Senior Director - Government Relations – EV Automotive Manufacturing

Senior Director - Government Relations – EV Automotive Manufacturing

Type: Fulltime, Perm

Location: North York, ON

Salary: $150,000 - $225,000 (total comp range) based on experience. Some flexibility in the total comp plan can be made for a senior level candidate.

Languages: English

We are seeking a highly strategic and experienced Senior Director - Government Relations – EV Automotive Manufacturing to lead public policy, regulatory affairs, stakeholder engagement, and government advocacy initiatives supporting our electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing operations across Canada. This executive-level role will serve as the primary liaison between the organization and federal, provincial, and municipal governments, industry associations, regulatory bodies, economic development agencies, and key external stakeholders.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in advancing policies that support EV manufacturing, battery production, supply chain development, clean technology investments, workforce development, infrastructure expansion, and sustainability initiatives. The Senior Director will partner closely with executive leadership to influence public policy, secure government funding opportunities, manage regulatory risk, and strengthen the company's position within Canada's rapidly growing EV ecosystem.

Canada's EV sector is highly influenced by industrial policy, incentives, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure investments, making government relations a strategic function within automotive manufacturing.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive government relations strategy aligned with corporate growth objectives.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with:
  • Federal government ministries and agencies
  • Provincial governments
  • Municipal governments
  • Regulatory authorities
  • Economic development organizations
  • Crown corporations
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and political developments impacting:
  • Electric vehicles
  • Battery manufacturing
  • Automotive production
  • Trade policy
  • Environmental regulations
  • Supply chain localization
  • Critical minerals
  • Clean energy infrastructure
• Represent the company in government consultations, policy discussions, and regulatory proceedings.
• Prepare policy positions, briefing materials, executive reports, and advocacy strategies for senior leadership.

• Lead advocacy efforts supporting EV manufacturing expansion and investment initiatives.
• Influence public policy related to:
  • EV incentives
  • Battery production
  • Charging infrastructure
  • Zero-emission vehicle programs
  • Industrial decarbonization
  • Clean technology funding
• Support permitting, environmental approvals, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Develop policy recommendations and submissions to government agencies.
• Track emerging regulations affecting manufacturing operations and supply chains.

• Build strategic relationships with:
  • Automotive OEMs
  • Battery manufacturers
  • Industry associations
  • Labour organizations
  • Utilities
  • Infrastructure partners
  • Indigenous communities
  • Academic and research institutions
• Represent the company at industry conferences, policy forums, government round tables, and public events.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement strategies for major investment and manufacturing projects.
• Support community relations initiatives tied to manufacturing expansion and job creation.

• Identify and pursue government funding opportunities including:
  • Manufacturing incentives
  • EV production grants
  • Clean technology programs
  • Research and development funding
  • Workforce development initiatives
• Lead negotiations related to public-sector investment programs and economic development partnerships.
• Collaborate with finance, legal, and operations teams on funding applications and reporting requirements.

• Advise executive leadership on political, legislative, and regulatory risks and opportunities.
• Develop executive briefing notes, policy analyses, and strategic recommendations.
• Support crisis management and issues response involving government stakeholders.
• Anticipate policy changes…