Sr. Manager, Government Relations

Position Summary:

This position is responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with key government officials and stakeholders to support business growth in North Asia, which includes Japan and South Korea. As the Government Relations Senior Manager, you will be the primary interface between the organization and the national and prefecture government; DIET members; trade associations; and political bodies on laws, regulations, and sundry issues affecting the business within North Asia. The Senior Manager, Government Relations, North Asia, will leverage on its strong network with various government stakeholders such that the organization has good relationship and access to important policy influencers and decision makers. The ability to monitor geopolitical development, understand the impact to the organization’s operations and investment and provide timely support to the business is important.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive government relations strategy for North Asia in alignment with the organization's goals and objectives.

• Closely monitor geopolitical developments in the region, analyze the potential risks and opportunities and provide timely updates to senior management on the impact to the organization’s operations and investments in North Asia.

• Understand government policies/regulations related to the cruise industry, keep abreast of policy changes and provide timely feedback and recommendations to management on the impact to the business. Develop and implement advocacy strategies to bring desired results that is aligned with company business and operational goals.

• Lead and promote positive relationships with government officials and regulatory bodies in North Asia to enhance Royal Caribbean Group’s standings with governments to build good will. Must develop and maintain positive, professional and ethical relationships with appointed political representatives at both national and prefecture level.

• Develop working relationships with trade associations and industry bodies, representing the best interests of Royal Caribbean Group. Must effectively articulate and communicate company positions and goals on issues of interests.

• Support the business in operational or crisis management of issues that have may have governmental involvement implications.

• Arrange and coordinate all levels of government relations related meetings, including bilateral meetings, ship visits, and community engagement events.

• Represent the company at external events like conferences, meetings, and forums.

• Plan and implement government relations budget and expenditures, including the management of external support agencies, making the most of charitable contributions to leverage the good company name and to foster positive political outcomes.

• Performs other duties as required. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor or management.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in political science, international relations, public policy, or a related field. A master's degree is a plus.
• 8+ years of relevant experience, including industry, government relations, public relations, or similar fields, with a focus in North Asia, particularly in Japan.
• A progressive job history that demonstrates attainment of higher levels of responsibility in business management, government relations or public relations at the Manager level or above.
• Strong network of contacts within North Asia, especially Japan, and proven ability to navigate complex government processes.
• Knowledge of North Asia (especially Japan) political, regulatory, and legal systems.
• Fluency in Japanese and English languages.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Strategic thinking and ability to develop and execute effective government relations strategies.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, and skilled at gaining senior leadership buy in.

• Skilled at building consensus for support on public issues both from within and outside the company.
• High level of listening skills.
• Capable of analyzing complex issues, particularly as it relates to public policy influence on the company and cruise industry.
• Attention to detail and focused on goal driven achievements: an attitude of imperturbability is necessary as public policy issues may take years before satisfactory resolution is achieved.
• Trustworthy, honest and ethical behaviour during all interactions with public policy makers is a must.
• Thorough and timely responses for request of information
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.