Description POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Head of Government Relations is a critical leadership role within the Qcells Corporate Affairs Office. This position serves as the primary external representative of Qcells and other Hanwha energy-related business and affiliates ("affiliates") for overseeing all legislative, regulatory, and public policy matters. As the manager of the Qcells' Washington DC office, this role is responsible for developing and executing federal and state public policy strategies to create an optimal environment for Qcells and its affiliates' business interests in the United States.
Working alongside the Head of Corporate Relations and his/her deputy, the Head of Government Relations is responsible for developing the company's policy agenda, managing high-level relationships with government officials, and securing outcomes that drive Qcells and other affiliates' strategic growth. Additionally, this role ensures strategic alignment across the organization from the Communications, Policy & Regulatory Affairs, and Market Strategy and Sustainability to guarantee a unified voice in all external engagements.
RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Strategic Leadership & Advocacy (Federal & State)
- Unified GR Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive advocacy strategy that integrates and coordinates Federal, State, and Local government relations.
- External Representation: Act as the "External Representative" of Qcells, leading direct engagement with the White House, Congress, Federal Agencies, Governors, and State Legislatures on behalf of Qcells.
- Policy Agenda Setting: Define and drive the company's legislative and regulatory priorities to protect and advance business interests in close coordination with senior business leadership.
2. Stakeholder Management & Coalition Building
- Network Development: Build and maintain durable relationships with key policymakers, regulators, and influencers in Washington, D.C., and key states where Qcells and its affiliates operate.
- Coalition Leadership: Proactively lead and support industry coalitions, trade associations, and think-tank engagements to amplify Qcells' and its affiliates' voice and influence broader energy and trade policy debates.
3. Organizational Collaboration
- Work closely with the Head of Corporate Relations, his/her deputy, and the broader Corporate Affairs leadership to ensure internal strategies support external advocacy goals, including work of the Communications, Trade and Regulatory Affairs, and Market Strategy and Sustainability teams.
- Serve as a primary advisor to senior leadership on political risks, legislative trends, and opportunities that impact the company's business and reputation
- Ensure the Head of Corporate Relations and his/her deputy are kept fully informed and copied on all key reports, communications, and matters requiring executive input or approval
- Provide strategic direction to the Communications, Policy & Regulatory Affairs and Market Strategy and Sustainability teams to ensure that all external messaging, industry affairs, and regulatory efforts are fully aligned with the company's government relations objectives and directions.
4. Team & Office Leadership
- Direct Leadership: Lead and mentor a high-performing Government Relations Department.
- Office Administration & Conduct: Serve as the Site Lead for the Washington, D.C. office, overseeing the professional conduct, attendance, and work attitude of all on-site personnel. Responsible for maintaining a disciplined, professional, and high-performance office culture.
- Consultant Management: Manage and direct external lobbying firms and consultants to maximize their effectiveness and ROI.
- Flexible Schedule: Due to the reporting relationship with the Global CEO and the need to coordinate with Global Headquarters, this position requires flexibility to attend conference calls and meetings outside of standard business hours (e.g., early mornings, evenings or weekends).
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Strategic public policy thinker with track record of delivering legislative and regulatory outcomes at the federal, state and local levels of government.
- Thorough understanding of legislative and regulatory processes as well as deep insights into the political, commercial and third-part interests that influence public policy debates.
- Successful management of advocacy campaigns before multiple levels of government in the energy and environment policy arenas.
- Ability to set the direction and strategy for a unified government relations function encompassing both Federal and State affairs.
- Extensive network of contacts in the federal and state legislative and executive branches of government.
- Politically savvy with experience in electoral politics as well as in working constructively within coalitions.
- Collaborative but decisive professional demeanor based on strong interpersonal skills.
- A resourceful and committed work ethic based on the pursuit of excellence in executing all responsibilities.
- Proven ability to build, lead and motivate a high-performing government relations department capable of advancing the company's public policy objectives.
- Excellent legislative and regulatory skills and knowledge.
- Capable of articulating a compelling and convincing vision of public policy objectives to internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated experience building partnerships, strategic alliances and coalitions.
- Reputation for building strong durable relationships with government officials and staff.
- Executive presence and strong leadership skills with a commitment to initiative, resourcefulness and leadership by example.
- Strong business acumen based on a broad understanding of business needs and how public policy strategies enable sought-for outcomes and success.
COMPENSATION: In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the anticipated annual base salary for this position is:
- Zone 1 (SF, NYC): $327,124 - $344,340
- Zone 2 (CA, NJ, NY): $299,863 - $315,645
- Zone 3 (All Others): $272,603 - $286,950
The applicable salary range is based on the employee's primary work location. Individual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and other business-related factors.
Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. ("HQCA") is a Qcells company, one of the world's largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Mobility Standing
20% of time
Sitting
70% of time
Walking
10% of time
Strength Pulling
up to 10 Pounds
Pushing
up to 10 Pounds
Carrying
up to 10 Pounds
Lifting
up to 10 Pounds
Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) Typing
F
Handling
F
Reaching
F
Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) Turning
F
Twisting
F
Bending
O
Crouching
O
Balancing
N
Climbing
N
Crawling
N
Kneeling
N
The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job's minimum qualifications.
*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.
