Director – Government Relations India

Johnson Controls is seeking a senior Government Relations leader based in Gurgaon, India to represent the business across policy, regulatory, and industry forums. This role requires strong connectivity in government corridors, trusted relationships with policymakers and ministries, and the ability to influence policy discussions with credibility and sound judgment.

Role Overview

In this role, you will lead external engagement across government, industry associations, and trade bodies while advising senior leadership on public policy risks, opportunities, and positioning. You will help shape the company’s voice on manufacturing, infrastructure, sustainability, healthcare, and industrial growth, while maintaining effective relationships through changing political environments.

Reporting to the Vice President & Chief Sustainability and External Relations Officer, and Managing Director, and part of a collaborative, diverse, global team, this person will assist in the development and execution of policy campaigns, projects, and initiatives critical to the company’s success on issues including energy, environment, government contracting, government subsidies and technology development

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, leveraging deep understanding of Johnson Controls’ businesses to anticipate policy risks, influence regulatory direction, and advance company interests. Develop and execute government relations strategies that support Johnson Controls’ business priorities in India.

• Own the end-to-end design and execution of government affairs strategies, translating business priorities into clear policy positions, targeted advocacy campaigns, and measurable outcomes. Build and maintain strong relationships with central and state government stakeholders, ministries, regulators, and policymakers.
• Represent the company with industry associations, chambers of commerce, and business forums such as CII, FICCI, MAIT, and similar bodies. Maintain governance, integrity, and discretion in all external engagement and advocacy activity.
• Track legislative, regulatory, and policy developments that may affect the business, with emphasis on manufacturing, infrastructure, and industrial policy.
• Expand the company’s influence ecosystem by participating in consultations, roundtables, industry meetings, and other public policy forums. Prepare policy briefs, background papers, presentations, and external-facing materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align government engagement with business strategy, compliance expectations, and market priorities.

How You Will Do It

• Build trust with policymakers, ministries, and industry leaders through preparation, consistency, and follow-through.
• Stay close to the issues that matter most to the business, focusing effort on the policy priorities that create the greatest impact.
• Approach every external engagement with accountability, integrity, and respect for compliance and stakeholder trust.
• Use candid analysis, structured problem-solving, and continuous learning to strengthen policy positions and improve outcomes over time.
• Work as one team with business, legal, sales, and regional partners to align advocacy, commercial priorities, and external messaging.
• Maintain a non-partisan, steady approach that helps the company remain effective through political transitions and changing government priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, law, business administration, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of relevant experience in government relations, public affairs, policy advocacy, or a closely related external affairs role.
• Demonstrated track record of policy development and advocacy within a corporation, trade association, industry body, or advisory environment.
• Deep understanding of India’s government structures, regulatory frameworks, and policy-making institutions.
• Established relationships with policymakers, ministries, regulators, and senior external stakeholders.
• Strong executive presence and the ability to represent the company credibly with C-suite and board-level leaders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear policy briefs and presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with sound judgment, discretion, and a high level of professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence without direct authority.

Nice to Have

• Experience with industry associations, chambers of commerce, or policy forums such as CII, FICCI, MAIT, or similar organizations.
• Exposure to manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, sustainability, or healthcare policy.
• Experience in government advisory, public policy consulting, or senior consulting environments.
• Familiarity with public-private partnership initiatives and government procurement discussions.

• Ability to manage numerous and varied priority issues at the same time
• A self-starter who is energized by the challenge and opportunity to be an originator, creator, and driver of impactful legislative and regulatory policies
• Building code proposals and adoptions experience a plus
• Significant experience presenting and interacting with C-suite and Board level leaders