiring process).

For any Intuitive role subject to export controls, final offers are contingent upon obtaining an approved export license and/or an executed TCP prior to the prospective employee’s start date, which may or may not be flexible, and within a timeframe that does not unreasonably impede the hiring need. If applicable, candidates will be notified and instructed on any requirements for these purposes.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with fair chance laws.

This position may be filled at a different job level than listed here depending on business need and/or on the selected candidate’s experience, knowledge and skills. Compensation will be based primarily on the job level at which the role is filled and the candidate’s qualifications, consistent with applicable law.

Accommodation & Accessibility Notice:

Intuitive is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or an accommodation during any part of the application or interview process, please contact People Services at [e-mail].

We provide market-competitive compensation packages, inclusive of base pay, incentives, benefits, and equity. It would not be typical for someone to be hired at the top end of range for the role, as actual pay will be determined based on several factors, including experience, skills, and qualifications. The target base compensation ranges are listed.