Head of Public Affairs at Volvo CE

Company description:

Volvo Construction Equipment

Job description: The construction equipment industry is undergoing a major transformation. Electrification, digitalization, sustainability ambitions, industrial policy and geopolitical developments are reshaping the conditions for our industry. At Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), we are committed to driving this transformation and building the world we want to live in for our customers, employees and society.

We are looking for an experienced and business-oriented Head of Public Affairs to shape the external policy environment, strengthen strategic partnerships and translate political and regulatory developments into business opportunities.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of business strategy, technology, geopolitics and public policy in one of the world's leading industrial companies. You will advise senior executives on developments shaping our industry, represent Volvo CE in influential external arenas and help define the conditions for future competitiveness and sustainable growth.

What you will do

As Head of Public Affairs, you will lead Volvo CE's Global Public Affairs agenda, serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership and represent the company in dialogues with policymakers, regulators and other key stakeholders.

Working closely with Volvo Group Public Affairs and colleagues across Volvo CE, you will ensure that our business priorities are reflected in relevant policy discussions and advocacy initiatives.

Your key responsibilities will include: Shape and execute our Public Affairs agenda: Develop and implement Volvo CE's Public Affairs strategy in close coordination with Volvo Group Public Affairs, aligned with business priorities and long-term competitiveness.

Anticipate, interpret and influence external developments: Monitor, analyze and influence political, regulatory, economic and geopolitical developments across Swedish, European and international arenas. Translate insights from policy, industry trends, research and broader societal developments into business opportunities and strategic guidance.

Advise senior leadership: Provide actionable insights on political, regulatory and geopolitical developments, supporting business strategy and executive stakeholder engagement.

Lead strategic advocacy: Develop evidence-based policy positions, advocacy plans and key messages in close collaboration with strategy, technology, sustainability, communications, legal and commercial functions.

Build trusted partnerships: Develop and maintain relationships with policymakers, government authorities, industry associations, NGOs, think tanks and customers, positioning Volvo CE as a trusted and constructive partner in the transition towards more sustainable and productive solutions.

Drive external engagement: Represent Volvo CE in industry forums, policy discussions, executive roundtables and strategic external engagements, acting as a trusted ambassador for the company among influential stakeholders in Sweden, Europe and globally.

Strengthen Group-wide collaboration: Coordinate Volvo CE's contributions to Volvo Group Public Affairs initiatives and policy positions, ensuring alignment with Group priorities while advancing the interests of the construction equipment business.

Who are you?

You are a strategic, proactive and results-oriented professional who combines political understanding with sound business judgment.

You build trust and credibility with senior stakeholders, communicate complex issues clearly and drive results through collaboration and influence rather than formal authority.

You are comfortable working independently in an international environment, balancing long-term strategic objectives with effective execution. You have a genuine interest in understanding the forces shaping society, business and industry, and enjoy staying ahead of developments through policy analysis, research, global trends and geopolitical developments.

Above all, you are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to Volvo CE's competitiveness and the transformation of the construction equipment industry.

We are looking for an experienced Public Affairs professional with strong political judgment, business acumen and a proven ability to influence policy outcomes.

To be successful in this role, we believe you bring:

Significant relevant experience, ideally in Public Affairs, government relations, regulatory affairs or a related strategic function, gained in industry, government or relevant organizations.

Strong knowledge of Swedish and European political institutions, regulatory frameworks and decision-making processes, with an international perspective.

Proven experience in developing advocacy strategies, influencing policy developments and advising senior executives.

Solid business and industrial understanding, with the ability to connect political and regulatory developments to business strategy and commercial opportunities.

A relevant university degree in political science, law, economics, business administration, engineering or a related field.

Excellent communication, stakeholder management and influencing skills, with fluency in English & Swedish.

Additional merits include:

Experience from construction equipment, automotive, transport, energy or other industrial sectors.

Established networks within relevant political institutions, government agencies and industry organizations.

Experience working with EU industrial, climate, trade or competitiveness policies.