Head of Public Affairs & Country Manager, Thailand at Novonesis in Bangkok

Job description

Interested in a career that matters? 
 Join Novonesis at an important stage of our development in Thailand as we establish our first production site in the country. The new facility will expand advanced biotechnology manufacturing in Thailand and support our global production of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). As Head of Public Affairs & Country Manager for Thailand, you will play a central role in building our presence in the country. You will lead government affairs and media engagement, support our license to operate, market access and reputation, and bring together local, regional and global stakeholders around key priorities. The role & your impact This is a strategic leadership role combining public affairs leadership, country coordination and people management. You will represent Novonesis externally in Thailand while working closely with senior regional management and commercial, functional and site leaders. Your contribution will help shape the successful establishment and long-term operation of Novonesis in Thailand, requiring sound judgment, strong stakeholder management and the ability to coordinate across functions with a high degree of independence. Your key responsibilities in this role Support the establishment of Novonesis’ first production site in Thailand by coordinating relevant country-level priorities and stakeholder engagement. Represent Novonesis externally in Thailand and lead government affairs and media engagement in line with global positioning and APAC priorities. Build relationships with government agencies, embassies, industry associations, media, communities and other key stakeholders to support our license to operate, market access and reputation. Monitor policy, regulatory, socio-political and reputational developments, assess their business implications and coordinate appropriate responses. Lead and develop the Thailand team and facilitate alignment among commercial, functional and site leaders across the country. What you'll need to be successful in this role A bachelor’s degree or above in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Communications, Journalism, Business, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biotechnology or a related field. At least 10 years of experience in public affairs, government affairs, public relations or stakeholder engagement. Strong ability to translate policy, regulatory and societal developments into business implications, senior-level recommendations and practical engagement plans. Excellent written and spoken English and Thai, together with strong writing, presentation and executive briefing skills. Strategic thinking and sound business judgment, with the ability to connect policy, reputational, operational and commercial considerations. Strong stakeholder management and interpersonal skills, with the credibility to represent Novonesis with senior external stakeholders. Effective people leadership and the ability to build alignment across teams, functions and locations. A proactive and pragmatic mindset and the ability to operate effectively in an evolving environment. Additional skills & interests we value Experience from biotechnology, food ingredients, chemicals, manufacturing or another regulated industry. Experience working with or within government agencies, embassies, chambers of commerce, industry associations, NGOs or policy organizations. Previous management experience coordinating across functions in a multinational company. What we offer you This role offers an opportunity to contribute to a significant biotechnology manufacturing investment in Thailand and help shape the development of Novonesis’ local organization and external engagement. You will work in a role with strong connections across Thailand, APAC and our global organization, combining public affairs leadership, country coordination and people leadership in an evolving business environment. Working conditions The role is hybrid and can be based in Bangkok or Rayong, with pre