Government Affair - General Manager

Role and Responsibilities

The Government Affairs Team Leader is responsible for managing the company's relationships with government authorities, regulatory bodies, industry associations, and related institutions to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, support business operations, facilitate vehicle and parts homologation processes, secure tax and import-related approvals, and proactively manage regulatory risks impacting the automotive business in Thailand.

1. Government Relations & Regulatory Affairs

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, regulators, customs authorities, and industry associations.
• Represent the company in meetings with government authorities, Thailand Automotive Industry Association (TAIA), EVAT, Hydrogen Thailand, and other relevant organizations.
• Monitor and assess changes in laws, regulations, and government policies affecting the automotive industry, products, and business operations.
• Provide management with regulatory updates, policy intelligence, and risk assessments.

2. Homologation & Product Compliance

• Manage homologation and certification activities for vehicles, model derivatives, spare parts, and regulated products.
• Obtain import licenses, approvals, and certifications for CBU vehicles, CKD parts, telecommunication equipment, and related products.
• Coordinate type approval testing and technical documentation in compliance with TISI and other applicable regulations.
• Ensure timely completion of all regulatory approval processes to support business and product launch requirements.
• Manage Conformity of Production (COP) activities and regulatory compliance for manufacturing operations.

3. Customs, Excise & Government Incentives

• Liaise with Customs and Excise authorities regarding tax incentives, Free Zone operations, import approvals, and tax reduction schemes.
• Prepare and submit MSRP structures for vehicles and parts in compliance with Excise Tax regulations.
• Verify CBU ex-work pricing, local content ratios, and related documentation for customs approval and tax reduction eligibility.
• Manage applications for tax incentives and approvals under applicable customs and excise regulations.

4. Industry Certification & Government Reporting

• Coordinate with Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI) for battery certification, local parts production audits, and related approvals.
• Ensure timely submission of regulatory reports and documentation to BOI, Customs Department, Excise Department, TISI, TAI, and other authorities.
• Maintain compliance records and support government audits and inspections.

5. Leadership & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Lead and develop the Government Affairs team to achieve departmental objectives.
• Coordinate with internal departments including Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Finance, Supply Chain, and Legal on regulatory matters.
• Drive continuous improvement in government affairs, compliance processes, and stakeholder engagement activities.

Qualifications

• Master or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Law, Political Science, Business Administration, or related field.
• Minimum 7-10 years of experience in Government Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Homologation, Automotive Compliance, or related functions within the automotive industry.
• Strong knowledge of Thai automotive regulations, homologation processes, customs regulations, excise tax laws, BOI requirements, and industry standards.
• Experience working with TISI, TAI, Customs Department, Excise Department, BOI, Ministry of Industry, and other government authorities.
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Excellent communication skills in Thai and English.
• Proven experience in project management and cross-function collaboration.