Associate Director – Government Affairs (North)
Corporate Affairs - Government Affairs
JOB DESCRIPTION
We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Government Affairs professional to lead stakeholder engagement, regulatory affairs, and business-critical government relations across key North Indian markets.
The role will be responsible for securing operational approvals, managing regulatory compliance, driving policy advocacy initiatives, and building strong partnerships with government stakeholders to support the company's growth ambitions. The candidate will play a critical role in shaping a favorable business environment, enabling market access, and ensuring seamless brewery and commercial operations.
This position requires a strong understanding of state excise policies, regulatory frameworks, and government processes, coupled with the ability to engage credibly with senior government officials, industry bodies, and internal business leaders.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Government Relations & Stakeholder Engagement
· Build and maintain strong relationships with senior government officials, regulatory authorities, industry associations, and key external stakeholders.
· Represent AB InBev India before state government departments, excise authorities, local administrations, and relevant regulatory bodies.
· Engage proactively with policymakers on issues impacting the beer industry and broader business environment.
· Identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships with government stakeholders and contribute to policy dialogue.
Regulatory Affairs & Business Continuity
· Secure and manage all operational approvals required for brewery and commercial operations, including:
o Excise licenses
o Label registrations
o Export permissions
o Brewery approvals
o Trade licenses
o Shifts and capacity approvals
o Other statutory permissions
· Ensure timely regulatory submissions and compliance with applicable state excise regulations and government requirements.
· Manage end-to-end resolution of operational and regulatory issues impacting business continuity.
· Monitor regulatory developments and assess potential business implications.
Policy Advocacy & Ease of Doing Business
· Track emerging policy, regulatory, and industry developments across key states.
· Support the development and execution of advocacy strategies to improve market access and ease of doing business.
· Partner with industry associations and government stakeholders on issues related to taxation, regulatory modernization, digitization, and operational efficiency.
· Provide insights and recommendations to internal leadership on policy developments and regulatory risks.
Cross-Functional Business Partnering
· Work closely with Sales, Supply Chain, Finance, Tax, Legal, Procurement, Logistics, Sustainability, Marketing, and People teams to support business objectives.
· Act as a trusted advisor on government affairs and regulatory matters.
· Support new investments, capacity expansions, and strategic business initiatives requiring government engagement.
Compliance & Governance
· Ensure adherence to all applicable regulatory and compliance requirements.
· Draft and review official correspondence, applications, submissions, and representations to government authorities.
· Maintain high standards of integrity, transparency, and corporate governance in all stakeholder interactions.
· Support audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews as required.
Key Internal Relationships
• Sales & Commercial
• Supply Chain Operations
• Logistics
• Procurement
• Marketing
• Sustainability and Agro
• New Business Development
• Corporate Communication Team
• Finance & Tax
• HR
Key External Relationships
- State Excise Departments
- Senior Bureaucrats and Government Officials
- Local Administration and Municipal Authorities
- Pollution Control Boards
- Labour and Factory Departments
- Industry Associations and Trade Bodies
- Licensing and Regulatory Authorities
Education level and/ or experience
• Graduate/Postgraduate in any stream
• Degree in Law, Public Policy, Political Science, Business Administration, or related discipline preferred.
• 8+ years of work experience in Government Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Public Policy, Corporate Affairs or related functions
• Experience engaging with state and central government stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of excise regulations, licensing frameworks, and regulatory processes.
• Prior experience in FMCG, beverages, consumer goods, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, or regulated industries preferred.
Skills and/or knowledge
• High energy, Solution-oriented and positive attitude
• Exceptional customer orientation
• Fast-mover, quick to adapt
• Flexibility and resilience in a fast-moving environment
• Integrity and professionalism
• Excellent communication skills - written, verbal and presentation
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and assess priorities effectively
• Essential computer operating skills – including MS-Office applications