Alibaba Holding-Head/Senior Manager, International Government Affairs-Japan

The Senior Manager, Government Affairs will report directly to the Vice President and Head of International Government Affairs for Alibaba. This newly created role will be based in Tokyo, Japan. The successful candidate will manage regulatory and political matters in Japan in areas of relevance to Alibaba. The role will strategically manage Alibaba’s legislative and regulatory advocacy initiatives across a range of risk environments in Japan, with a specific focus on regulation in the area of digital services, product safety, consumer protection, tax and competition issues. The Senior Manager/Director, Government Relations will be charged with understanding and working effectively within the political dynamics presented by advocating for a global business based in China. This role will also include day-to-day engagement with external resources, such as consultancies and trade associations, as well as any relevant third party relationships. It is important that s/he be able to anticipate risks and opportunities, advise on engagement strategies and advocate on behalf of Alibaba. In addition, the Senior Manager, International Government Affairs will:

1. Work within the IGA team to develop and execute a government affairs program for Alibaba in Japan which advances its business growth, legislative and regulatory goals, and political objectives.
2. Translate business goals into results through the development and execution of effective lobbying strategies, political relationship development, and management of contract lobbyists in key jurisdictions. Engage industry and government forums.
3. Establish solid working relationships with colleagues at headquarters and work closely with colleagues internationally to develop and implement industry and government outreach. The outreach will be undertaken with regard to business development, reputation protection, as well as legislative and regulatory objectives.
4. Provide senior executives and colleagues with strategic advice and insightful perspectives concerning government actions and politics regarding the industry and Alibaba in particular.

The successful candidate will have at least 10 years of progressively more responsible professional experience. The candidate will possess a background in government relations, and will have spent some time working for a publicly listed company in the digital space. The candidate will have a successful track record managing high-level relationships and executing innovative government affairs initiatives to achieve corporate business objectives on both the regulatory and client development fronts. The individual in the role will have significant relevant business and government stakeholder relationship experience. A clear reputation for ethical conduct is required. Specific qualifications include:

1. Strong cultural adaptability and keen learning capacity.
2. Strong decision-making and strategic thinking skills; ability to quickly grasp, address, prioritize and anticipate emerging issues – as well as recommend and suggest changes in strategies as relevant legislative and regulatory processes unfold, with an ability to navigate complex and competitive politics.
3. Solid relationships and a thorough understanding of key parliamentary and regulatory processes, including an understanding of the role and capacity of third-party stakeholder entities, including trade associations and other related organizations, to advance the business interests of Alibaba Group.
4. Strong executive presence with excellent oral and written communication skills to represent the company effectively before relevant stakeholders and audiences. In addition to English, proficiency in Japan and/or Mandarin language capabilities will be an asset.
5. A collaborative style with an ability to work cross-functionally with subject matter experts, senior leaders and key stakeholders; interactive with the courage and conviction to challenge and defend ideas and strategies; clear reputation for ethical conduct and unquestionable integrity.
6. A track record of strong, demonstrated results in both political and corporate environments
7. Ability to evaluate competing interests of industry players and develop successful strategies to steer around obstacles and obtain desirable outcomes.
8. Possess a keen attention to detail and accuracy in a fast-moving and challenging political and policy environment, with international dimension.
9. Must demonstrate a sense of urgency with the ability to maintain a clear head in stressful situations.
10. Ability to effectively manage multiple ongoing projects at once while appropriately allocating time and resources. EDUCATION An undergraduate degree is required. An advanced degree in a relevant field, including law, political science, economics and Japanese affairs is preferred. COMPENSATION A competitive compensation package will be provided to attract outstanding candidates.