Head of Government Affairs & Advocacy (m/f/d)
Job ID: 41402 | Location: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany or Pratteln, Canton of Basel-Landschaft, Switzerland | Work Model: Hybrid
We are looking for a highly experienced Head of Government Affairs & Advocacy (m/f/d) to lead our global public affairs strategy and represent the company at the intersection of policy, business, and sustainability.
Reporting directly to the Chief Strategy & Technology Officer, this is a high-impact, externally facing role that partners closely with senior executives across the organization. You will shape policy positions, anticipate regulatory developments, and strengthen Clariant’s voice with key stakeholders globally.
Responsibilities
Strategic advocacy & executive advisory
* Define and execute a global government affairs and advocacy strategy aligned with Clariant’s business and sustainability priorities
* Develop policy positions and narratives, assessing complex regulatory topics on their impact on the company’s current business and strategy
* Prepare and support senior leaders (including CEO and CSTO) for high-level external engagements and policy dialogues
* Work in close partnership with Strategy, Sustainability, Product Stewardship, Communications, and Business Units to drive alignment
Regulatory intelligence & policy insight
* Anticipate and interpret legislative and regulatory developments across key jurisdictions, in collaboration with local colleagues (EU, US, China, and other priority markets)
* Provide forward-looking insights on topics such as chemicals regulation, climate policy, circular economy, and industrial strategy
* Maintain structured approaches to track policy developments, engagement activities, and advocacy priorities
External engagement & representation
* Represent Clariant with policymakers, regulators, trade associations, and wider stakeholder groups
* Build and maintain a high-value network across government, industry, and NGOs
* Support the positioning of Clariant and its leadership in key external forums and industry platforms
* Ensure compliance with applicable lobbying, transparency, and reporting requirements
Requirements
Experience
* Around 10+ years of experience in government affairs, public policy, regulatory strategy, or related areas preferably in the chemical industry
* Demonstrated experience contributing to or shaping policy outcomes in highly regulated, international environments
* Understanding of global regulatory landscapes and policy processes across major regions
* Experience engaging with a broad range of stakeholders across policy and industry ecosystems
Capabilities
* Strong political and regulatory awareness, with the ability to interpret complex developments
* Ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders and contribute to executive-level discussions
* Strong influencing and stakeholder management skills in cross-functional environments
* Ability to translate complex policy topics into relevant business context
* Strategic mindset combined with analytical thinking and sound judgement
* High level of professionalism, integrity, and credibility
Education
* Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, Sustainability, or a related discipline
What defines success in this role
* Building trusted relationships with senior leaders and external stakeholders
* Anticipating and responding to regulatory developments in a proactive and structured way
* Enabling alignment across diverse internal stakeholders
* Contributing to Clariant’s external positioning in key policy and industry discussions
* Delivering meaningful outcomes through effective advocacy and engagement
At Clariant, we are committed to ensuring equal opportunities for professional growth and advancement across all levels of the organization, based on objective criteria and regardless of gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, protected veteran status, age, disability, sexual orientation or other aspects of diversity in accordance with the relevant governing laws. By bringing together talented individuals with diverse backgrounds and viewpoints, we gain the agility to meet the evolving needs of our global customers and communities.
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