Senior Director - Government Relations – EV Automotive Manufacturing

Tech Talent International (SI) supplies technical talent to a variety of clients ranging from Fortune 100/500/1000 companies to small and mid-sized organizations in Canada/US and Europe.

We currently have a role as a Senior Director - Government Relations – EV Automotive Manufacturing with our multinational EV manufacturing client.

Role: Senior Director - Government Relations – EV Automotive Manufacturing

Type: Fulltime, Perm

Location: North York, ON

Salary: $150,000 - $225,000 (total comp range) based on experience. Some flexibility in the total comp plan can be made for a senior level candidate.

Languages: English

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly strategic and experienced Senior Director - Government Relations – EV Automotive Manufacturing to lead public policy, regulatory affairs, stakeholder engagement, and government advocacy initiatives supporting our electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing operations across Canada.

This executive-level role will serve as the primary liaison between the organization and federal, provincial, and municipal governments, industry associations, regulatory bodies, economic development agencies, and key external stakeholders. The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing policies that support EV manufacturing, battery production, supply chain development, clean technology investments, workforce development, infrastructure expansion, and sustainability initiatives.

The Senior Director will partner closely with executive leadership to influence public policy, secure government funding opportunities, manage regulatory risk, and strengthen the company's position within Canada's rapidly growing EV ecosystem. Canada's EV sector is highly influenced by industrial policy, incentives, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure investments, making government relations a strategic function within automotive manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Government Relations & Public Policy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive government relations strategy aligned with corporate growth objectives.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with:
  • Federal government ministries and agencies
  • Provincial governments
  • Municipal governments
  • Regulatory authorities
  • Economic development organizations
  • Crown corporations
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and political developments impacting:
  • Electric vehicles
  • Battery manufacturing
  • Automotive production
  • Trade policy
  • Environmental regulations
  • Supply chain localization
  • Critical minerals
  • Clean energy infrastructure
• Represent the company in government consultations, policy discussions, and regulatory proceedings.
• Prepare policy positions, briefing materials, executive reports, and advocacy strategies for senior leadership. Effective government affairs leadership requires coordinated advocacy, policy intelligence, and executive-level stakeholder engagement.

Regulatory Affairs & Industry Advocacy

• Lead advocacy efforts supporting EV manufacturing expansion and investment initiatives.
• Influence public policy related to:
  • EV incentives
  • Battery production
  • Charging infrastructure
  • Zero-emission vehicle programs
  • Industrial decarbonization
  • Clean technology funding
• Support permitting, environmental approvals, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Develop policy recommendations and submissions to government agencies.
• Track emerging regulations affecting manufacturing operations and supply chains.

Strategic Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strategic relationships with:
  • Automotive OEMs
  • Battery manufacturers
  • Industry associations
  • Labour organizations
  • Utilities
  • Infrastructure partners
  • Indigenous communities
  • Academic and research institutions
• Represent the company at industry conferences, policy forums, government roundtables, and public events.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement strategies for major investment and manufacturing projects.
• Support community relations initiatives tied to manufacturing expansion and job creation.

Funding, Grants & Economic Development

• Identify and pursue government funding opportunities including:
  • Manufacturing incentives
  • EV production grants
  • Clean technology programs
  • Research and development funding
  • Workforce development initiatives
• Lead negotiations related to public-sector investment programs and economic development partnerships.
• Collaborate with finance, legal, and operations teams on funding applications and reporting requirements.

Executive Advisory & Risk Management

• Advise executive leadership on political, legislative, and regulatory risks and opportunities.
• Develop executive briefing notes, policy analyses, and strategic recommendations.
• Support crisis management and issues response involving government stakeholders.
• Anticipate policy changes and recommend proactive business strategies.
• Provide regular updates to senior executives regarding evolving government priorities and industry developments.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Government Relations and Public Affairs function.
• Manage external government affairs consultants, lobbying firms, and industry advisors.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with:
  • Legal
  • Manufacturing
  • Supply Chain
  • Sustainability
  • Communications
  • Human Resources
  • Corporate Strategy
• Establish KPIs and reporting frameworks for government engagement activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in:
  • Political Science
  • Public Policy
  • Law
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • International Relations
  • Related discipline
• Master's degree, MBA, MPA, or JD considered an asset.
• 10+ years of experience in:
  • Government relations
  • Public affairs
  • Regulatory affairs
  • Public policy
  • Corporate affairs
• Experience within:
  • Automotive manufacturing
  • EV industry
  • Clean technology
  • Energy
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Industrial sectors
• Strong understanding of Canadian governmental processes and policy development.
• Demonstrated success influencing public policy and regulatory outcomes.
• Established network across federal, provincial, and municipal government stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting EV, battery, or advanced manufacturing investments.
• Knowledge of:
  • Automotive regulations
  • Environmental policy
  • Trade policy
  • Industrial policy
  • Critical minerals strategy
  • Clean energy programs
• Experience managing government funding programs and incentive negotiations.
• Previous experience working with industry associations and regulatory agencies.
• Bilingual (English/French) strongly preferred for national-level responsibilities.

Key Competencies

• Government relations strategy
• Policy analysis and advocacy
• Executive communication
• Political acumen
• Stakeholder management
• Negotiation and influence
• Regulatory affairs
• Strategic planning
• Public speaking and presentations
• Cross-functional leadership
• Crisis and issues management
• Relationship building