Workforce and Social Policy Executive, Europe job in #Brussels, #Belgium/ #IBM

Your Role and Responsibilities
Position Summary and Responsibilities 

The Workforce Policy Executive will be located in Brussels and will be accountable for developing and executing an issue management strategy and action plans to drive beneficial changes to the EU’s framework of laws and regulations affecting workforce and social policy issues. The position has significant potential for influencing and impacting IBM business results and is responsible for extensive sensitive internal and external relationships.

Close partnering with GRA leaders in EU member states and with colleagues in the GRA Brussels office will be essential to executing these responsibilities. Close teaming is necessary with other IBM units and their executive leaders, including Human Resources, Legal, and various business units with significant employee populations in Europe.

Implementation of action plans is through direct interaction with government officials and through leadership in industry and trade associations. The position also supports the engagement in public policy advocacy by senior IBM Europe and CHQ executives.

The person will report to the VP Global Workforce Policy, Washington DC with local management by the VP GRA Europe.

Attributes and Experience

The following attributes are highly desirable:

• Experienced professional lobbyist with creativity to drive results.
• Strong network of relationships with the European Institutions.
• Deep understanding of EU public policy development process and points of influence.
• An understanding of how member states approach the same issues.
• An ability to interpret legislation and regulations and to draw general conclusions on the implications for IBM.
• A global perspective and a sense of corporate business interests and objectives in the issue portfolio.
• Demonstrated ability to influence policy makers.
• Capable of working with business executives, media, works councils, politicians, association executives, and industry peers.
• Demonstrated policy competence in workforce and human rights issues including employment terms and conditions, diversity and inclusion, labor relations, social partners roles, and supply chain due diligence.
• Results-oriented and willing to be held accountable for the achievement of results.
• Self-motivated, have leadership potential and an astute sense of judgement.
• Strong ability to team across different organizations and across the IBM global business structure.
• Capable of working with senior business executives, the media, politicians, officials, trade association executives, and industry peers.
• Adaptable and flexible to work environment: For example out of town travel as required to meet business commitments and working after normal hours, as business needs may require, handling multiple tasks concurrently, and easily adapting to new assignments, system, tools.
• Plays to win with determination and perseverance a range of challenging environments. Is candid but empathetic to the positions and concerns of others. Drives high performance from peers and team members.

Critical Skills

Superior communications and interpersonal skills: Persuasive communicator yet with the ability to understand and accommodate diverse views in negotiating changes in government policies and regulations to meet IBM’s needs. Ability to handle complex and sensitive negotiations with absolute integrity.

Problem Solving: Anticipate changes in public policies and governmental regulations that are required to meet IBM’s current and future business needs. Drives the development of innovative strategies and action plans to address these issues. “Sells” these strategies both internally and externally. Thinks outside the box. Develops proactive action plans and solutions to improve IBM’s operating environment.

Contribution/Leadership: Recognized as a leader and expert both internally within IBM and externally by industry associations and government officials. Provides advice, guidance and assistance to country general managers, HR and Legal executives, business units and all members of the IBM management team in areas related to public policy and government relations. Provides “thought leadership” on emerging issues and is perceived by government leaders as the “advisor of choice” on public policy issues based on demonstrated expertise and personal relationships. Viewed as a positive contributor to public policy and regulatory development processes.

Required Technical and Professional Expertise
It is anticipated that a minimum of 10 years relevant professional experience will have been gained in the field of worforce and social policy. For exceptional candidates, this may be less, but a demonstrated track record in handling complex regulatory issues – from devising an initial policy position through to lobbying execution of that position will be required. A strong existing network in the relevant EU policy arena is a prerequisite for this role, as is an understanding of trade association dynamics around policy formation. Given the lobbying optics required, interfacing directly with EU Institutions, an EU citizen would be most suited to this role.

Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise
• A global perspective and a sense of corporate business interests and objectives in the issue portfolio.
• Capable of working with business executives, media, works councils, politicians, association executives, and industry peers.
• Demonstrated policy competence in workforce and human rights issues including employment terms and conditions, diversity and inclusion, labor relations, social partners roles, and supply chain due diligence.
• Results-oriented, self-motivated and willing to be held accountable for the achievement of results.
• Strong ability to team across different organizations and across the IBM global business structure.