Head of Government Affairs and Public Engagement, Chinese Mainland

Company Description

At Cathay Pacific, we share one common aspiration: to be the world's best airline. We believe in looking for the best in our people, in working as a team, in doing the right thing by our shareholders and our communities.

With a global team, we offer a diverse range of career choices and opportunities - in the air, on the ground; in customer service, in the office; managerial or professional roles. Our team of great people each plays a key role to deliver the quality service that we are famous for.

Notes:

• All Chinese mainland based positions are subject to local terms and conditions.
• Applicants must have the right to live and work in Chinese mainland.
• Once employment is confirmed, the employment contract and personnel file will be arranged through local FESCO/ FASCO.
  
  

Role Introduction

• This role is to collaborate with the HKG head office and ensure the central strategy is being carried out in an effective and efficient manner.
• This role is responsible to develop and execute engagement strategy to lobby and influence government and key stakeholders to establish strong relationship and to ensure CX operations in a business-friendly regulation environment in Chinese mainland.
• This role is accountable to provide aviation related policies and regulations forecast in Chinese mainland to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and policies, and establish strong relationships with regulatory bodies to support smooth operation, such as slot/schedule application.
• This role is also responsible for evaluating and recommending CSR sponsorships that would bring qualitative benefits to Cathay Pacific.
  
  

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure all approvals and slots required for operational plans are in place.
• Represent CX in the traffic rights negotiations, as applicable.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and maintain a comprehensive understanding of relevant laws & regulations.
  
  

Policy monitoring

• Continuously monitor and analyze changes in government policies, regulations, and legislation that may impact the airline's operations. Provide timely updates and recommendations to respective BUs.
• Provide aviation related policies and regulations forecast in Chinese mainland.
  
  

Sustainability Development – SAF

• Collaborate with GSD to promote SD strategies and lobby for policy support in SAF development.
  
  

Government Engagement

• Build and maintain effective relationships with relevant government agencies, officials, and stakeholders to represent the airline's interests and ensure a favourable regulatory environment, while fostering coordination and alignment between Headquarter and local offices.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Head of Corporate Communications and Head of Brand & Comms to ensure the CSR programmes are effectively communicated and reaching the right audiences.
• Identify and engage with key stakeholders, including, industry associations, community organisations, universities, and opinion leaders, to build strong relationships and promote the group interests.
• Identify, build, and maintain good relationship with movers and shakers in Chinese mainland who can influence public policies or sentiments that affect the Company.
• Build a database of these movers and shakers that is searchable, updatable, and relatable.
• Act as the first point of contact to handle requests from various stakeholders.
  
  

Advocacy and Lobbying

• Develop and implement strategies to advocate for the group’s positions on policies affecting CX interests.
• Working closely with Head Quarter Government Affairs, develop specific lobbying position and craft appropriate message for Cathay Pacific as a whole.
• Leverage on Corporate Affairs communication channels and relationship with movers and shakers in the society, lobby for support on policies that would benefit Cathay Pacific.
  
  

CSR

• Evaluate and recommend CSR sponsorship requests that would bring qualitative benefits to the Company.
  
  

E&A

• Emergency and Accident and Crisis Response responsibilities as required.
  
  

Requirements

Academic Qualifications

• A university degree or above in communications, business administration or other related disciplines
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Training And Experience

• Minimum 10 year of relevant experience in government or public affairs, corporate communications, PR.
• At least 5 years should be at managerial or leadership capacity to manage direct reports.
• Good knowledge about the government protocol and excellent interpersonal and communication skills with government officials. Having excellent relationship and extensive network with key stakeholders in the business community is a great plus.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Mandarin
• Excellent understanding on international aviation laws and regulations
• Deep understanding on Chinese mainland political environment
• Excellent Interpersonal skills
• A strategic thinker and good planner, with deep understanding of communications and reputation management
• Ability to facilitate and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Travelling within the region is required.
  
  

Personal & Application Information

Cathay Pacific is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with our personal data policy and for recruitment purposes only. Candidates not notified within eight weeks may consider their application unsuccessful. All related information will be kept in our file for up to 24 months. A copy of our Personal Information Collection Statement will be provided upon request by contacting our Data Protection Officer.