Head of Government Affairs & Advocacy (m/f/d)

About the Position

We are seeking 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

• 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

We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity to work in a hybrid model
• Professional growth and advancement opportunities

About the Company

Clariant is a Swiss-based global specialty chemicals company, which is concentrated and developed in three business units: Care Chemicals, Catalysts and Adsorbents & Additives. Our purpose as a company is reflected in our tagline "Greater chemistry - between people and planet", which considers the principles of customer, innovation and people orientation, as well as a focus on creating solutions to foster sustainability in different industries by offering high-value and high-performance chemical specialties.

At Clariant, we believe that diversity, equity and inclusion are essential to our success. We strive to cultivate a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. 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.

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Apply now to join our team and help advance our mission of fostering a culture of belonging where everyone can thrive.